Once upon a time, car repair shops got most of their business through word-of-mouth referrals. Today, 81% of shoppers research online before spending their money. In other words, if customers can't find you with a quick online search, your brand may as well not exist!
The changing world of digital marketing can be fast-paced and confusing for newcomers, but the right strategies can make a huge difference. If you want to grow your customer base, increase your profits, and showcase what your brand offers, read on to learn the tactics you need.
Get an Optimized Website
Some small businesses underestimate the power of a great website. Without one, it can be almost impossible to get found online!
If you don't already have a professional website for your brand, start there. You don't need anything fancy, but it should be informative and easy to navigate. Make sure you include all of the relevant details of your business, like the services you offer, your address, your contact info, and your hours of operation.
Don't forget about SEO! Search Engine Optimization is at the foundation of any digital marketing plan, as it helps customers find you when they're searching for keywords related to your business. The best practices for SEO are always changing, so it's important to keep up with the latest auto repair shop marketing strategies.
Optimize Your Listings
Beyond your website's SEO, local listings are another easy way to get found in online searches.
To optimize your listings, find or create a presence on crucial sites like Facebook, Yelp, Angi, and Google Business. Industry directories like AutoGuru are also a great resource. Build out your profile, make sure your information is correct on these pages, and upload photos and videos to show customers what to expect.
Solicit Online Reviews
With your listings complete, it's time to get reviews. Customers can review your auto shop wherever they find your listings. These reviews are crucial to your local auto repair marketing, as good ones show your brand is reliable and trustworthy.
Encourage reviews with great customer service. You can also add a review link to your site, email it to customers after their service, or add it to business cards. Don't neglect this review-soliciting process: it's free company advertising!
Invest in Search Advertising
Paid advertising is another key strategy for auto mechanic marketing. This strategy uses pay-per-click (PPC) ads to move your site or landing page to the top of your customers' search results.
With PPC ads, you'll bid on keywords your customers might search for. If you win, the search engine will show your ad.
You'll have to create your own ad copy and be strategic about the keywords you use. However, quality ads can offer powerful results!
Try These Digital Marketing Ideas
The right digital marketing strategies can help you attract more leads, retain your current customers, and earn more revenue. Even better, these basic strategies don't have to be hard! Following the tips above is an easy way to make the most of your auto repair marketing campaign.
If you don't have the bandwidth to put these plans into action, reach out for expert marketing services! The AA Shop Marketing team can help you do all of the above and more. To let us help, contact us today.