Every auto body shop needs effective marketing to run a successful business. The right marketing plan helps get your business noticed. Your advertisements engage your existing customers and draw in new clients so you can increase your revenue.
A successful marketing campaign doesn’t have to break your small business’ budget. Cost-effective marketing ideas for auto body repair shops include using social media, creating customer rewards programs, and sending out service reminders.
What is Marketing?
Marketing helps your business create a brand identity by promoting your business and the services or products you offer to your target audience. Body shop marketing allows your company to stand out from your competitors and show off your value.
Increasing your brand awareness helps get potential customers in your door and maintains a relationship with existing patrons so your auto repair store can make more sales.
Marketing involves planning your campaign and the advertisements used to market your business. An auto body shop marketing guide can help you identify your brand’s attributes and understand what marketing tools you can work with on a budget.
Marketing Tools for Auto Body Shops
Marketing requires the right tools for the job, just like auto repair. Your business will need to gather information so you can produce marketing materials for your campaigns. You’ll need to create your business logo and branding images to use consistently throughout your marketing materials. Your auto repair shop will also need to put together a marketing plan and budget every year.
Your business may want to produce a promotional booklet to use for marketing campaigns. This booklet will contain important information about your business along with photos of your team and auto body shop. It’s also smart to include before-and-after shots of repaired cars to advertise your services.
Budget-Friendly Marketing Ideas
There are plenty of low-cost marketing ideas for body shops to implement as part of their strategy. These methods allow you to stay in touch with existing customers and help attract new clients to your business.
Service reminders
It’s easy to lose out on business because customers forget they need their car serviced. Sending out service reminders by mail, email, or text lets your customers know you’re still interested in providing care for their vehicle.
You can use these same methods to remind your customers about upcoming appointments or send notices about repairs for new car recalls.
Rewards program
Reward your customers for their loyalty. Offer discounted or free collision repair services to loyal clients as a way to show your appreciation for their business. This could be in the form of a punch card, earning rewards after a certain number of visits, or after receiving specific services.
Offering discounted services won’t hurt your bottom line if the promotion generates more sales, and you’ll add value to your customer’s experience so they’ll come back in the future. People love being rewarded, and it encourages them to be repeat customers.
Ask for reviews
Body shop businesses rely on referrals and reviews to bring in consistent work. Ask your customers to give a review after their service is complete to instill confidence in new clients who are considering your business. You can have them fill out a short survey in person or online to rate their experience.
You can also ask satisfied customers if they’re willing to write a testimonial about your business. Encouraging your customers to refer your business to their friends, family, and coworkers helps bring in new clientele by word of mouth.
Contribute to your community
Getting involved in community events is another low-cost marketing idea for auto body shops. Your business can help host or sponsor car-related events like safety demonstrations or workshops for new drivers.
These programs are affordable to host and get your business noticed. Handing out flyers, brochures, or offering specials during these events shows people why they should choose your auto shop.
Run specials
Send out coupons or offer limited-time specials to encourage your customers to make service appointments. Coupons and specials can be mailed or emailed to existing customers and advertised locally to help bring in new business. People are more likely to book service when they feel like they’re getting a deal.
Provide good customer service
Treating your customers well and providing excellent service is a free way to market your business and build trust. Customers will appreciate you solving their problems in an efficient and friendly manner.
Their positive experience will keep them coming back for other services and make them more likely to refer your business to others. Impress your clients with quality service and a professional, friendly attitude. A happy customer is a customer for life.
Use social media
Use social media sites like Facebook to advertise your auto shop. The average adult spends about 2.5 hours per day on social media sites and apps. People use social media to contact loved ones and keep up-to-date with their favorite businesses and groups. Creating a social media account for your business is an easy way to tap into your audience for free.
Business Pages on Facebook allow you to post important information about your business, including your hours of operation and the services you provide. They’re also a great way to interact with your customers. You can advertise your services and specials for free on your Facebook page or pay for a more targeted approach using Facebook Ads.
Local Marketing With IndoorMedia
Local advertising and marketing strategies are perfect for small businesses like yours. Hyperlocal advertising in grocery stores and on bus benches represents a few types of local advertising for auto shops.
IndoorMedia has over 30 years of experience helping small businesses plan and carry out local marketing plans. Our auto shop advertising campaigns focus on budget-friendly techniques like using grocery store ads and creating promotional coupons.
Contact us today for assistance with your auto shop’s marketing needs.