Category: Auto

How to Get 5-Star Auto Repair Reviews

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

Imagine that it’s a busy Monday morning, and your auto repair shop is bustling with customers. Sarah walks in, feeling frazzled after her car broke down on the highway. She’s anxious, and she wants her car fixed as soon as possible. You confidently tell her not to worry, and that she’s come to the right place. 

Two days later, she picks up her car, feeling relieved and impressed by your efficient service. A week later, she leaves you a glowing five-star review online. 

Sound like a dream? It doesn’t have to be.

These days, online reviews can make or break your business. This is especially true in the auto repair industry, where customers often seek trustworthy and reliable service. The key to attracting more customers and driving business growth lies in getting five-star auto repair reviews. 

In this article, we will guide you through a step-by-step process to achieve this goal, with a focus on auto repair marketing and reputation management.

Step #1: Provide exceptional customer service

The first step to getting five-star auto repair reviews is providing top-notch customer service. When a customer walks into your shop, greet them warmly and listen attentively to their concerns. Ensure your team is well-trained, knowledgeable, and courteous. 

Going the extra mile to make customers feel valued will pay off in the long run, as they’ll be more likely to leave positive reviews.

Step #2: Offer clear and transparent pricing

When it comes to auto repair, customers often worry about being overcharged or encountering hidden fees. To ease these concerns, be transparent with your pricing. 

Provide customers with detailed estimates and explain the costs associated with each service. Make sure to get their approval before moving forward with any repairs. This will help build trust and increase the chances of receiving five-star reviews.

Step #3: Keep customers informed

Effective communication is critical in the auto repair industry. Keep your customers informed about the progress of their vehicle repairs, and let them know if there are any unexpected delays or issues. 

This transparency will not only make them feel more comfortable but also help prevent negative reviews stemming from miscommunication.

Step #4: Ask for reviews

Sometimes, all it takes to get a five-star review is simply asking for one. Once you’ve provided exceptional service, politely ask your customers to share their experiences online. 

Make it easy for them by providing links to popular review platforms, like Google, Top Rated Local®  or Facebook. Remember, timing is crucial — ask for reviews when your customers are most satisfied, like right after they pick up their freshly repaired vehicle.

Step #5: Leverage auto repair marketing strategies

To get more five-star reviews, you’ll need to attract more customers. This is where auto repair marketing comes into play. 

Utilize a variety of marketing channels, such as social media, email campaigns and local search engine optimization (SEO), to reach your target audience. 

By increasing your online visibility, you’ll attract more potential customers who are likely to leave positive reviews after a great experience.

Step #6: Respond to reviews (both positive and negative)

Engaging with customers through reputation management is essential for any business, especially in the auto repair industry. Respond to all reviews, whether positive or negative, in a timely and professional manner. 

Thank customers for their feedback and address any issues they may have raised. By doing so, you’ll demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction, which can lead to even more five-star reviews and a loyal customer base.

Step #7: Monitor and analyze your online reputation

Keep track of your online reviews across different platforms and look for trends or areas where you can improve. Use this data to inform your auto repair marketing strategies and enhance your reputation management efforts. 

By continuously monitoring and analyzing your online presence, you’ll be better equipped to identify opportunities for improvement and maintain a positive reputation.

Step #8: Create a referral program

Word-of-mouth marketing is a powerful tool for any business, and it’s especially effective for auto repair shops. Encourage your satisfied customers to refer their friends and family by offering incentives like discounts or free services. 

This will not only help you gain new customers but also increase the likelihood of receiving more five-star reviews from satisfied clients.

Step #9: Showcase your five-star reviews

Don’t be shy about sharing your positive reviews with potential customers. Display your five-star reviews prominently on your website, social media channels and even in your shop. 

This will help build trust with prospective clients and reinforce your commitment to excellent customer service.

Step #10: Continuously improve your services

Lastly, never stop striving for excellence. Regularly evaluate your processes, services and customer interactions to identify areas for improvement. 

By constantly working to enhance your auto repair services and customer experience, you’ll keep your current customers happy and attract new ones — which will ultimately result in more five-star reviews.

Getting five-star auto repair reviews requires a combination of exceptional customer service, transparent pricing, effective communication, strategic marketing and continuous improvement. 

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating a thriving business built on a foundation of satisfied customers and stellar online reviews. 

Are you ready to take your auto repair shop to the next level? Learn more and see our plans and pricing.

7 Local SEO Tips for Auto Shops

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

People in your area who are actively searching for the auto repair services you provide are some of the high-quality leads an auto shop could ask for. In order to get in front of them, you need local, auto shop SEO (search engine optimization).

Local SEO is the process of optimizing your online presence to attract more business from relevant local searches. It’s a crucial part of any auto shop marketing strategy, and the key to building long-term success for your business.

Keep reading to learn about seven key tips to help you make the most of local SEO for your auto shop.

1. Do local keyword research

The first step to a successful, local, auto repair SEO strategy is keyword research. You need to identify which keywords are most relevant to your business and which ones your target customers are using to search for auto shops and auto repair services in your area.

There are a number of different tools you can use to do keyword research, but a good place to start is with Google’s Keyword Planner. This tool lets you see how often certain keywords are being searched for and gives you ideas for related keywords that you can target.

2. Optimize your website for local keywords

Once you’ve identified the right local keywords, you need to make sure your auto repair website is optimized for them. That means including those keywords in your website’s content, title tags and meta descriptions. It also means making sure your website is mobile-friendly and load times are fast.

You should also consider embedding a Google map of your location on your auto shop website. This makes it easy for potential customers to find your auto shop, and it can also help your website rank higher in local search results.

3. Create local content

In addition to optimizing your website for local keywords, you should also create local content. That means writing blog posts and creating other forms of content, like social media posts, that are relevant to your target customers in your area.

For example, you could write a blog post about the most common car problems in your city or create a video tutorial on how to change a flat tire. By creating local content, you’ll not only attract more local customers, but you’ll also show search engines that your auto shop is relevant and authoritative.

4. Get listed in local directories

Another important part of local SEO for auto repair shops is making sure you’re listed in local directories. These are online directories that list businesses in specific categories and geographic areas.

Some of the most popular local directories include Google Business Profile, Yelp and Top Rated Local®. Getting listed in these directories is free, and it can help improve your visibility in local search results, especially if you optimize your listings.

5. Encourage customer reviews

Customer reviews are an important part of local SEO for auto shops. That’s because search engines, like Google, take them into account when determining which local businesses to rank higher in search results and map rankings.

In order to encourage customers to leave reviews, you can send them follow-up emails after they’ve visited your auto shop or include links to your review profiles on your website and social media accounts.

6. Be active on social media

Social media is another important part of local SEO for auto repair shops. That’s because search engines consider social signals when determining which local businesses to rank higher in search results. Social media is also likely where most people in your community spend their time online.

So, it’s important to be active on social media and to make sure your auto shop has a strong presence on the platforms that are most popular with your target customers. This includes creating social media profiles, posting regular updates and engaging with your followers.

7. Partner with other local businesses

Finally, one of the best ways to make the most of local auto shop SEO is to partner with other local businesses. This could involve partnering with a local tow truck company to get referrals or teaming up with a nearby hotel to offer discounts to out-of-town visitors who need auto repair services.

By partnering with other local businesses, you’ll not only attract more customers, but you’ll also show search engines — and potential customers — that your auto shop is an active and involved member of the community.

Local SEO is a crucial part of any auto repair marketing strategy. By following these seven tips, you can make sure your auto shop is visible to potential customers in your area and that you’re attracting the high-quality leads you need to grow your business.

With the Marketing 360® Content app, you can measure and maximize your organic local presence. Stay on track by monitoring key metrics, like keyword rankings, website traffic and more.

The Content app is just one of the many tools available to auto shops with Marketing 360. Marketing 360’s all-in-one auto repair marketing platform has everything you need to build a great website, connect with your community on social media and so much more.

Learn more and see our plans and pricing.

How to Avoid Common Vehicle Storage Issues

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

Believe it or not, long-term storage can be hard on your vehicle.

Lots of things are on pause right now, and with mandatory lockdowns across the country, many of us aren’t using our vehicles very much.

Most people haven’t given much thought to the potential consequences of storing their vehicles without use for so long, and that’s because most people don’t realize that those consequences exist in the first place. However, it’s important to know that there are many problems associated with vehicle storage, as well as what you can do to avoid them.

Today, I hope to help you keep your vehicle running smoothly by going over the most common issues associated with storing your vehicle and what you can do to prevent them.

Common Vehicle Storage Issues and How to Avoid Them

#1. Flat Spots

When your vehicle remains stationary for a long period of time, it means that the entire weight of your vehicle is bearing down on just one spot on your tires that entire time. That can result in the rubber flattening out on the affected portion of the tire.

Flat-spotting isn’t something that will happen in a couple of weeks, but after a month or more of storage, it’s definitely a concern you’ll want to be aware of.

One thing that can increase the risk of flat-spotting is low tire pressure. Make sure to keep your tire pressure at the appropriate levels, which you can find by checking the manufacturer’s recommendations.

#2. Dead Battery

It may seem counterintuitive, but when you drive your vehicle, you’re actually charging its battery. And, when your car is sitting idle for a long period of time, the battery isn’t getting the charge it needs and will eventually die completely. Just because your vehicle is off, it doesn’t mean that it’s not using the battery. This is especially true if you have a high-tech computer and an alarm system.

Disconnecting the battery for vehicle storage is a good way to prevent it from draining even faster/

#3. Fused Brake Pads

When brake rotors are left unused, rust will eventually start to form on them, which can actually cause the rotor to bind to the brake pads if left for too long. Another thing that can cause the brake pads to fuse to the rotors is leaving your car in “Park” for too long, which keeps the brake pad pressed up against the rotor.

If you’re parked on a flat, even surface, don’t store your vehicle with the parking brake on. If you’re parked on an incline, remember that brake repair is preferable to a runaway vehicle, but you can always use a tire stopper to keep your vehicle in place as an alternative.

#4. Paint Degradation

Not only can long-term storage lead to a number of mechanical problems for your vehicle, but it can also damage your vehicle’s paint job. Bird droppings, sun exposure, dust, tree sap, and even water spots from nearby sprinklers can all damage your vehicle’s paint job over time.

If you have the option, park in a garage or under a shelter to protect your vehicle from the elements. If that’s not an option, try to wash your vehicle every few weeks, or, at the very least, spot-clean any necessary areas as needed.

#5. Pest Damage

Parking in a garage helps to protect your vehicle from exposure to the elements. It’s a dry, safe place to put your vehicle, but for these same reasons, the garage is also an ideal home for many different pests, including rats and mice. Unfortunately, these pests can get into your vehicle and cause real damage, like chewed wires and belts.

You can prevent pests from getting into your vehicle by covering any gaps where they could get into it, like the air intake and exhaust pipe. Steel wool is an effective solution for this. You could also consider positioning rat poison or mouse traps around your vehicle. But, even if you take these precautions, check under the hood periodically for pest damage.

#6. Other Issues

The different fluids in your vehicle can degrade in their own way. For instance, the fuel in your vehicle can start to separate, leading to the accumulation of water vapor in your fuel tank. Hoses and gaskets need to be lubricated regularly in order to prevent them from drying out and cracking.

How do you avoid these common vehicle storage problems?

Although there are different steps you can take to eliminate or reduce the risk of some of the above problems, the number one thing you can do to protect your vehicle is simply to drive it every once in a while. Ideally, you should drive your vehicle for 15 to 20 minutes once every two weeks. This will keep everything lubricated, charged, and working like it should.

Find an auto shop near you with Top Rated Local®.

I hope that this blog will help you avoid any problems related to vehicle storage, but if the damage has already been done or your vehicle is in need of maintenance or some other repair, find an auto shop near you with Top Rated Local.

With our one-of-a-kind local business directory, you can read an auto repair shop’s reviews from across the web, which will help you find one you can truly trust.

When you do find the right local auto shop, be sure to call ahead. Many local businesses are operating under different hours, and if you have an appointment, it means less time in the waiting area. When you call, you can also get a good idea of how long the appointment will take. If it will take more than a few minutes, it might be worth arranging for someone to pick you up, if possible.

Find a local auto shop you can trust with Top Rated Local today!

Michigan’s Top Rated Local® Auto Shops Award Winner: ArborMotion

Posted on by Top Rated Local®

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that ArborMotion is an award winner for auto shops in 2019.

If you are looking for an auto shop that will take excellent care of your vehicle, look no further than this award-winning company!

ArborMotion has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across five different verified sites with an average rating of 4.75 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 97.54 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top three auto shops in Michigan!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“Arbor Motion has treated me and my cars so well over the past decade! They always give me clear, detailed information and provide their recommendations without ever being pushy. I trust them to take great care of my older car and feel confident that they are looking out for my best interests in their recommendations. They aren’t the cheapest place in town, but their service keeps my car running safety and sustainably, saving me money in the long run.” -Becca P.

It is because of excellent reviews like this that ArborMotion is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Auto Shop

We were excited to learn all about how ArborMotion has been able to build such an impressive reputation, so we sat down with the owner, Sebastian Gaeta.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes ArborMotion stand apart from their competitors. Sebastian told us that it all comes down to the way they do things at ArborMotion. He said that the main differences between his business and others are their technology, rates, and team.

Building Success By Putting The Customer First

There are many businesses out there that are looking to build as impressive a reputation as ArborMotion has managed to. We asked if Sebastian could share any expert advice with these companies. Here’s what they had to say:

“Stay customer focused and think of them at all times. I walk myself through the customer experience all the time to make sure they are fully happy at all times. You can’t think of it as ‘how is this good for me?’”

Congratulations to ArborMotion for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Sebastian for taking the time to speak with us!

Arkansas Top Rated Local® Auto Shops Award Winner: Evans Body Shop

Posted on by Top Rated Local®

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Evans Body Shop is an award winner for auto shops in 2019.

If you are looking for an auto shop that will get your vehicle up and running right, look no further than this award-winning company!

Evans Body Shop has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across three different verified sites with an average rating of 5.00 stars, earning them an excellent Rating Score™ of 96.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top three auto shops in Arkansas!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“I am so glad I chose Evans Body Shop for my recent repair, now I see why everyone recommends them!! I received top-notch service from start to finish. Evans kept me informed, via text message alert, (loved that) of the progress of my repair the whole time they had it, which wasn’t long—great turnover. And when it was all said and done they delivered a brand new, clean, vehicle that you could never even tell had been wrecked. Plus, they were super friendly. Great service, they now have a loyal customer should the need come about again in the future. Thank guys!” -Beth T.

It is because of positive reviews like this that Evans Body Shop is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Auto Shop

We were excited to learn all about how Evans Body Shop has been able to build such an incredible reputation, so we sat down with the owner and office manager, Misty Evans.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Evans Body Shop stand apart from their competitors. In Misty’s eyes, what most sets Evans Body Shop apart from their competitors is their ability to treat customers like family. She said, “Customers are treated differently here than other shops. Our work speaks for itself for quality and craftsmanship. We do lots of training for techs to make sure they are up to speed with new technologies and anything changing in the industry.”

Misty credits the Evans Body Shop success, in large part, to the team’s ability to stay up-to-date with technology. She told us that their mission is to treat every day like a new day and keep it fresh.

Building Success Through Teamwork

There are many businesses out there that are looking to build as stellar a reputation as Evans Body Shop has managed to. We asked if Misty could share any expert advice with these companies. Here’s what she had to say:

“Yours needs to be a good team. Build a solid foundation for all operations.”

Congratulations to Evans Body Shop for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to Misty for taking the time to speak with us!

Wisconsin’s Top Rated Local® Auto Shops Award Winner: Greitens Auto Service

Posted on by Top Rated Local

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Greitens Auto Service is not only the number one auto shop in Wisconsin, but one of the top 50 businesses in the state overall for 2019!

“I had some issues with my brakes, and the people at Greitens did a full inspection. They not only identified the brake issue, but also a few other things that were concerning and might need to be taken care of. They were honest about the price, and the repairs were finished within a timely fashion. I have no complaints. Thank you.” -Eric M.

That’s just one of the more than 300 outstanding reviews Greitens Auto Service has received on verified review sites, earning them a 99.06 Rating Score™, a 4.91 average star rating, and a 2019 Top Rated Local award!

Not Your Average Auto Shop

Kevin Burke, the owner of Greitens Auto Service, took some time to chat with our team regarding his business’ spectacular online reputation.

The very first thing we wanted to know was how Greitens Auto Service sets themselves so far apart from other auto shops in the area. He told us, “We focus on maintenance and repairs as opposed to being just a ‘fix-it’ shop. We keep their cars running as long as owners want them to run. We do digital inspections, so people can send us photos.”

The Greitens Auto Service mission is best summed up by their slogan, “Modern repairs, classic service.”

Building Success Through Hard Work

As an award-winning business, Greitens Auto Service is clearly doing something right. That’s why we couldn’t let Kevin go without finding out what he considers to be the Greitens Auto Service secret to success. He said, “We work really hard to make customers happy.”

The following is Kevin’s advice to other businesses that are working on their online reputation:

“I have been here so long, and I’ve found that if you treat the customers right and act in their best interest, it comes back to you.”

Congratulations to the team at Greitens Auto Service for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Kevin, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Greitens Auto Service in Milwaukee. Visit their website today!

North Carolina’s Top Rated Local® Auto Shops Award Winner: Darrell’s Garage

Posted on by Top Rated Local

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Darrell’s Garage is a 2019 award winner!

A 97.51 Rating Score™, a 4.95 average star rating, and more than 600 phenomenal reviews on verified review sites combine to make Darrell’s Garage a 2019 award winner! This is just one of the reviews that got them here:

“I’ve never had service this amazing before from an auto repair shop. I brought my Jeep in for a repair and they told me EXACTLY what it was and had it fixed in no time, [and] for a decent cost considering the difficulty of the job. Wish I lived in the area to know those guys are there to take care of my auto repair needs!” -Charles M.

Not Your Average Auto Shop

Terry, the owner of Darrell’s Garage, took some time to speak with us about his business’ excellent online reputation.

First things first, we wanted to know what it is that sets Darrell’s Garage apart from other businesses of the sort. He told us, “We do a follow-up call five to seven days after any service. We have a great culture and we do our best to make everyone feel comfortable.”

We were also particularly interested in finding out about the mission of the Darrell’s Garage team. “We try to treat people like family,” Terry said. “It’s not about the money to us.”

Building Success Through Integrity

Being an award-winning business, Darrell’s Garage is doing many things very right. That’s why we couldn’t let Terry go without finding out what he considers to be the Darrell’s Garage secret to success. He told us that they encourage people to review them. They are always trying to just be honest and tell people what their car actually needs. They are very transparent and trustworthy.

The following is Terry’s advice to other businesses:

“Keep your name out there. Keep business cards in your pocket.”

Congratulations to the team at Darrell’s Garage for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Terry, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Darrell’s Garage in Gastonia. Visit their website today!