As the owner or manager of an auto repair shop, it is your job to promote the business. This is the best way to spread the word about your shop and begin to bring in new customers from the area. You can use some traditional advertising techniques, such as an ad in the local paper, but this should not be the only method. You will notice that most of these promotion tips can actually be applied to any business with a few tweaks, although the descriptions here are geared for auto repair shops.

Use Social Networking
Don’t ever underestimate the ability of social networking to promote your repair shop. Word-of- mouth is one of the best ways to get your business known and social media can make this even easier. Instead of just making a Facebook page or Twitter profile, use them to your advantage. Offer a discount or free service (such as an oil change) for people who like or follow you. You can also use the page to announce deals before they are announced anywhere else so people see the benefit of following you on social media. Remember to make it about more than just advertising, however. To keep customers following you, offer tips for auto repair and maybe some funny car-related stories.

Create A Referral Program
Because word-of-mouth is great for promoting your auto repair shop, you want to take advantage of referrals as much as you can. People tend to feel more confident about going to a new repair shop if someone they know already goes there; they know they won’t be overcharged or taken advantage of, something many people are concerned about with auto repair. The best way to get your customers to make referrals is to offer an incentive. Simple things work well, whether it is a free tire rotation or oil change, or just a discount for each referral.

Hold Events
Potential customers need to not only know that your repair shop exists, but also realize that it is easily accessible and that your team cares about drivers. A great way to do this is to host a clinic or workshop of some sort that teaches potential clients something important about their cars, such as why they should winterize their vehicles and how to do it. You can even simply host customer appreciation events. Any event will increase awareness of your business and bring in more customers.

Develop Your Website
Even in today’s modern world, some businesses are lacking in terms of website development. If you don’t have a website, you should make one as soon as possible. Although the page can be fairly simple, you still want it to be eye-catching and easy to navigate. If you already have a website, make sure it is navigable and includes all the pertinent information, such as location, hours, services, and more. Include your repair shop’s contact information and a form to ask questions. Consider adding in some frequently asked questions, price estimates for various services, and the option to sign up for a weekly newsletter with one-time deals, discounts, and automotive tips.