One of the simplest, yet most effective ways to kick-start an auto service marketing campaign is to leverage your Google My Business profile. This listing can help your auto service company be found in Google’s organic search results by local customers in need of car repair services. The information listed within your GMB profile is what Google’s local search algorithm pulls from when returning local-based search queries.

The category of your listing is the first indicating factor Google’s algorithm pulls, and then your description helps it to understand what kind of auto services your business provides, and your business address determines whether or not your listing is a good fit based on the geographical location of the individual performing the search.

While completing a Google My Business profile seems like an easy enough task, it’s the little fine tweaking and optimization based on search intent, location, and services offered, which helps propel a listing to the top of Google Maps listings.

Optimizing your Google My Business profile is one of the first steps of our fully managed auto service marketing campaigns. There are several ways you can improve your listing and also different features that can be leveraged to drive more exposure in the search results and convert more auto services leads for your business.

1. Collect as Many Auto Service Google Reviews as Possible from Past Customers

Google reviews for your auto services business are extremely valuable for multiple reasons. They contribute to improved auto service SEO, and they also give your business social proof that can help influencer consumers to choose your business over a competitor.

We focus on collecting auto service Google Reviews for your business on auto-pilot. Our goal is to secure as many as possible from all of your past customers, and once our system is in place, moving forward we can secure a high percentage rate. There are two main reasons why Google reviews are so important:

● Improved Auto Service SEO: Google’s local algorithm considers reviews. The number of reviews, your average rating, and the frequency and freshness of your reviews are all taken into consideration. Google’s goal is to show its users the best results, and a local business with great reviews and recent reviews is likely going to be a very good option for someone looking for the service that business provides.

● Strong Social Proof: Consumers trust third-party reviews the same way they trust a recommendation from a close friend. When someone is looking for a local auto service business and they see a lot of positive reviews they are going to feel confident about bringing their car in for service.

Over the years we have found that most auto service companies know the importance of Google reviews, but they simply didn’t have the time or systems in place to properly collect them consistently.

When we become your marketing partner all of this will be handled behind the scenes, allowing you to focus on operating your auto services business and servicing your customers. The heavy lifting is done by our team, all designed to keep your phone ringing off the hook and customers walking through your doors.


2. Offer Text Message Communication Directly from Your Google My Business Listing

There is one feature built into your Google My Business profile that you might not be utilizing, and if you aren’t, you are missing out on a lot of potential customers. A large percentage of all searches originate on mobile devices. When a local customer comes in contact with your business on Google Maps they can either click-to-call, get directions, or visit your website.

Did you know that you can also offer them the option of texting your business? It’s very easy to set up within your GMB settings. You simply provide a mobile number to receive and send from (this is never shown publicly so you can use your cell phone number), verify the number, and then you are all set. It’s that simple.

We live in a day and age where text messaging is the preferred way to communicate. Offering this option will result in more inbound leads. It’s an auto service local marketing tip that we suggest all of our clients implement.

Some local customers might have a quick question, and while they won’t pick up the phone to call directly, they will send a text message. By offering this option you will see an influx of interest and warm leads that can be converted into customers fairly quickly with little to no resistance.

Field text inquiries, answer questions and then offer to perform the needed service. YOu can also offer special deals and incentives to get the customer to commit to bringing his or her car in for service the same day. These are very warm leads that will close at a very high rate.

3. Rewrite Your GMB Description and Optimize It for Local Search

As mentioned previously, your Google My Business profile description plays a major role in the auto service search engine optimization effort. There are several opportunities to capture organic traffic, but the Google Maps listings are the premier real estate for local searches.

The Maps results are the first organic results, so for a local search, your GMB listing will be shown above your regular website every time. Being found in the top of the traditional search results is great, and something we also focus on, but the Maps results are the prime focus area for local-based searches.

Our team of auto services SEO experts optimize GMB descriptions to help tell Google what services your business offers and what local geographical areas you service. This is an ongoing process, and constant changes are made to help not only increase the visibility and number of leads but the number of leads that convert to customers.

More clicks and traffic is great, but unless it’s translating to paying customers the campaign will not deliver a strong ROI. Our competitive advantage is that we only work with auto service businesses, which means our team understands your industry and business model. Using an analytical approach we look at the campaign data and make changes that deliver measurable results.

4. Create a “Posts” Feed and Stay Consistent with Timely Offers and Updates

A large percentage of the auto service customers walking into your business are coming in the same day that their issue or problem began. They tend to have an immediate need and are seeking a fast solution to the problem at hand.

Their search will typically begin on Google and they are making a quick decision – this is where a strong first impression can benefit you greatly. Top rankings and a large number of reviews can get someone to quickly pick your auto service business over another local option.

It’s important to do everything possible to drive attention to your listing over the other available options. Google My Business recently rolled out a new option that can help you attract more attention, and it’s called “Posts,” which is a feed on your profile similar to a social media feed.

This allows you to post timely messages that display on your actual GMB listing, as well as in the search results in some situations. Post special offers, discounts, or just news relevant to your business.

Each post is limited to 300 words and they automatically expire in seven days. You also have the opportunity to set a shorter expiration date. Use catchy headlines and special offers to generate more organic auto service leads. It’s also a good idea to add a call-to-action in each post.

Don’t assume the potential customer is going to take it upon themselves – make it easy by including a CTA that takes them to a webpage where they can schedule an appointment or contact your business via text, a phone call, phone submit, or pull up directions to your business.

5. Audit Your Listing Details and Contact Information Regularly

Many times when auditing Google My Business profiles we find outdated contact information. From old phone numbers to incorrect addresses – we have seen it all. It’s always a good idea to perform an in-depth Google My Business profile audit at the beginning of a campaign, but also every quarter moving forward.

Some businesses will use a new phone number in the GMB profile for call-tracking purposes and then forget to change it back after the campaign is finished. A suite number or other address details might be incomplete. All of these little details are important.

Your NAP (business name, address, and phone number) need to be consistent across the internet – not just on your Google My Business profile. Google’s local search algorithm is advanced. If it notices inconsistent contact information it will assume the business might not be open or it has relocated.

Maintaining a consistent NAP across all business directories and local profiles build trust, making Google’s algorithm confident that your business is a solid recommendation for its users.

Final Thoughts

Creating a Google My Business profile is more than likely something you did years ago, as the majority of local businesses have a listing – it’s just not optimized to help enhance the auto service marketing as well as it should be.

It takes years of experience to know what changes will make the most positive impact on your organic visibility. Our auto services marketing agency understands how to build out GMB profiles that perform well in search, and our team of auto service marketing experts constantly work on strengthening the listing by attracting more reviews and attracting more calls, texts, and leads – local customers in immediate need of auto services.

While your Google My Business profile is just one little aspect of the overall auto service marketing campaign, it’s a very important component when it comes to local SEO.

Interested in learning what our team of auto service marketing experts can do to help your business grow online? Contact us now to receive a free consultation, which includes a complete online audit and strategy session to determine how we can help you generate more local customers.

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