It goes without saying in today’s digital world that a strong online presence is key to the success of your auto business.
But whether you’re running an automotive aftermarket restoration, performance, or race shop, you’re already super busy tending to the day-to-day operations of your business.
So, how can you also be expected to create and maintain a stellar online presence that attracts and delights your ideal target audience?
In this blog, we’ve broken down the elements of building your company’s online presence into six easy steps.
But first, let’s look at why investing your time and resources into establishing a strong presence online is a must for any business in the automotive industry.
Why does your automotive business need a presence online?
If you think the online world is just for kids, we have bad news for you.
Almost 30% of all business in the US happens entirely online.
So, if you don’t already have an online business presence, you’re immediately already losing some of your competitive edge by not maintaining a competitive edge.
How can having a solid and consistent online presence benefit your business?
- Builds brand awareness within your target market
- Increases organic traffic to your website
- Allows you to engage with your ideal audience
- Establishes customer trust and legitimizes your brand
- Builds customer relationships and loyalty
- Drives customer sales up and your business forward
Not bad, right?
Now that you’re feeling ready to launch your business into the online world, let’s get right into how you can make that happen with these simple steps.
How to grow your business online by creating a strong online presence
1. Draw in potential customers with an attractive website
Your website is often the first impression many potential customers will have of your automotive business.
And with
75% of internet users judging the integrity of your business
based on your website’s design, it’s super important that you impress them right off the starting line.
An outdated website will damage your business's reputation and decrease the possibility of reaching your target audience, let alone converting them into the loyal customers you're looking for.
Invest in a website that not only looks slick and professional but gives potential customers a seamless user experience with a super easy-to-use design.
2. Optimize your website for search engines and mobile devices
We all know that a shiny coat of paint won't make the car run smoothly – it's what's under the hood that counts. Likewise, making your website attractive and user-friendly are not the only contributing factors to its success.
Just as the cars you work on need to be regularly serviced, your website needs to be strategically updated to ensure it’s performing at the highest possible level.
Search engine optimization
Search engine optimization (SEO) refers to optimizing the structure and content of your website so that it ranks well on Google and appears higher on search engine result pages.
Update the text on your website with the same keywords your target audience uses to search for your products or services online. These keywords, gathered in local SEO research, make your website easier to find online and direct more traffic to your business.
Sounds confusing? Don’t worry; we've designed our
Marketing Maximizer program to help auto shops grow and expand their reach through powerful SEO services and strategies.
Mobile optimization
It’s also essential that your website is optimized for use across different devices and screen sizes.
73% of web designers believe that the main reason internet users abandon a website is because its design is not compatible with mobile devices.
If your website is not easy to navigate on phones and tablets, potential customers might take their business to your competitors.
3. Engage with your target audience on social media
Maintaining solid social media activity is a major part of establishing an online presence that gets results for your automotive business.
Create a profile with consistent branding across different social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter (X), and TikTok.
Whether you're posting pics of your hottest new products, spreading the word about a new service you offer, or hosting an upcoming event, social media is the ideal way to get your audience's attention.
Plus, it's a two-way street. Staying active on online social platforms not only attracts your target audience but also encourages your followers to react to and engage with your content directly.
Wouldn't you rather do business with someone you feel like you know and trust? Sharing social media posts that offer insight into who you are as a business humanizes your brand, making your audience more likely to become customers.
4. Consistently deliver value with high-quality content
As well as posting on social media, it’s crucial that you update your website and other online channels with high-quality content.
Posting blogs on your website delivers even more value to your visitors. By offering pro tips, useful info, and industry wisdom, you position your business as the leading expert in your lane.
Take your content to the next level by creating videos to post on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram – another great way to attract and engage with your audience.
Helpful tutorials, shop tours, equipment promotions, and even race-day footage will keep your audience curious and coming back for more.
Also, posting fresh content to your website helps with SEO, allowing you to keep climbing the ranks on Google.
5. Connect with your audience with an email marketing campaign
Email marketing is a fantastic way to offer something specific to your audience at the perfect moment.
The more you know your audience's needs and interests, the better you can meet their needs. Create a strategic email campaign that gives them the information they want when they want it, reducing the likelihood of people unsubscribing from your mailing list.
Build brand awareness with a fun and informative company newsletter, or send segmented emails alerting existing customers when their favorite product is back in stock.
6. Curate a professional Google Business Profile
A Google Business Profile is essential for any online business as it makes access to vital information easy and quick for Google users.
Ensure your profile is updated with your current address, contact details, and opening hours so customers can easily get in touch.
Don't forget to put your best foot forward! Use only high-resolution, professional photos of your business and products, and ask your customers to leave positive reviews for other potential customers to read.
Connect with other local businesses and potential customers with a badass online strategy
Is managing your own online marketing slowing you down?
We help small business owners in the automotive industry with online presence management by creating tailored digital marketing strategies that deliver real results.
If you’d like to know more about how to attract more customers to your shop,
get in touch and see how our
Marketing Maximizer
can help you.
