Automotive Marketing Strategies: How to Boost Your Auto Repair Business

Running an auto repair shop is advantageous to you because it serves a need that will always be in demand. People will require professional help for as long as they drive cars, and the automotive industry has been a long standing business that has proven to always be in demand. 

Repair shops are among the most locally-oriented businesses, so you will need to master this area of auto marketing so your shop can thrive. But how do you gain traction with your local audience?

These automotive digital marketing strategy tips will prove handy when you're trying to build a quality auto repair shop. 

Manage Your Local Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Marketing

Without question, mastering search engine optimization (SEO) can be one of the best local marketing strategies that you use. Studying up on keywords is a great start, but make sure that you also optimize for local keywords. 

This takes some research and the help of an SEO shop that understands your geographic area and a bit about the auto repair business. 

Following SEO trends will always be part of the territory when you're trying to market your auto repair shop. You'll need to use keywords at a density that is optimal, while also working your link-building strategies. 

Build an App For Your Auto Shop

Having a well-developed mobile app for your auto shop can make a world of difference. This helps people to interact with you personally and feeds people the info that they need on their device of choice. 

An app is helpful to send people repair reminders, schedule appointments, and even pay their bills. You'll spend several thousand dollars for a professionally developed app. This investment will pay off and give you the chance to modernize your shop. 

Create a Website for Your Auto Business

If you want to succeed through local marketing, your website should be your calling card. Work with web developers that can install whichever template is ideal for your business. 

Your site should be optimized with SEO in mind. Take the time to also test it out relentlessly, until you know that it is a well-oiled machine. 

About 96% of people today own a smartphone. Because of this, you have to build your website in a way to show up effectively on smartphones. 

Mobile optimization prepares your website for the future, which helps you scale your business on your terms. 

Figure Out Your Target Market and Stick With Them

Understanding audience is a critical piece of the puzzle when you're trying to master your branding. Pinpoint your target market, study their needs, and find out how best to hit those needs on a regular basis. 

The last thing you'd want to do is try to get everybody while forgetting about the core customers that make up the bulk of your income. Consider the persona of the person who is most likely to patronize your auto shop. 

Garner as Many Customer Testimonials and Customer Reviews as You Can

Your best marketing comes from satisfied customers. These customer reviews hold more weight than just about any other form of marketing and also cost you little to nothing. 

Work hard to incentivize your customers so that they feel compelled to leave you a review. Offering them 10% off of a repair bill for a Yelp review will quickly pay for itself once people start opting to do business with you.

Be upfront about this with your customers and let them know they can take advantage of this discount right away for a five-star review with a few sentences of what they enjoyed most about the experience. 

Put Out Loads of Content Related to Auto Repair Work

Just because auto repairs are your specialty doesn't mean that you can't also master content creation. There are several ways you can gain an audience by simply informing people about auto repairs. 

For instance, you can start a blog that will make your website more SEO friendly, while also giving people free info on making repairs. This empowers them to learn more about vehicle maintenance, while also growing your website's traction. 

Putting out video content can also help you gain the trust of your customers. If you teach someone how to change their oil or take care of their tires, they're more likely to bring their vehicle to you when they need to get more difficult repair work done. 

Create Your E-Mail List and Use it on a Regular Basis

You also owe it to yourself to build an e-mail list. This is the list that you can use to let your customers know about discounts or to remind them that it's time for an oil change or inspection. 

Work hard to grow your e-mail list so that you can build a strong influx of repeat business. 

Make Your Number Catchy and Easy to Market

The phone number that you choose is particularly important for a local auto shop. Make it something catchy and easy to remember. 

You can use the last digits to spell out some form of your company's name. Choose a number that you can easily boost on your site or physical marketing materials. 

Master These Local Marketing Tips

Having a solid automotive digital marketing strategy for your auto repair shop is a great way to really succeed online. It's the marketing that brings in new customers, and the work quality that will keep them. When you can master both, you'll always be in business. 

Get in touch today and book your free discovery call with our Founder, Daniel Harman. All calls are free of obligation and promise not to be "salesy".