How to Start a Carwash: Build a business before the brand

How to Start a Carwash: Build a business before the brand

New startups must focus on developing the business instead of creating a brand.

Entrepreneur recently featured an article on its website titled, “Why Building Your Business Comes Before Building Your Brand,” which discusses why new startups must focus on developing the business instead of creating a brand.

“I know what you’re thinking, ‘Aren’t those the same thing?’ Or, ‘You need a brand to build your business,’” writes Kimanzi Constable, contributor, in the article. “Building a brand helps your business. But, how to do it and what it means are often confused. The result ends up being entrepreneurs chasing their tail trying to achieve a result that [comes] later in the process.”

In the article, Constable offers some advice for how to build a business:

  • Busy work. New business owners who aren’t fully aware of what they should be doing or are frustrated with a lack of progress often turn toward the busy work, such as building social media, buying ads, creating logos, etc. “The busy work makes you feel like you’re doing something,” explains Constable in the article. “You hope if you do enough of it, it will bring business. This isn’t a great strategy. There’s no ‘why’ behind it.” Startups need a clear plan. Sometimes new business owners will also turn to other successful startups to mimic their ideas. However, Constable notes in the article, “People do business with entrepreneurs who stand out, not blend in.”
  • Establish connections. When building a brand, advice is often given to put your business on a pedestal by listing all your accomplishments and coming off as hard to reach because you are so busy. However, people connect with people. They want to be able to relate. Relationship and referral marketing can help to build a business and create a loyal customer base. “If [customers] conclude they’ll never reach you through all the filters, they’ll think long and hard before they ever do business with you,” says Constable in the article. “Building a business in today’s world of social media and the Internet is all about connection. When you are approachable and relatable, people are shocked because all the ‘build your brand’ talk has hurt real connection.”
  • After building the business, then build the brand. Starting with a strong foundation is the best way to build a brand that people can connect with. To help craft a thriving brand, Constable suggests in the article to include an “about” page on your website that is personal; make sure to interact as much as possible; and gain exposure wherever you can.

Read the entire article about building before the brand here.

You May Also Like

Memphis Tigers’ Joel Williams in ZIPS’s Car Wash Convos

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — This is the first of four episodes to feature Memphis Tiger student-athletes and highlights Williams’s life off the field.

In this episode of Car Wash Convos, Joel Williams joins host Sydney Neely in the ZIPS Car Wash tunnel. They’re talking Louisiana slang, dream cars, how Joel makes his gumbo and more!

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — ZIPS Car Wash unveiled its latest episode of Car Wash Convos featuring Joel Williams, University of Memphis defensive back.

This is the first of four episodes to feature Memphis Tiger student-athletes and highlights Williams's life off the field.

Topics of discussion as he rides through his local ZIPS include where he gets his athletic drive, his gumbo preferences and how he's settling into life in Memphis.

Mammoth Holdings refinances to scale platform, drive growth

DALLAS — The financing will help Mammoth achieve its goal of reaching 500 sites across the country.

Matthews closes $8m land sale of future mixed-use development project

LOS ANGELES — The former carwash site was sold as a redevelopment opportunity zoned for mixed-use.

ZIPS Car Wash welcomes new chief marketing officer

PLANO, Texas — Rebecca Latacz will be responsible for brand and promotional strategy, and helping the chain expand its digital and membership platforms.

Driven Brands reports third quarter results

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Revenue increased 12% powered by 6% same-store sales growth and 6% net store growth.

Other Posts

9 carwash small business owner tips

How to succeed in the competitive professional carwashing industry.

Season 2 of ZIPS’s Car Wash Convos launches

PLANO, Texas — Episode 1, now on YouTube, features Ja’Tavion Sanders of the Texas Longhorns.

Arcadian Services acquires CBC Distributing

FLORENCE, Ala. — CBC’s facility becomes part of the Arcadian distribution network, allowing for increased product inventories as well as geographical reach.

MILES Auto Spa distributes discount cards to benefit Williamson Health

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Community members to receive discounts on carwashes, portion of proceeds to support local healthcare system.