By Heidi Harris, Director, Solutions Engineer
The collision repair world is constantly changing, right? But one thing that stays consistent is the need for a steady stream of customers to keep your business growing. A lot of us remember when word-of-mouth was king, and yeah, those referrals are still great. But let's be real, word-of-mouth isn’t just people physically talking anymore. Today, word-of-mouth happens digitally through things like reviews and social media, so it’s critical to consider what your online presence says about you when you're not around.
Think of it this way: a solid website isn't just a nice-to-have anymore, it's a key tool for bringing in new faces and keeping the customers you have happy. On the flip side, a website that looks like it's stuck in the past can send people straight to your competition.
Now, I know what some of you might be thinking: "Another thing to worry about? I'm already swamped!" And that's exactly why we put together the latest video in our Run My Business series (be sure to check it out!). It walks you through the essentials of building a website that actually works for your business, without needing to be a tech guru or breaking the bank.
Here’s the thing – your website must be more than just a digital brochure. It's a 24/7 marketing machine that can be a game-changer for bringing in new customers and making life easier for your existing ones. Think of it as your virtual storefront, always open and ready to welcome potential customers.
Beyond the Basics: Leveraging Your Website for Real Results
The latest "Run My Business" video touches on the core elements of a great website – planning, highlighting your work, and getting found online. Let's dig a little deeper into how your website can be a real asset to your shop's growth:
- Become the Go-To Resource: Think about the questions potential customers have before they even pick up the phone. "Do you work with my insurance company?" "What's the repair process like?" "Can I get an estimate online?" Your website is the perfect place to answer these! Create dedicated pages for FAQs, explain your repair process in simple terms, and list the insurance providers you work with. This builds trust and positions you as the expert.
- Streamline the Customer Journey: Imagine a potential customer finds your website after an accident. What's the next step? Make it crystal clear and easy! Prominent calls-to-action like "Request an Estimate," "Schedule an Appointment," or even a simple "Call Us" button can make all the difference. Consider adding a basic online form for estimate requests – it saves time for both you and the customer.
- Show, Don't Just Tell: We talked about before-and-after photos, and they are crucial. But go beyond just the visuals. Consider adding short video testimonials from happy customers. A quick clip of someone talking about their positive experience can be incredibly powerful and builds instant credibility. Think about showcasing specific types of repairs you excel at – maybe you're an expert with EVs or specialize in certain vehicle makes.
- Local is Key: The video touches on local SEO, which is vital. Make sure your website clearly lists your service area. Consider creating localized content, like blog posts about driving conditions in your area or partnerships with local businesses. This helps you get found by people in your community who need your services.
- Think Mobile-First (Seriously!): I can't stress this enough. Most people will be searching for a repair shop on their phones. If your website isn't easy to navigate on a mobile device, you're losing potential customers. Test it on your own phone – is the text easy to read? Are the buttons easy to tap? Is it quick to load?
It's an Investment, Not an Expense
Your website is an investment in the future of your shop. A well-designed, informative, and user-friendly website is like adding another skilled member to your team – one that works tirelessly to attract new business and keep your customers happy.
Don't let your website be an afterthought. Take the time to build something that truly reflects the quality of your work and the dedication you bring to every repair.
Check out our "Run My Business" video series for the foundational steps and then think about how you can take it to the next level to create a website that looks good AND drives real results for your shop.
By Heidi Harris, Director, Solutions Engineer
The collision repair world is constantly changing, right? But one thing that stays consistent is the need for a steady stream of customers to keep your business growing. A lot of us remember when word-of-mouth was king, and yeah, those referrals are still great. But let's be real, word-of-mouth isn’t just people physically talking anymore. Today, word-of-mouth happens digitally through things like reviews and social media, so it’s critical to consider what your online presence says about you when you're not around.
Think of it this way: a solid website isn't just a nice-to-have anymore, it's a key tool for bringing in new faces and keeping the customers you have happy. On the flip side, a website that looks like it's stuck in the past can send people straight to your competition.
Now, I know what some of you might be thinking: "Another thing to worry about? I'm already swamped!" And that's exactly why we put together the latest video in our Run My Business series (be sure to check it out!). It walks you through the essentials of building a website that actually works for your business, without needing to be a tech guru or breaking the bank.
Here’s the thing – your website must be more than just a digital brochure. It's a 24/7 marketing machine that can be a game-changer for bringing in new customers and making life easier for your existing ones. Think of it as your virtual storefront, always open and ready to welcome potential customers.
Beyond the Basics: Leveraging Your Website for Real Results
The latest "Run My Business" video touches on the core elements of a great website – planning, highlighting your work, and getting found online. Let's dig a little deeper into how your website can be a real asset to your shop's growth:
- Become the Go-To Resource: Think about the questions potential customers have before they even pick up the phone. "Do you work with my insurance company?" "What's the repair process like?" "Can I get an estimate online?" Your website is the perfect place to answer these! Create dedicated pages for FAQs, explain your repair process in simple terms, and list the insurance providers you work with. This builds trust and positions you as the expert.
- Streamline the Customer Journey: Imagine a potential customer finds your website after an accident. What's the next step? Make it crystal clear and easy! Prominent calls-to-action like "Request an Estimate," "Schedule an Appointment," or even a simple "Call Us" button can make all the difference. Consider adding a basic online form for estimate requests – it saves time for both you and the customer.
- Show, Don't Just Tell: We talked about before-and-after photos, and they are crucial. But go beyond just the visuals. Consider adding short video testimonials from happy customers. A quick clip of someone talking about their positive experience can be incredibly powerful and builds instant credibility. Think about showcasing specific types of repairs you excel at – maybe you're an expert with EVs or specialize in certain vehicle makes.
- Local is Key: The video touches on local SEO, which is vital. Make sure your website clearly lists your service area. Consider creating localized content, like blog posts about driving conditions in your area or partnerships with local businesses. This helps you get found by people in your community who need your services.
- Think Mobile-First (Seriously!): I can't stress this enough. Most people will be searching for a repair shop on their phones. If your website isn't easy to navigate on a mobile device, you're losing potential customers. Test it on your own phone – is the text easy to read? Are the buttons easy to tap? Is it quick to load?
It's an Investment, Not an Expense
Your website is an investment in the future of your shop. A well-designed, informative, and user-friendly website is like adding another skilled member to your team – one that works tirelessly to attract new business and keep your customers happy.
Don't let your website be an afterthought. Take the time to build something that truly reflects the quality of your work and the dedication you bring to every repair.
Check out our "Run My Business" video series for the foundational steps and then think about how you can take it to the next level to create a website that looks good AND drives real results for your shop.
