We all know that marketing is the key to having a successful business and the auto repair industry is no different. Having the right marketing campaign in place can mean the difference from having full bays to having technicians sitting around playing cards.
When developing a marketing plan for your new auto repair shop, you have to remember that the repair industry is different from everything else out there. Bars, restaurants and grocery stores will always have business because they are things that people think about every day. We need to eat so we go to the store or we take the family out to a restaurant from time to time.
Consumers don’t need, nor do they want, to see their friendly, local auto repair shop on a daily basis, so we have to be more creative when marketing our services.
If you own an auto repair shop, parts store or any other auto service business, the following tips are meant just for you:
1. Get Found
Most consumers look for auto repair shops by first searching online. Make sure your business has a website and the site is kept up-to-date with the most current information about your business. Having a strong online presence will ensure that potential customers see your business and know more about you.
A good online marketing campaign will include a website, blog, social media channels and some form of content marketing to actively seek out new customers and tell them that you are standing by to serve their needs.
2. Get Referrals
Referrals and word of mouth advertising is an important aspect of many of today’s more successful auto repair shops. Consumers don’t know much about their cars or how they work much else what it takes to fix them. They rely on family and friends to tell them who to take their car to when it needs servicing.
Building trust with your customers is just one way to get more referrals, another is offering rewards for return or frequent customers to keep them coming back and ensuring your shop’s longevity.
3. Make It Easy for People to Do Business with You
Having a website is the first step, but to be successful, you have to take it further. Include on your website a comprehensive list of your services and include any pertinent information the customer might need to make the decision to bring their car to you.
Offer your customers the services they need, when they need them. Having the right equipment to offer those services makes it easier for your customers to come to you for specialty services. Consider equipment leasing programs to ensure that you can afford the necessary equipment and are able to bring in more customers based on the services you are offering.
Having contact information on your website that is current and complete will enable them to contact you with any questions they might have.
4. Get Recognition and Press Coverage for Your Business
Marketing your business is one thing, but you can’t beat free advertising for your auto repair shop any day. Gaining local recognition and getting press coverage can do wonders for a new business. People will see your business on the news or in the local papers and immediately associate you with a shop they want to do business with. Create press releases for your business and submit them to local papers, blogs and other community websites.
5. Get Involved in Your Community
Getting involved in your community is just one way to garner more business for your auto repair shop or service facility. Civic groups, city business and networking groups are a good place to start. You can also participate in local sporting events or school functions and use those opportunities to network and spread the word about your business.
Marketing your auto repair shop or service facility can bring you more business than you ever imagined and doing it correctly, will make your shop more successful and more profitable than ever!