As the auto repair industry operates in a highly competitive market with dealers performing the same services like brake repair, oil change, engine repair, inspection and preventative maintenance etc. at similar price points, you need to build your online reputation to stand out.
Follow these 3 proven best practices to get more reviews on Google:
- Ask for reviews - People are not mind readers (at least most of your customers are not), so if you need more ‘Reviews’ you should ask. It’s that simple. Here’s a fun fact - 77% of consumers would be willing to leave an online review if asked. Try to ask your customers for reviews at every touchpoint in the buyer journey to capture their opinion on Google.
While your techs or service writers might be asking customers to leave a review at checkout, or you are already sending review requests via email to customers, try this pro tip below to get 100 more reviews in a month.
Pro Tip - Automate your review collection process. At the end of each transaction, let your point-of-sale system automatically send a text message to customers asking them for a Google review. Research shows that SMS open rates are as high as 98%, compared to just 20% of all emails. You can personalize the text message by customer’s name, directly through your POS system, thank them for their business and provide a direct link for customers to leave you a Google review.
- Reply to reviews to build your customers' trust. Whether you receive a positive or a negative review it’s important to respond as soon as you can to show customers and (Google) that you are committed to customer satisfaction. When your customers notice that your business values their input, they will be more likely to leave reviews.
But responding to reviews should not take you hours. Creating review templates can help you respond to more reviews in less time. To get you started, here are 5 review response templates from ASA Automotive that you can use right now (just copy and paste) :)
- Embed Google reviews widget on your website - Customers respond to social proof. Social proof is the concept that people will follow the actions of the masses. If lots of other customers say that your shop offers great and reliable auto repair services at a reasonable cost, other customers will want to check it out. The reviews on your website will not only help you convert more customers, but also give that added inspiration for an existing customer to leave a review in wake of everyone else doing it. That’s the power of social proof :)
Plus, it’s no secret that your website ranking will improve by adding a reviews widget as search engines (Google in particular) love organic (user-generated) content, which often contain keywords, phrases and links that are associated with and specific to your business.
Do you want to see how you can collect more reviews, personally respond to 500+ reviews in 30 seconds and add a review widget on your website? Please book some time on Chris Laub's calendar here or call right away (800)-336-1615.
Along with an ‘All-in-One’ Auto Repair Software, Pace provides a full spectrum of digital marketing services, including: Online reputation management, review building, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), automated chat and messaging platform to help you attract and convert more website visitors.
