It can take a few weeks or several months to see improvement in the online reputation of your auto repair shop. The key depends on your ability to make reputation management a proactive strategy for your auto repair shop, not a reactive one.
No reputation online yet? It will take less time for new shops to get up and running with positive reviews.
Existing reputation that needs work? Prepare for a longer haul as it can take several weeks or months to turn around a not-so-stellar online reputation.
Best advice in either scenario: Start with a baseline metric of where your auto repair shop’s reputation stands online today so you can begin measuring improvements.
Core Elements of a Great Reputation Management Strategy
Your auto repair shop NEEDS a robust reputation management strategy. As a service-based business with a local target audience, tracking customer experiences has to be a top priority. And while there are complex layers to an effective reputation management initiative, the speed with which you can expect a positive online reputation essentially boils down to three pillar components.
1. Addressing Negative Content Quickly
Don’t let negative reviews linger online without responding. And never adversely engage with anyone or argue publicly. Google suggests the following tips for responding techniques with the fastest and most effective results:
- Thank the reviewer for taking the time to share their experience.
- Respond quickly, usually within 24 hours.
- Keep it courteous and professional – your brand reputation depends on it.
- Start by “understanding” the reviewer’s concerns.
- Apologize sincerely.
- Take the conversation offline to discuss remedies.
- Use an authentic profile and sign off personally so reviewers (and the public) know you’re a real person responding.
2. Bury Negatives with Ongoing Positive Content
Unless there’s an egregious violation of terms with the review, which is rare, you won’t be able to remove negative content about your shop online. But you can address
it professionally and essentially drown it in better quality, positive content. You do that by:- Actively seek new customer reviews with text messages after service or email campaigns with convenient links to review sites.
- Producing high-quality content on your shop’s website, including blog posts.
- Generating positive buzz about your shop’s connection to the community with promotions and social media engagement.
- Continuously promote rave reviews on all your channels.
3. Establishing Positive Reviews and Content
The simplest way to get more positive reviews is to ask. Ask service customers to leave a positive review on common review platforms for auto repair shops, like:
- RepairPal
- Yelp
- Carfax
Contact our Marketing Coaches, and let’s develop a strategy and manage the reputation for your tire and auto shop!
Learn About Conceptual Minds
As veterans of the automotive industry, the Conceptual Minds team are experts at growing car counts through effective and personable marketing. If you are unsure of your current marketing strategy and would like some guidance, contact us today.