16 Car Detailing Advertising Ideas to Get More Customers

1. Build an auto detailing website

An auto detailing website is like a digital business card—it tells potential customers what An auto detailing website is like a digital business card—it tells potential customers what services you offer, and how to get in touch.

You can build a website on your own using DIY site builders like Wix, Squarespace, or Jobber. Or you can hire a web developer to make one for you.

Just make sure your car detailing website includes:

• Your car detailing business name, logo, and contact information
• A complete list of the car detailing services you offer and service pricing
• Your service area
• Before-and-after images of completed jobs
• Reviews and testimonials from past detailing customers
• An easy way for customers to book services online

Here’s what ReVibe Auto Detailing’s website looks like:

2. Get found online with SEO

SEO (search engine optimization) helps your business appear higher on the search results page when people search for your services online.

Here how to get started:

Claim your free Google Business Profile listing

Setting up your Google Business Profile (GBP) helps your car detailing business appear on Google Search and Maps results. This makes it easier for potential customers to find your services.

3. Invest in online car detailing ads

Investing in paid auto detailing ads can put your business in front of a larger audience. This is perfect if you’re looking to stand out from the competition, build brand recognition, and attract potential customers.

Google Ads

Google Search Ads reach potential customers actively searching for terms relevant to your business, like “auto detailers in [CITY]” or “car detailing services in [TOWN].

These ads work on a pay per click basis, so you’ll be charged any time a prospective customer clicks on your ad—whether or not they contact your business.

Facebook ads

Facebook ads make it easy to target your ideal customer within your service area. You can use this advertising idea to:

• Introduce your business to new customers
• Send individuals to your website
• Generate more leads with a link to your online booking form

4. Offer a loyalty program for existing customers

A loyalty program rewards customers who regularly support your car detailing company and encourages repeat business.

There are many types of loyalty programs you could choose from, including:

• Stamp/punch cards – Offer a card where every detailing service gets a punch. After a certain number of services (usually 10) the customer earns a free detailing service.
• Points system – Customers can earn points for every detailing service they buy. Once they accumulate a certain number of points, they can redeem them for a free service or a discount.
• Birthday or anniversary specials – Offer discounts or special services to customers on their birthday or the anniversary of their first service.

5. Create a customer referral program

A customer referral program encourages your happy clients to recommend your business to friends and family who could benefit from your services.

Here’s how to build a winning referral program:

• Impress customers with your customer service. Offer appointment reminders and a 24/7 self-serve portal where customers can request work and pay invoices to get your clients talking.
• Offer an incentive, like discounts on a future service, to encourage customers to refer new business.
• Advertise your referral program. Let your customers know how the program works and what they’ll gain by submitting a referral.

Learn how to create a successful customer referral program from four experienced business owners:

6. Provide customers with exceptional service

Customers want to feel like VIPs. If you have the best service in town, people will come back. If it’s half-hearted, they might tell everyone to steer clear.

There are a few things you can do to deliver exceptional service:

Train your team to treat every car like a showpiece

Your customers notice the details, both on their cars and how you treat them. So, train your team to greet clients warmly, explain services without jargon, and handle concerns like a pro. A simple, “We noticed some tree sap. Want us to take care of that while we’re at it?” can turn a basic package into a premium sale.

And don’t forget the little extras. Offering a complimentary air freshener or leaving a thank-you note on the dash can stick with people.

7. Be active on social media

Social media is an easy and cost-effective way to engage with potential customers where they spend their time online.

Here’s how to promote your detailing business on social media:

• Create a Facebook business page that includes your business information, services, and customer reviews
• Publish interesting detailing tips, post before-and-after photos of your work, and share special offers
• Join or start a Facebook Group for car enthusiasts in your working area to engage with potential customers

8. Win new and repeat business with email marketing

Email isn’t just for receipts and appointment confirmations—it’s a powerhouse tool for car detailing marketing. It helps keep your business top-of-mind for existing customers and encourages leads to invest in your services.

You can use email marketing to:

• Notify customers of company updates, like new detailing services or new service hours
• Share tips to help customers take better care of their car
• Offer discounts or promotions to win new or repeat customers

To send effective marketing emails faster, use a tool that prepares email templates and audiences for you.

When you use Jobber to create email campaigns, you can choose from premade templates that are built for specific goals and customers and include your company branding.

9. Create interesting video content

Use video marketing to reach a broader audience and teach potential customers about the advantages of your car detailing services.

You don’t have to invest in a camera crew or a fancy studio to create excellent video content. All you need is your mobile device to:

• Engage with your audience instantly using Instagram Live, where you can answer questions about your business or services.
• Produce and share engaging Instagram Reels or TikToks that include a time lapse video of your detailing projects.
• Share valuable insights, like how to maintain your vehicle’s appearance, through longer YouTube videos.

Here’s an example of a video R3 Auto Detailing shared on their YouTube channel:

10. Participate in community events

Participating in community events helps you connect with potential customers in your service area, build a strong reputation, and generate more leads.

Here are a few ways you can get involved in your community:

• Sponsor a local sports team and print your company details on the team’s jerseys
• Donate a free car detailing package to a fundraiser or silent auction
• Set up a tent and distribute flyers at local festivals or other events

11. Attend local car shows

Local car shows help you connect with other car enthusiasts in your service area who may be interested in your services. They’re also a great way to introduce your services and generate new leads.

Consider offering a special discount on your services for show attendees to encourage potential customers to buy a detailing package on the spot. 

For customers who aren’t quite ready to invest, make it easy for them to provide their contact information so you can follow up after the show. 

Pro Tip: Take the time to introduce your car detailing business to other professionals at the event. Networking with other businesses can lead to more customer referrals and professional partnerships.

12. Partner with a car dealership

Visit car dealerships in your area to see if they’d be interested in partnering with your business. 

This will help you reach customers who’ve just invested in a new vehicle and are likely more committed to keeping the car in tip-top shape.

You can also work together to create cross-promotional campaigns that allow drivers to get discounts on future detailing when they buy a new vehicle.

13. Try print marketing

Print ads might seem like an outdated strategy, but done right, it can be an effective advertising idea for grabbing attention. Unlike social media posts that disappear in a feed, a well-placed flyer or business card sticks around. It serves as a reminder whenever someone needs a detail.

Here are a couple ways to make print marketing work for your business:

Design business cards and service menus that stand out. Make them sleek and easy to read. You could even include a QR code that links to your booking page. And a well-designed service menu can be a conversation starter, so hand them out at local auto shops, tire centers, and car washes—where potential customers already are.

14. Promote your business with vehicle wraps

If you run a mobile car detailing business—you’re always on the road. Why not let your vehicle do the marketing for you? Wrapping your company truck advertises your detailing services while you’re driving from job to job.

A professionally wrapped van or truck is like a rolling billboard, grabbing attention in parking lots, neighborhoods, and even at red lights. It’s a simple way to promote your detailing business without much effort.

You can invest in a full truck wrap, or a simple decal—just make sure to include your business name, logo, and contact information. That way potential customers know who to contact and how to get in touch if they’re interested in learning more about your services.

To see this advertising idea in action, here’s how Beyond Limits of Palm Beach shows off their business with a vehicle wrap.

15. Ask for customer reviews or testimonials

Positive reviews or testimonials can be a deciding factor for someone who’s considering your detailing services. 

Once a service is complete, ask customers for a review on Google or Facebook. Then share any glowing testimonials on your website, in social media posts, and in auto detailing ads.

To ensure you ask every satisfied customer for a review, set up automatic review collection in Jobber. Jobber automatically sends a text to the customers you want reviews from.

When you make an invoice in Jobber, you can choose if you want to send the customer a review request.

16. Experiment with seasonal marketing

The weather changes, and so do your customers’ needs. With the right promotions, you can turn every time of year into an opportunity to get new customers. That’s the beauty of auto detailing marketing—it’s flexible, just like your services.

Offer seasonal specials

Each season brings different challenges for car care, as you probably know. So, your promotions should match.

• Spring cleaning package: After months of winter grime, car owners are itching for a clean. Offer a “salt & sand removal” special that focuses on undercarriage washes and interior refreshes.
• Summer shine deal: Who doesn’t love showing off their clean, glossy car in the sun? Offer a ceramic coating discount or an “ultimate wax & protect” package.
• Fall prep: If you’re in a region where the fall brings leaves, pollen, and other plant debris, customers will appreciate a package that includes an exterior detail and windshield treatment.
• Winter protection: In cold climates, offer sealant treatments and salt-resistant interior protection to help cars handle the snow, ice, and road salt.

Tap into weather-based marketing

Rainy week ahead? Time to promote your “rainy day special” with a discount on interior details.

First snowfall coming up? Remind customers about winter protection services.

With targeted ads and email reminders, you can time your offers to match the weather. Your business will be top-of-mind when customers need you most.