How To Start A Detailing Business: Marketing

I had someone reach out to me and ask me what I’d do if I was just opening my detailing business, so I made a list. I honestly don’t even think they read it, so here it is for you (the reader).

Everything will be in the order of importance in my opinion.

Car Detailing SEO:

Search engine optimization is making sure that your business pops up for customers searching for different keywords on the internet. An example is a car detailing near me, but there are probably hundreds more.

Create a Google my business profile, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Next-door, Twitter, and Yelp, and choose the business profile setting for all these.

On Google My Business, create the free GMB site, and fill out as much information as possible under products and services.

When selecting your business name, use keywords. An example of this would be instead of “J’s Detailing”, use “J’s Car Detailing.”

Look into getting a Wix or WordPress website and watch youtube videos on SEO for it. Reference R3detailing.com for a nicely optimized site.

Write a weekly blog and social media posts about related topics.

SEO is organic and free but takes a lot more work. Seeing results can take 3-9 months of consistent hard effort if you’re doing things right, but is ultimately the long-term game.

Google PPC Ads

Once you have enough capital or if you already do, set up google ads using Jordan Le’s youtube tutorial on Google ads, and watch other youtube videos as well.

Longer youtube videos are better.

This is the most immediate way to get leads and customers as you’re paying google, while SEO is more of a long-term game.

Create a high-converting landing page, there are youtube videos on this as well.

Networking With Local Business Owners Or The Chamber Of Commerce

There are groups with members who set a goal to refer each other customers, making this technique free money (aside from the membership fee you’ll likely pay upfront). 

This can lead to many great things aside from customers though, some of which include business knowledge from people who have more experience than you, great relationships, and opening up more doors overall.

Social Media

Do you want instant results without paying for google ads? While the hardest of all digital marketing techniques, go on Instagram and slowly start building up your presence and connect with locals.

Search your nearby cities and click on the location to go to its feed and also find a chamber of commerce and large accounts that are local-based.

Start following 100 people a day and slowly build up to 200+, spread it out over a few hours to prevent being banned.

You’ll follow people that follow the chamber of commerce and from posts in the feeds. 

Example: chamber of commerce Gwinnett county (where we’re based) had about 5k followers which fed this technique for about a month.

DM people that stick out to you and seem like your ideal client or who have similar businesses and build relationships with them.

Like and engage with popular local posts

Stay consistent with this and you’ll have thousands of locals following you and you can DM them and connect, ultimately finding customers.

On-site appearance

Buy a folding sign that has your business name, starting price for detailing, and phone #/website to set up at job sites.

Buy a collared polo shirt and khaki pants, preferably with your logo eventually for the professional look

Keep your car clean and eventually look at slapping your logo on there, make sure that looks sleek, you don’t need to spend too much

Detailing techniques

This is the least important because you can be the best detailer in the world with no clients.

Youtube is great for learning. Particularly Renny Doyle, detail groove, and auto fetish.

Learn basic interior and exterior detailing services:

  • Engine bay detailing
  • Headlight restoration
  • Waxing and sealants

Paint corrections and ceramic coatings are great and high paying, but least common, also taking the most skill and experience – wouldn’t recommend until at least a full year of detailing cars.

There you have it – what I’d do to market my new detailing business and generate customers.

Neon 8Neon 8
18:55 05 Apr 24
We are extremely well satisfied with the work done by Darren on our two cars; an eleven year old Audi and an eleven year old Lexus. The cars look almost new. Darren showed up on time, did the work efficiently and thoroughly, and the price was very competitive. We will definitely use his service again.
Hugo ContrerasHugo Contreras
23:07 30 Mar 24
I enjoyed collaborating with Sumptuous detailing services! Definitely recommend to anyone looking for great detailing services!
Gareth EvansGareth Evans
16:01 21 Mar 24
Darren did a great job on my pickup truck I use for construction. I was surprised how clean he got it inside.
TJ EdwardsTJ Edwards
00:58 13 Mar 24
Tyrone came out today and detailed my dad’s Tesla model X for us. Let me tell you - that man is so incredibly positive. You just feel good talking to him. He spent a large amount of time detailing his car and it looks better than it did the day he bought it! We could not be more thrilled and will continue to use Tyrone every month to detail and keep it looking great! The pricing is extremely competitive and even on the lower end compared to other mobile retailers! We are extremely pleased all the way around!
Anne HucksAnne Hucks
00:30 13 Mar 24
It was a wonderful experience. My car has not been this clean since I bought it.
millenyn soaresmillenyn soares
01:46 10 Mar 24
If I could put 10000+ Stars I would. Words can't explain how satisfied, I am. Tyrone did a phenomenal job, he took his time and you can tell he loves what he does. My car looks brand new, the seats are so clean and when I opened my car the smell of brand new car hit me. If you are looking for someone to detail your car STOP LOOKING, Because you found them and the customer service is excellent! I highly strongly recommend them you will not be disappointed!
Gregory TrenaryGregory Trenary
02:21 09 Feb 24
02/08/24 We are not local to this area, visiting with our son. Three large cups of coffee were accidentally split in our vehicle this morning... What a mess! Found some one online who didn't do interior detailing, however recommended Darren. He made arrangements to clean our truck that day. His men were here at scheduled time, did a fantastic job! Highly recommend Sumptuous Mobile Detailing!
Pam McCloudPam McCloud
12:24 06 Oct 23
Amazing and meticulous! Darren did such a great job with my vehicle that his services were requested the very next day by my hubby. My vehicle is so clean that I’m afraid to get in and undo all of his hard work. Most importantly, he took his time and didn’t rush the job.
js_loader

Quick Contact Form

Footer Contact

Automatic Booking

Fundamental Detailing Package
  • Exterior wash
  • Towel dry
  • 25-60 day wax (beads water and dirt off the paint, offering superior protection compared to traditional wax)
  • Tire conditioning
  • Window cleaning
  • Detailed vacuuming
  • Detailed cleaning of all hard, plastic, leather, and vinyl surfaces
  • Pressure wash for hard floor mats
    For a deeper clean with added surface protection and attention to detail.
Full Decontamination Package
  • Includes all features of Fundamentals
  • Clay Bar Treatment: Removes embedded contaminants like tar and sap that washing alone can't eliminate.
  • Iron Remover: Dissolves bonded iron particles from brake dust, protecting the paint from long-term damage.
  • Steam cleaning or extraction for seats and carpets if needed
    Perfect for vehicles requiring a thorough clean and contamination removal. Interior only is available in this package & higher only.
OCD Package
  • Includes all features of Full Decontamination
  • Special Stain Removal Attention: Attempts to target and remove stains, though results are not guaranteed.
  • 1-step Paint Correction: Removes minor surface defects like swirl marks and light scratches to restore the car’s shine.
  • 6-12 month Ceramic Wax: Adds a durable layer of protection and shine, lasting longer than standard waxes.
    For clients who want every detail perfected and their paint protected.
    Highly recommended to add the 5-year ceramic coating for long-term protection.
The Exterior Wash, Clay, & Seal
  • Wash
  • Clay Bar Treatment
  • 6-12 month sealant/wax.
  • Exterior Only
The Express Wash (4+ Vehicles Required)
  • Exterior wash (exterior)
  • Vacuum
  • Dash cleaning

It is not very detail-oriented, but it is convenient for daily drivers that aren't particular.

Interior Only

Select full decontamination or OCD package, then specify interior only.

Add Ons
  • 6-12 month Wax: Upgrade for longer-lasting protection is available for Fundamentals and Decontamination packages.
  • Headliner Cleaning: Can be added to any package to remove dirt and stains from the ceiling fabric.
  • 5-year Ceramic Coating: A long-lasting, high-gloss protective layer that repels water, dirt, and UV rays, making maintenance easier.
  • Ozone Treatment: Eliminates odors, bacteria, and mold by oxidizing and destroying airborne contaminants for a fresher, cleaner interior environment.
  • Paint Correction: Restores the car’s original shine by removing surface defects like swirl marks, oxidation, and light scratches. This results in a deeper and more natural shine compared to the superficial gloss added by wax.
  • Headlight Restoration: Increases nighttime visibility, improves front-end aesthetics, and compliments shiny paint.
  • Clay Bar Treatment: Removing embedded contaminants from the paint, which the wash will not remove.
  • Pet Hair Removal: Extensive pet hair removal beyond vacuuming.
  • Leather Conditioning
  • Spot Stain Removal
  • Decal/Sticker Removal