Independent auto repair shops perform 75% of the aftermarket automobile repair services for the auto repair industry making the future for auto repair businesses look very promising. Leverage this potential and stand out from your competitors by utilizing automotive marketing trends.
Mobilize
Mobile optimization is becoming increasingly important with 88% of consumers search for businesses on their mobile devices. In fact, the lead of the US auto industry currently spends around 47% of its digital marketing budget on mobile ads. It’s important to make sure, however, that you’re set up correctly.
Make it Easy to Read on Mobile
Ensure your website is mobile-friendly. You can do this with Google: HERE. One of the newer recognized methods developers use is Responsive Web Design, which involves the website showing the elements and information on any device it is accessed on. Whether a smartphone, tablet, or PC, the only difference is the layout, which is adjusted according to the size of the device.
This method saves you time in the development process as well as benefiting your search engine optimization (SEO)— another way of saying that you will be more visible on search engines like Google and Bing.
Utilize SMS Text Marketing
One of the best marketing channels available is SMS marketing— studies show that 97% of texts are read within 15 minutes. Take advantage of this direct line of communication between your business and your current and potential customers. Or you can opt for automated marketing software such as BayIQ that offers text and email features that will help you reach out to your targeted audiences with a click of a button.
Improve the Customer Experience
Mom and pop shops are making a comeback, with more and more people wanting local. Leverage that by giving your customers a personalized business experience. Small businesses equate to 99.9% of the market in the US and have grown over 7% between 2017 and 2020. These businesses rely on customer loyalty, which can be gained by:
Creating a Loyalty Program
Reward your customers as a way of showing your appreciation for their business. This is a great way to thank them for their business and incentivizes them to return. In fact, 58% of consumers visit stores that have a loyalty program on a monthly basis. Think three for two on oil changes or discounts on winter tires— special offers will keep customer retention rates sky high.
Providing reminders
Another way to boost client satisfaction is by using SMS and email reminders to stay top of mind and provide convenience. With automated messages, you can remind your customers of upcoming appointments or inform them that it’s time for them to schedule a service.
Caring About Their Experience
The customer experience doesn’t end when they walk out the door– ask them about it by soliciting reviews. To get started consider the following:
- Utilize email and SMS texting and place links to customer satisfaction surveys in any correspondences prompting customers to take a quick survey.
- Ask them during check-out to review their experience.
- Reach out on social media.
Partner Up
Work with other local companies to help branch out within the community. Implement the following tactics to improve your business’s reputation.
- Provide joint offers with other local businesses- This can be things such as free oil changes for people who buy a car from a local dealership.
- Participate in community events- Host a charity fundraiser or support your local charities by sponsoring local events to give back to the community
- Hold workshops- Show high school students how to change a flat tire or do an oil change. Help new parents properly install a car seat.
Automate
There are a lot of responsibilities that come with running a shop and marketing is multi-faceted with several layers. To think that you can give each component 100% isn’t realistic. While delegating some of these efforts is a possibility, automating ensures tasks will get done while freeing up your time.
BayIQ offers a multitude of services that will help you stay on top of automotive marketing trends while greatly improving your customer satisfaction. With a ready-made loyalty program tailored for your shop, an automated system to solicit reviews and send out reminders via email and SMS, BayIQ is a great choice for any small auto repair business looking to perfect its marketing strategy.
