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.
