Any small, independent auto repair shop needs an online presence if they want to succeed in today’s digital world. In fact, research indicates that 65% of customers search the web for the services and products they need before making a purchase decision.
Without a website, your auto repair shop may miss out on plenty of potential customers and give them to your competitors.
Creating and managing a website requires more than just a few clicks. You must include the right components to get the most out of your website. To learn more, keep reading.
Car Repair Website Must-Haves
If your auto repair website isn’t drawing in customers, it could be due to a design issue. Here are some essential elements to boost your website’s visibility and make it more searchable.
Clear Branding
Visitors won’t take notice of your car shop website if it looks just like all the others. Utilize an attention-grabbing logo, professional and cohesive visuals, and a unique color scheme to make your website stand out from the competition. All visual elements on your site should work together to create a strong brand identity for your auto shop.
You should also tie your website into all other marketing plans to promote your car repair business. Make sure your website is part of the bigger picture.
Good Content
Many automotive repair shops believe that simply listing their business hours and services on their website is enough to attract customers. However, this is not the case.
You must produce content regularly to optimize your website. Your content should be structured and well-written to make it easier for search engines like Google to find. Blog posts or auto repair tips can be a great way to engage potential customers and increase job orders.
Mobile-friendly Design
In 2016, mobile phones surpassed desktop computers in internet usage, and this trend has only continued to grow. Google has responded to this shift by adjusting its SEO metrics to favor mobile-friendly websites over those designed to only function properly on desktops. In fact, Google even penalizes sites that are not mobile-friendly. As a result, mobile-friendly design is now among the top 3 factors that Google considers when determining how high your website will rank in search results.
Your website should be compatible with both smartphones and desktop computers to optimize it for mobile devices. Since a mobile screen is much smaller than a desktop computer’s, your content may appear distorted if not optimized.
Appealing Home Page
Your website’s home page should be engaging and clear so that visitors know exactly what your auto shop offers and what they can expect from your services. Make sure it is easy to navigate, has relevant and interesting content, and contains a prominent call to action button. Include a brief description of your services, photos of satisfied customers, and other elements to help visitors understand your value. The links to other pages also should be easy to find and understand.
Online Appointment Field
The online appointment field is a great way for independent auto shops and service-based businesses to increase their customer base. With an easy-to-use online appointment scheduling tool, customers can conveniently schedule a visit to your shop without making a phone call. This improves customer experience and is an effective marketing strategy for any auto repair shop.
Optimized Service Pages
Service pages are essential for any website as they provide visitors with the information they need. When creating your service page, include features such as:
- A clear and concise description of what you’re offering;
- high-quality images of your products and services; and
- SEO-friendly keywords and phrases that will help with search rankings.
User-friendly Interface
You must put a lot of thought and effort into your website’s design to make it user-friendly. You can either create your own unique design or follow other auto repair website templates.
You can always hire web designers and developers or contact a digital marketing agency that offers web design services. Hiring experts in automotive SEO and web design strategies will ensure your website is both visually appealing and easy to navigate.
Customer Testimonials
Although all information on your auto repair website is important, customer testimonials give visitors a more accurate representation of what to expect. Genuine, unfiltered reviews from satisfied customers can influence your potential customers’ decisions. Incorporating several customer reviews on your website increases the chances of people booking an appointment with you.
Clear Call to Action
Service-based companies like car repair shops need a clear and visible call-to-action button on their websites to maximize their business. This button should be visible and accessible 24/7, allowing customers to easily make appointments with the company after hours when the garage doors have closed.
Key Takeaway
Your auto repair shop’s website should represent your values and services to potential customers. Simplicity is key to offering a great website that will help spread awareness of your business. A well-designed website also has significant business value and makes it easier for people to find your shop.
