Gone are the days when you could set up your auto repair shop, flip the ‘we’re open’ sign and wait for the magic. As technology moves forward, so should we. And that’s where taking your auto repair shop to the digital world comes in!
But where should you even start? Building a website from scratch, or optimizing the one you already have, can seem like a challenge. Good news is, you’re not alone!
We’re here with a step-by-step guide on how to create a website for your auto repair shop and make it as effective as possible. Let’s dive in!
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Why an auto repair website matters
First things first, why is it so important to have a website that’s optimized for your auto repair shop?
Because that’s where your customers are!
In today’s fast moving world, with people more prone to ask Google than ask their peers, you can’t afford to not be online. Not to mention, your competition is doing the same, so now is the time to take the auto repair industry by storm. The goal is to be THE name that comes to your audiences’ mind when that check engine light comes on.
Here are just some of the benefits to building a website for your auto repair shop:
- More visibility among your customer base, on the go, anytime. It’s crucial that your business is featured on Google Maps.
- Convenient solution to showcase your brand mission, services and promotions.
- Gather leads with aggressive search engine optimization through Google and social media.
- Target and retarget visitors easily and convert potential leads.
It’s important to remember that having at least one social media platform linked to your website can exponentially help with driving more business. The competition is fierce, but that’s the fuel you need (pun intended) to highlight how your auto repair shop stands apart.
What makes a great auto repair website
Just as your auto repair shop is customer focused – making sure their experience from getting a blown tire changed to any other auto service – so should your website! It’s all about the customer.
This means that everything such as the content, user interface and clean web design should be made keeping the user in mind. Have a clear and cohesive brand mission that catches the user’s eye. Feature relevant images that show your auto repair shop and your staff in action. These details can make all the difference. Once you’ve connected with a visitor, that’s half the battle won.
Remembering that the customer is there in need of a service and probably in a hurry is all you need to create an efficient user experience, resulting in more business!
Here are some must-haves to create the best auto repair website:
Must-have components to create the best auto repair website
1. A clear brand message
Whether it’s people who might have stumbled upon your website from a Google search or returning customers, what they see needs to be consistent from the design, color scheme and content to the images used to highlight your auto repair shop and services.
So what does a clear brand message entail?
a. A simple domain name
b. Your logo
The most used and hence most memorable thing about your auto repair shop is your logo. It goes on everything, it is your identity. Choosing an appropriate logo is step one. Including it on your website is step two. Use an efficient font and a memorable color scheme to highlight your auto repair shop’s trustworthiness and become memorable.
c. Your story
Who you are and why you work in the auto repair industry is what sets you apart. Sharing your voice and your dedication to creating the best customer service experience for your clients, this includes user testimonials, is a big part of connecting with customers.
2. Mobile optimization
Ask anyone, each household has at least 3 screens. In most cases, each person operates a smartphone as much as, if not more, than a laptop. Having a kick-ass auto repair website would be a shame if it isn’t optimized for different screens. This is where mobile optimization comes in. A simple yet crucial feature that your website should have!
3. Relevant content
Knowing what’s relevant to the customer when they land on your website is how you hook them. Highlight the services you offer such as tire changes and engine repairs. Ensure your customer stays informed with promotions, contact information and blogs. The objective of a digital marketing strategy about tips on vehicle maintenance, preventative measures or videos, such as one run through Facebook business pages or Google My Business, is to increase the number of people who see your website and interact with your store. Long term, this means more repeat and new customers.
 However, if you’re just starting out, keep the basics in mind:
a. Homepage
This is where the magic happens. Your homepage is the first impression you create for visitors. Make sure the color scheme, design and images are optimized, pleasing to look at and throw a spotlight on your auto repair shop.
b. About us tab
This is where your customer gets to know you. Make sure it includes your brand information, keywords that people would search leading to you and what sets you apart from other auto repair shops.
c. Contact us tab
Now that you’ve brought people to your website, they need to be able to get a hold of you too. Your contact information should include your phone number, email address and location so potential customers can reach you.
d. Online appointment & membership options
The internet is making our lives easier, why not use that for your business too? By setting up a section that offers customers to book appointments online and buy memberships is a great way to add value for the public.
4. SEO optimization
You must adhere to SEO rules in order to create a successful website. If we know one thing, people are passionate about their cars. Whether there’s a question of regular upkeep or repairs, people are searching for reliable places online. You’re already in the mix but in the end, it comes down to producing and organizing material in a way that Google and other search engines can quickly find it.
That can entail creating blogs on subjects like automobile maintenance, which prominently features competing keywords for an auto business. You can raise your search ranking and get your website in front of more customers if you employ the right search terms and consistently provide high-quality content. Making SEO the main focus of your website is a terrific way to stay ahead of the competition because 57% of small businesses don’t spend on their SEO strategy.
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Closing thoughts
We hope these tips and inspirational website examples help you create the best auto repair website to help your business grow!
