If you\u2019ve already optimized your Google Business Profile, run pay-per-click ads, collected reviews, and created a social media presence, you\u2019re moving in the right direction. But these are basic ideas that your competitors are using too. Here are some other marketing ideas you can try out to fill your bays. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You might already use text messages for the obvious stuff, such as appointment confirmations or service reminders. An SMS subscriber club is an opt-in list of customers who get texts because they want useful updates like weather-triggered alerts or seasonal checklists in a timely manner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Batteries tend to fail during cold weather, so if a cold spell is coming during the weekend, text your customer list a reminder to test the batteries before the cold hits. You can also send a checklist of things to do before going on a road trip or before each season with a single link to book an appointment. If certain days are pretty much dead, a quick text with a same-day offer can drive in more customers without disrupting your entire week. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You have to make sure you don\u2019t overdo it and that you\u2019re being cautious about the Telephone Consumer Protection Act rules, which require consent before sending messages. Two texts a month work best. Otherwise, you\u2019ll come off as aggressive and get reported as spam. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
An easy way to interact with your local community and make your shop known is to conduct small-scale events. A few things that you can do: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the space, partner with your local high school, library, community center, or even a coffee shop; it costs you nothing and is easily accessible to people. Remember, the goal isn\u2019t about the turnout of the event; it\u2019s about building trust. Even if a handful of people make it to the event, you know they\u2019re going to think of your shop the next time they need to repair their car. A good bonus is snapping some good photos or short clips of the event that you can post on your social media pages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Johnny, a customer you\u2019ve had for a while now, scrolls past most of your newsletters. But he wouldn\u2019t if the emails you send are based on his customer history from your shop management software.<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Something you can do is to send a short email recapping the repairs that were done and what to watch out for next, based on their vehicle and mileage, a couple of days after their visit to your shop. This is also how a declined job can still work in your favor. Don\u2019t just call once to ask if they\u2019re interested in the later repairs and move on. Instead, space out the emails to show why the repair needs to be done. The emails are meant to be handy and not intimidating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Google and Yelp used to be the go-to places when someone needed to find a repair shop. But not anymore. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s another marketplace you can look into: Way Repair Tech<\/a>. Way Repair Tech connects local repair shops directly to car and fleet owners who already use Way.com for parking, car washes, roadside assistance, and other car services. If you\u2019re already using Way\u2019s shop management software, Repair Tech, you\u2019ll also get priority placement on Way.com and an integrated booking platform that sends appointments straight to your shop. The major difference from most of the marketplaces above? There\u2019s no lead broker fee eating into each job. <\/p>\n\n\n\nList your shop on an online repair marketplace <\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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