Top Strategies to Expand Your Auto Repair Business Quickly
Whether you’re looking to expand to multiple locations or simply operate with greater efficiency, there are numerous strategies and tactics available to help you achieve your goal of growing your auto repair business.
In this article, we’ll look at several proven techniques to promote the growth of your business, focusing on actionable steps you can take to gain a competitive edge.
Expand With Business Basics
Streamline operations
Some call it “addition by subtraction.” Remove steps or processes that are extra or unnecessary. Doing so will free up time to focus on things that are more meaningful to the growth and success of your business. Consider everything from service offerings and payment options to hours of operation and remove what doesn’t serve your goals.
Hire skilled technicians
Getting the job done right is critical in auto repair. Having skilled technicians on your team is one way to increase the odds of doing so. Often, what you’d save in hiring a lesser-skilled technician can be made up for in the efficiency gained by doing the job right, consistently the first time.
Focus on building strong customer relationships
Doing a job right the first time has the bonus ability of creating what best-selling business author Ken Blanchard calls “raving fans.” Customers who have positive experiences with your shop are more likely to recommend you to others, and survey data consistently shows word-of-mouth advertising is the most trusted and valuable.
How to Attract More Customers to Your Auto Repair Shop
Leverage local SEO
According to data from Google, over 90% of consumers use search to find auto repair services. Ensure your website is tuned up to maximize your position in organic search. Google offers free tools to show what people in your community are searching for. Focus your SEO efforts on the top keywords and phrases, or find a niche where others aren’t competing and make that your focus.
Offer referral discounts
Those raving fans you cultivated from the great work being done in your shop will likely talk about you for free, but incentivizing them to do so can be a strategy that pays big dividends.
If you know how to determine your customer acquisition cost (CAC), you can make an informed decision on just how much you can afford to offer as an incentive. Keep in mind that this referral often does double duty, bringing in a new client and solidifying the already strong relationship you have with the referring customer.
Host community events like free car care clinics
Sharing your knowledge and skills is a great way to introduce potential customers to your auto repair shop. Consider hosting a free car care clinic or ask-a-mechanic series at your local library.
Topics can include teaching the basics of DIY maintenance, including checking fluids and filters, to safety-based clinics for infant and toddler car seats. Though not necessarily the goal, often issues are identified in these clinics that could turn into service appointments, ideally positioning your shop to take care of the repairs.
Ask for Google Reviews
Turn positive customer experiences into some of your most convincing marketing assets by encouraging clients to share their thoughts as a Google review.
Asking for a review can be as easy as placing a note next to your cash register. Consider also creating a QR code that customers can scan with their smartphones that takes them right to the spot where they can leave their review.
Effective Marketing Tips to Grow Your Auto Repair Business
Use Social Media Advertising
86% of marketers say that social media marketing gave them more exposure. Simply looking around your waiting room might also give you insights into the effectiveness of sites like Facebook, Instagram, and X. with many of your customers spending their wait time scrolling through these apps.
It is typical for auto repair shops to spend 25–30% of their marketing ad spend on digital channels, of which social media can play a large part. Ads that are informational or entertaining often garner more engagement, which can be critical to the visibility of future posts
Create a customer loyalty program
Incentivizing return visits can be a highly cost-effective strategy. This can include discounts or prizes for returning customers. Loyalty programs can also help you acquire email addresses or phone numbers to send text messages—two highly effective ways of spreading your marketing messages.
Use email marketing
64% of small businesses use email marketing to cost-effectively reach existing and potential customers. Messages that are relevant to clients enable you to “earn” space in their inbox. Consider offering discounts as well as educational materials that can position your shop as an expert and the right “first choice” when something goes wrong with their car. Remain consistent with your messaging and format so potential clients can become more familiar with your brand and what they can expect from your service.
Bonus: Consider how a working capital loan from Blue Bridge Financial can be utilized to ramp up your marketing efforts, from launching new marketing campaigns to improving your website.
Diversify Your Auto Repair Services to Increase Revenue
Electric (EV) and hybrid vehicles present a potential niche for auto repair shops, and owners may want to invest in technology and technicians to address the specific needs and concerns of owners of these alternative vehicles.
In the 1970s, with the rise of car imports from Japan, many auto repair shops shifted their focus to servicing only Japanese cars. It is quite likely the growth of EV and hybrid cars will create similar opportunities for owners to diversify and grow their revenue.
Fleet maintenance is another niche area with low competition and high potential. Companies, including dealerships and rental agencies that utilize large numbers of vehicles, are often uniquely incentivized to perform preventative maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations in order to keep their fleets on the road and earning money. This can mean consistent work for your shop and the ability to plan ahead for parts, inventory, and your technicians schedules.
Investing in Your Equipment
At Blue Bridge Financial, we understand that the path to expanding your auto repair business can often require an investment in advanced equipment. From fast approvals and soft credit pulls to deferred payment programs of up to 3 months, we provide customized solutions focused on your success.
About Blue Bridge Financial
Blue Bridge Financial is a specialty equipment finance firm serving the automotive industry. Whether adding new equipment like lifts or paint rooms to unlock opportunities or upgrading existing equipment to finish jobs quicker, we offer fast and flexible equipment financing for the tools you need to achieve your goals. Start our simple application today or contact us with questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Repair Expansion
Focus on local SEO, ask for Google reviews, offer referral discounts, and host community events like free car care clinics.
Eliminate unnecessary processes, optimize service offerings, and simplify payment options to focus on activities that drive growth.
Use social media ads, email marketing, and customer loyalty programs to increase visibility and build customer relationships.
Explore niches like electric and hybrid vehicle repairs or fleet maintenance to tap into growing markets with less competition.
Blue Bridge Financial offers flexible equipment financing, fast approvals, and deferred payment programs to support your growth.
