The auto repair business is profitable, and it makes sense. According to Agero Insights, around one in three drivers will experience a car breakdown yearly. This amounts to around 69 million automobile breakdowns annually. Looking at these numbers, you can understand why auto shops are always busy.

The demand for their services is virtually endless. According to Auto Profit Masters, from 2019 to 2020, America’s top six independent auto repair firms had a revenue increase of more than $1 million. However, hitting such numbers takes work. Online marketing is a great way to retain and attract new customers for your auto repair business, and here are ways to leverage it.

1. Get a Professional Website

Many auto shop owners underestimate the benefits of online marketing for their businesses. This presents a challenge in trying to reach new customers since the competition in the auto industry keeps growing. A professional website is one of the best ways to make your business stand out. The website should have your business location, phone number, hours of operation, and a link to your social media accounts.

It’s essential to keep updating your website with photos of your recent work, engaging vlogs, and blogs educating your clients on the importance of your services. For instance, you can educate them on the importance of getting oil changes and the ideal frequency, which, according to Autozone, is every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. You can also improve your website by making it self-service, such as by adding an appointment scheduling feature.

2. Online Reviews

Online reviews make potential clients trust your business. Today, most business comes from referrals or reviews. Request your customers to leave reviews on sites like Facebook and Google My Business.

Ensure you also engage with any reviews about your business. Read and respond to them, especially those with negative things to say. You can do this manually or with the help of shop management software that collects, manages, and responds to your reviews. Reviews will help you boost your ratings and attract potential customers.

3. Optimize Your Search Engine

Today, online searches are the most common way to find anything. Search Engine Optimization will make your website rank high in results so customers can easily find you if they search for a repair shop near them. You can optimize your search engine by researching the keywords commonly used to look up repair shops and include them in your website titles, tags, and content.

Keep in mind that SEO techniques are always changing. It would be hard to keep up with them on your own. Hire an SEO expert or an agency to help you handle your website rankings with SEO optimization.

4. Email Marketing

Create personalized emails with a unique voice for its readers. Give your potential clients information on services you offer, coupons, time-sensitive deals, and new services you’d like to implement. With email marketing, it’s important to focus on quality over quantity. Refrain from flooding your customers’ inboxes with emails every day. Rather, send one monthly comprehensive email.

5. Social Media Presence

Social media is a great way to drive traffic to your repair shop. It offers a platform where clients can present their inquiries, concerns, and feedback. Ensure you keep your social media handles active by posting daily. You can post content from your website on social media. This is going to drive more traffic to your website.

You can increase your following on social media by investing in social ads. Social ads are the most effective way to push an offer or a time-sensitive deal. Also, you can run a contest such as a raffle and offer your services to the winners.

Digital marketing strategies to promote your auto repair business are ever-evolving. Researching and implementing said strategies will help you market your business to many prospective customers. Should you need clarification, always contact marketing professionals to help you handle the marketing so you can focus on your business worry-free.