Let’s face it we live in a digital world now. The main way that customers find their next Car Repair Workshop is by doing a Google search for local mechanics in their area. One of the most effective and free tools available to all Workshop owners to help capture local customers is Google My Business.
Using Google My Business will help your Workshop reach new customers, boost your Workshop’s reputation and will help you show up in customer searches. Workshop Mate has put together the complete guide that outlines how your Workshop can use Google My Business to grow your shop.
Let’s get into it!
1. What Is Google My Business and Why Is It Important?
Google My Business is a platform that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google’s various platforms, including Google Search and Google Maps. Having a strong Google My Business profile will instantly position your workshop and its services in front of potential customers when they are in the market looking for a car repair workshop.
The biggest advantages for Car Repair Workshops in Australia that use Google My Business include:
- Your Workshop will Appear in local search results when people search for services like yours.
- Your Workshop can provide essential information, like location, hours, and contact details without needing a prospect to visit your website or call.
- Your Workshop can showcase customer reviews and build trust with potential clients.
2. Setting Up Your Google My Business Profile
If your Workshop hasn’t got an active Google My Business profile, you will need to create and claim your business on the Google suite. Here is how you can setup a Google My Business account in Australia:
- Create a Google Account if you don’t already have one for your business.
- Go to Google My Business and select "Manage Now."
- Enter your Workshop’s name and address. You will need to make sure the address you input is accurate.
- Choose the correct business category, such as "Car Repair Shop" or "Auto Workshop,". This is vital as it will help Google match your shop with relevant customer searches.
- Add essential information about your Car Repair Workshop, including your phone number, Workshop Website (if you have one), and operating hours.
- After setting up your Workshops Google My Business account, you will be asked to verify your business location. Google will send a physical postcard with a verification code to the address you provided, and you’ll need to enter this code in your GMB account to confirm your business listing.
3. Optimising Your GMB Profile for Maximum Visibility
Setting up a Google My Business listing is one thing, using it to drive customers is a whole other task. An optimised GMB profile will greatly improve your shop’s chance of lead generation. Here’s how your workshop can optimise your profile:
Fill Out All Details Completely
Be sure to fill in all the required sections of the Google My Business profile. A fully completed GMB profile gives customers all the information they need and Google favour complete listings that provide the best information to their users over listings that do not. Make sure to include:
- Business hours, including holiday hours
- A brief description that outlines your Workshops services and products
- High-quality images of your workshop, equipment, and team
Use Keywords in Your Description
One of the best ways to optimise a Google My Business profile similar to the way you would optimise a website is through the use of Keywords. Keywords will help google understand what your Workshop is about and what it does. In your descriptions be sure to use keywords or phrases like "car repair workshop," "brake repair," "oil change," and "auto maintenance".
Add Photos and Videos
Photos and videos are a great way to make your workshops google my business profile more engaging and trustworthy. Think about including as many images as you can like:
- Your workshop’s interior and exterior
- Your team working on customer vehicles
- Completed repair jobs
Videos, such as a quick tour of your workshop or a brief introduction to your services, can add a personal touch and make customers feel more comfortable choosing you over other profiles that don’t have any visual content.
4. Leveraging GMB Reviews to Build Credibility
The most proven way to getting your Workshops listing at the top of Google searches is through gaining positive and 5-star customer reviews. Here’s how you can leverage reviews to build your credibility and optimise your Google My Business listing.
Ask Satisfied Customers for Reviews
After you have repaired or serviced a customer’s car, ask them to leave a review on your Google My Business page. Solutions like Workshop Mate can completely automate the process for you. In Workshop Mate, after your shop has completed a service or repair job, the system will automatically send an email and SMS to your satisfied customers with a link to your GMB profile asking them to leave a review of the experience.
Respond to All Reviews—Positive and Negative
Once you start to get reviews from your customers, make sure to engage with them. A simple “thank you” for positive feedback shows appreciation, while a polite, professional response to negative reviews demonstrates accountability and a commitment to improvement both of which will improve your Workshops credibility.
5. Posting Updates and Special Offers on GMB
A great feature of GMB is your Workshop can post updates and special offers to your profile. This can be a great way to engage with customers. GMB posts can include:
- Seasonal promotions or discounts that your Workshop may be running.
- New services your Workshop may have just added like EV repair or detailing.
- Important announcements, such as holiday hours or safety measures
- Informational posts on vehicle maintenance tips or “behind-the-scenes” looks
These updates not only engage existing customers but can also attract new ones searching for active, trustworthy workshops.
6. Using Insights to Track Performance and Improve Your Strategy
Google My Business provides insights that allow you to track how people are interacting with your Workshops listing. These insights show:
- How customers find your Workshop for example if it is from direct search, paid etc.
- Where customers view your business on Google for example Search vs. Maps.
These insights are valuable because they help you understand what’s working and where you might improve. For example, if most customers find you through Maps, consider adding more photos or optimising location information. If you’re getting many calls, make sure you have staff ready to answer inquiries.
7. Using GMB Messaging to Connect with Customers
GMB’s messaging feature allows customers to contact you directly from your profile. Enabling messaging is a great way to make it easier for people to reach you with questions about services, prices, or availability.
To enable messaging:
- Go to the Google My Business app on your mobile device.
- Navigate to the messaging section and enable it.
- Set up a quick response message for frequently asked questions.
This feature is especially beneficial if you want to capture leads quickly before they consider other repair shops.
8. Managing and Updating Your GMB Profile Regularly
To get the most out of your GMB profile, make it a habit to:
- Update your Workshop hours, especially during holidays
- Add new photos periodically
- Post updates about special offers or changes in services
- Keep an eye on reviews and respond promptly
Regularly managing your profile keeps your listing fresh and signals to Google and customers that your workshop is active, reliable, and engaged.
Final Thoughts
Google My Business is a powerful tool that can make a significant difference in growing your car repair workshop. By setting up a fully optimized profile, gathering reviews, posting updates,
DISCLAIMER: The content within this blog does not constitute professional advice and is intended to be general in nature. Please consult with all relevant parties prior to making any decision.
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About Workshop Mate,
Workshop Mate by Jeal is an Australian, Web-based, Workshop Management Software that simplifies and automates the daily tasks of running a mechanical Workshop. Using innovative technologies, Workshop Mate removes common frustrations experienced at the Workshop – opening your doors for future growth.
Workshop Mate features include Job Management, Stock Management, Quotes, Invoicing, Integrated Accounting, Barcoding, Customer Bookings, Service History, Job Allocation and more – in the one central, easy-to-use application.
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