This may seem far-fetched for but there are so many ways you can get more customers for your workshop quickly and cheaply. As Covid-19 continues to reap havoc on many Australian businesses, the automotive mechanical industry has stood tall and looks set to experience increased growth.
Here are a few tips on how you can get more customers for your workshop in 2021.
List your Workshop on Online Listing Websites
Statistics show that 81% of customers find their next mechanic by the internet. If your workshop is not listed online, you could be losing customers. To grow customers your workshop needs to list your business on popular websites such as Google Business, Yelp, Yahoo and Bing.
By listing your business on leading online platforms, you will give yourself maximum exposure to all potential customers in your local area. The reason you want to use multiple platforms instead of just Google is depending on the user's device type the search engine may vary. This way you can capture all potential leads not just those who use Google as their search engine.
The biggest benefit of listing your business online is it’s free! You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars advertising.
Automate reminders with past customers
Recurring revenue is king for all businesses. It has been proven that 47% of mechanic customers are repeats. With that being said you want to be sure that you are doing everything in your power to keep them coming back.
A great way for mechanics to retain loyal customers is by automating customer reminders through their workshop management system. Automating customer reminders gives you a complete solution that instantly sends customers reminders when they are due for services. SMS messages are opened by 94% of recipients so you will be sure that you will instantly get through to them.
To read more about Workshop Mate automated reminders click here.
Take advantage of social media
There is no greater tool for workshops in Australia than social media. Official figures show over 20 million Australians use social media daily.
It is so important that your workshop has an official business page on both Facebook and Instagram that allow customers to enquire and book for their next service. The biggest benefit of social media for workshop owners is there are no costs involved!
To read our full social media guide for workshops click here.
Provide a “Wow” customer experience
The auto repair industry is a competitive market. To grow customers you need to provide a service that customers can't get from another workshop. 72% of drivers feel anxiety around visiting an auto repair shop, you need to make sure they feel comfortable when they attend your workshop.
Simple things your workshop can use to provide something different includes:
- Send SMS reminders 24 hours before their appointment
- Leave a small, unexpected gift in the car e.g. car scents, stickers, fridge magnets etc.
- Give the car a quick clean after the service
Providing something different creates a wow factor. If a customer is impressed they will recommend you to a friend!
Research your competitors
As the saying goes keep your friends close and your competitors closer. To stay competitive in the auto repair industry you need to constantly research what the competition is offering. Customers want the best deal, if a competitor is offering them something cheaper, they will likely go to them. See what the competition is offering and try to offer customers something better.
Use Workshop Mate to manage your repair shop
For Workshop owners, Workshop Mate management software automates all the tasks involved with running a mechanical workshop. From parts inventory to job bookings and everything in between - Workshop Mate removes common business frustrations – freeing you up to focus on future growth.
Try it FreeGet your 14 Day Free Trial
In conclusion,
Building a successful workshop is no easy feat. But as mentioned there are many ways workshop owners can quickly and cheaply get more customers for their workshop in 2021. Using the examples above workshop owners can set themselves up for future growth.