Busy shops still need marketing. These 12 plays protect your calendar, lift ARO, and bring back lapsed customers—without needing a full-time marketer.
Want tools that automate reminders and capture payments? See how Garage360 help auto repair shop marketing
Table of Contents
Google Business Profile Hygiene
Review Asks via Post-Service SMS
“DVI of the Week” (Anonymized)
Seasonal Safety Campaigns
Maintenance Reminder Cadence
Lost-Customer Winbacks
Referral Loop (Simple & Trackable)
Tire/Brake Bundles with Deposits
Local Partnerships (Gyms, Apartment Managers)
Technician Spotlight Posts
Website Offers that Don’t Devalue
Email + SMS Pairing
1) Google Business Profile Hygiene
Update hours, services, categories, and photos monthly.
Post an offer or update weekly.
Track calls and direction requests.
2) Review Asks via Post-Service SMS
Text a direct link 2 hours after pickup.
Script: “If we earned 5⭐ today, would you mind leaving a quick review? It helps a lot!”
3) “DVI of the Week”
Anonymized photo (e.g., 2 mm pad) + 20-word explanation + “What to watch for.”
Educates without fear tactics; builds trust.
Also read: What is Digital Vehicle Inspection DVI
4) Seasonal Safety Campaigns
Align with weather/holiday travel; offer 7-point checks.
5) Maintenance Reminder Cadence
Oil change: due date + 2-week reminder + 1-month winback.
Pair reminder with text-to-book link.
6) Lost-Customer Winbacks
6–9 months of no visits? Send “We saved your settings” + small perk.
7) Referral Loop
“Refer a friend, both get $20 off.” Track with unique codes.
8) Tire/Brake Bundles with Deposits
Bundle parts + labor; collect deposit at booking to cut no-shows.
9) Local Partnerships
Concierge pickup with apartment managers; bulletin boards at gyms.
10) Technician Spotlight
Short video or portrait; “3 tips I wish every driver knew.” Humanizes your brand.
11) Website Offers that Don’t Devalue
Add value (free alignment check) instead of permanent discounts.
12) Email + SMS Pairing
Email tells the story; SMS is the nudge with the booking link.
Assets & Scripts (Copy-Paste)
Review ask: “Thanks again today—here’s our quick link if we earned 5⭐: [link].”
Reminder: “You’re due for service next week. Tap to book: [link].”
Winback: “We’ve kept your details on file—want us to pencil you in Friday?”
What to Track
CTR on booking links, reviews per month, return rate, ARO on bundled jobs.
- Get free Auto repair shop appointments software
CTA + Resources
Product help: Invoicing & Payments for auto repair shop
Brand: Garage360