Auto repair blogs give you the short, sweet, and relevant of the auto repair marketing world. Consider how quickly things change in marketing. From social media trends to Google’s algorithms, there’s a lot to do and many things to keep an eye on. As a mechanic, keeping up with the marketing tactics that work best in the auto repair industry can be the key to a successful marketing plan.
These top five blogs are filled with valuable, practical marketing tactics. Bookmark and read them regularly for the latest information you need.
1. Ratchet + Wrench
Ratchet + Wrench is a well-rounded website just about any auto shop owner can benefit from. They offer information across all areas of running a successful auto shop, including marketing. Through their blog, you can read more about real world success stories and trends within the industry. Plus, you may get answers to your burning questions about running an automotive business–including the ins and outs of auto repair shop marketing. From how to budget a year-long marketing plan, to an expert’s take on pay per click ads, Ratchet + Wrench does a great job of providing practical insight for auto shop owners. Content categories include Tools and Equipment, Leadership, Sales and Marketing, and more. Because Ratchet + Wrench is really an online magazine, accessing premium articles requires a subscription.2. Spectrio
Spectrio is an in-store marketing agency specializing in wifi-marketing and digital signage. Because they work so closely with many auto repair shops, their blog includes a whole section on ways to implement these types of marketing for your business. We love this blog because each post is simple and easy to read. It will only take you a few minutes to read through one of their posts. At the end, you’ll get actionable tips on how to improve your in-store marketing and increase your average purchase amount. You’ll be able to promote your products, upsell services, and engage your customers in a way that will keep them coming back.3. Auto Shop Owner
Being in the biz and all, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of AutoShopOwner. But did you know about their online forums? Forums are great because they connect you with other auto repair shop owners, giving you the opportunity to literally talk shop. Not only can you post questions for other people to answer, but you can also give feedback from your own experiences. From General Business to Management to Resources & Events, you’ll find a wealth of knowledge for questions you may have every day. In addition, you can chat with other members of the community and hear what they’ve done at their own shops. This is a great way for you to make decisions you know can be implemented in your own business.4. Repair Shop Websites
Just as the name implies, Repair Shop Websites provides personalized websites to help auto repair shop owners grow their business. Even if you aren’t in need of a website, you can still benefit from visiting their online Resource Center which provides business and marketing advice through auto repair blogs, infographics, webinars, and even a podcast. They have some very relevant information about things like “Should you respond to Google reviews about your shop.” They also offer a Podcast called The Busy Bays with practical marketing advice that you might like to listen to for practical information about growing profits for your auto shop.5. Tuffy Tire & Auto Service
Tuffy is an automotive franchise with a long history of high-quality service and treating their customers with honesty and respect. With over 45 years in business, they must be doing something right, so it’s only natural that we would recommend taking a page from their [virtual] book. While Tuffy’s blog posts mainly cover automotive franchising, they do occasionally span out to include trends in the industry and general advice for successfully running an auto repair shop, such as how to make your auto repair shop the best in the area. If you own a franchise or are thinking about purchasing one, Tuffy’s blog is your go-to resource. Even if you’re an independent auto shop owner, their content is always well thought out and backed by years of real, hands-on experience. That can give you some new insight into increasing customers and profits for your auto repair shop.Which Auto Repair Blogs Will You Read First?
Now that we’ve gone over the best auto repair blogs to follow, which one is at the top of your list? Remember, a little light reading can either make your shop purr like a well-serviced engine or fall apart like an old jalopy. We updated this post on July 20, 2020.
By Talitha Turkin
By Eric Shafer