One of the best ways to attract more customers to your shop is through local SEO (Search Engine Optimization). This means making sure that when people search for auto repair services in your area, your shop appears in search results.
Local search is one of the most powerful ways you can improve your online presence and target customers. Without local SEO, you could lose potential customers. The best way to do this is through an effective local SEO strategy.
You don’t want to miss out on customers looking for your auto repair shop online! Let’s explore 6 auto repair local SEO tips.
1. Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Having a Google Business Profile, now known as Google My Business, is like having a giant billboard on the busiest street in town. When people search for auto repair shops, you want your profile to look welcoming and informative. A Google My Business Profile strategy can significantly improve SEO for auto repair shops.
For example, Xpertech Auto Repair in Englewood, Florida, claimed their Google Business Profile to improve their local SEO efforts. They added high-quality images, updated contact information, and real-time updates about their services. When customers search for “muffler repair in Englewood, Florida”, Google displays their listing on top. They have included all their important information such as their phone number, hours of operation, website, services, and reviews.
Action Steps:
- Claim your Google My Business page for your auto repair shop.
- Make sure all your information is accurate, including your business hours, address, and phone number.
- Regularly update your profile with new photos and posts about your services.
- Learn step-by-step how to claim and optimize your Google My Business Profile
2. Encourage and Respond to Online Reviews
Online reviews are powerful customer testimonials. They not only improve your business’s credibility but also improve local SEO in Google Search.
Google measures each review to measure an overall average between 0-5 stars. Auto repair customers can filter reviews by services mentioned, such as brakes, diagnostics, inspection, and more. Additionally, customers can sort reviews by relevancy, newest, as well as the highest and lowest reviews.
For example, Xpertech Auto Repair encourages their customers to leave reviews. They respond to every review, positive or negative, which increases their customer engagement and trust. Customers expect your auto repair shop to respond to reviews quickly.
Studies have shown that customers respond positively when businesses address negative reviews online. 79% of customers said they would be “likely” or “highly likely” to leave a positive review after a business addressed the negative experience and provided a solution (BrightLocal). If you see a negative review on your Google Business Profile page, be sure to respond quickly.
Action Steps:
- Encourage satisfied customers to leave a review on Google, and other customer review platforms, such as RepairPal.
- Respond to all reviews, thanking customers for positive feedback and addressing any concerns raised in negative reviews.
3. Utilize Local Keywords
Keywords are the words and phrases that people type into search engines. For car repair shops local SEO, it’s crucial to use keywords that relate to your location and services.
For example, a San Antonio-based auto repair shops specializing in mid-to-major mechanical repairs could target keywords based on location, price, and vehicle Make and Model.
- Ford F-150 Brake Pad Replacement Cost in San Antonio
- Auto Repair in San Antonio, TX
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Spark Plug Replacement
- Toyota Camry Water Pump Replacement in San Antonio, TX
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Alternator Replacement near me
- Honda Accord Alternator Replacement cost
- Ford F-150 Alternator Replacement
- Best Mechanic for Ford Focus Repairs in San Antonio
Using keywords allows businesses to target specific searches and attract a more targeted audience, which can increase conversion rates. Add them to your website’s content, blogs, FAQs, social media posts, local business directories, and Google My Business profile. Soon you may notice an increase in calls and visits from people who found your website using local search terms.
Action Steps:
- Start by researching your local area to find which terms and phrases people use when looking for auto repair. Free tools such as SEMRush can help you discover effective local keywords.
- Once you have a list of keywords, add them to your website’s content, especially in headings, titles, and meta descriptions.
4. Create Content Based on Local Events or Needs
Connect with local customers and increase your shop’s online visibility with local content. Creating content and participating in local events makes your business seem like a go-to resource for auto repair.
For example, your shop could write monthly blog posts about preparing cars for local weather conditions. For example, “How to Protect Your Car from Seattle Rain”, which can rank well during the rainy season.
Action Steps:
- Start by listening to what car owners in your local area are worried about.
- Talk with them directly, or look for local social media groups or forums.
- Join in on local activities. Get involved with local events, such as school fundraisers or sporting events. Then, write about these events, and how your shop is helping your community out.
- Write about how the weather can affect cars in your area. For example, offer tips like “How to Keep Your Car Running Smoothly in Winter” for places with cold weather, or “Keeping Your Car Cool in Summer Heat” for warmer areas.
- If something is happening in your town that could affect drivers, write about it. For example, if a new roundabout is opening, you could write about how to use roundabouts to keep drivers safe.
- Build a section of your website where you post updates and tips about driving in your area. This could include traffic updates, reviews of car washes, and other useful info for drivers.
- Share and optimize your content on different platforms. Use important local words in your posts to help people find them online. Share your posts on social media, in groups, and via email to help more people see them.
Be sure to check out blogs created by automotive shops, such as Thoroughbred Auto Care’s Blog in Laurel, MD.
5. Make Sure Your Website is Mobile-Friendly
According to Hubspot, Smartphones and tablets are used by 60% of consumers to search for local products and services. Since most people use their phones to look up local services, having a website that works well on mobile devices is crucial.
Action Steps:
- Always check your website on your phone and tablet to see if your website easy to navigate.
- If needed, hire a developer to update your website to be responsive on all devices.
- Search is the first place people turn when they need auto maintenance information quickly (Google). Without having a proper mobile-friendly website, you could be losing your customers.
6. Get Listed in Local Business Directories
Local directory listings can boost your local SEO efforts by making your shop more visible and credible. Several online directories exist other than Google My Business.
For example, Xpertech Auto Repair in Englewood, Florida utilizes several online directories such as:
- RepairPal.com: With over 4 million consumers visiting our site each month, we will introduce you to new customers through repairpal.com and through partners like USAA, CarMax, and Consumer Reports. List your shop online, and increase your SEO presence through long-tail keyword search, customer reviews, and more.
- Yelp
Local Chamber of Commerce - Nextdoor
- Manufacturers for parts installation locators, such as Michelin, Duramax
- Memberships, such as NAPA or Technet
- Local Guides and newspapers
- Social media directories, such as Facebook
Action Steps:
- List your business in local directories.
- Make sure your business information is consistent across all directories.
Conclusion
As you start implementing SEO strategies, remember to keep your content fun and easy to talk about. Ask your customers questions and see what they have to say. This not only makes your content more interesting but also lets you know what your customers really like and need.
Here at RepairPal, we’ll get you started. We have tools and advice that can make your auto repair shop stand out in your town. Give us a call or schedule a time to chat with us to learn more about how we can help. Let’s work together to make your shop a place your community trusts for their auto repair needs!
