Are you struggling to get your auto repair shop noticed online?
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the most powerful tools to attract local customers to your shop. If it is not properly optimized, you are likely missing out on calls, appointments, and revenue.
This guide walks you through how to fully optimize your GBP so your shop appears in local search results right when potential customers are looking for services like yours.
When someone searches for terms like “brake repair near me” or “oil change [your city],” Google typically displays local results in what is known as the “map pack.” Businesses with well-optimized profiles consistently earn the top spots in these listings.
According to recent studies, more than 90 percent of consumers choose businesses on the first page of local search results. Google Business Profiles appear even before traditional websites in many cases.
Your GBP is often the first impression a potential customer will have of your shop, and while it is free to use, it requires proper setup and maintenance.
If you need help getting your listing fully optimized, we have a free Google business profile audit.
Go to Google Business Profile to claim your shop’s listing. Make sure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are:
Pro tip: Use a local phone number and a business email tied to your domain (such as contact@429marketing.com).
Your primary category should directly reflect your main service. For most, this will be:
You can then add secondary categories that match your specialties, such as:
Your business description should communicate who you are, what you do, and where you operate. It should also include relevant search terms naturally.
Example:
“Joe’s Auto Repair has served drivers in Youngstown, OH since 2004. From brake repair to engine diagnostics, we help customers stay safe on the road. We are ASE-certified and committed to providing same-day service whenever possible.”
Include your service area, specialties, and unique value proposition. Stay under 750 characters.
Photos and videos help potential customers evaluate your shop and signal activity to Google. Focus on:
Use free tools to geotag (embed the location the picture or video was taken into the image) your media with your business’s coordinates. This helps with local visibility in search.
Google Posts let you share short updates directly on your profile. Try to post at least once per week. You can share:
Each post should include a relevant image, a short message, and a call to action such as “Call Now” or “Book Online.”
Reviews strongly influence local rankings and customer decisions. They also help build trust.
Ask your satisfied customers to leave a review using a direct link or QR code. Respond to all reviews—positive or negative—with professionalism. Try to include keywords naturally in your responses.
Example: “Thank you for trusting us with your brake repair in Youngstown. We appreciate your business.”
You can view our Google Business Profile here to see how we manage reviews and content.
Many auto shops miss out on leads by making these common GBP mistakes:
Avoiding these errors is key to gaining and keeping visibility.
At 429 Marketing, we specialize in Google optimization and marketing for local auto repair shops. From Google Business Profile setup to content strategy and website design, we help businesses like yours show up, get chosen, and grow.
Ready to improve your local visibility and get more calls? Get your free Google Profile audit today.