11

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

1. Google Business Profile Hygiene

2. Review Asks via Post-Service SMS

3. “DVI of the Week” (Anonymized)

4. Seasonal Safety Campaigns

5. Maintenance Reminder Cadence

6. Lost-Customer Winbacks

7. Referral Loop (Simple & Trackable)

8. Tire/Brake Bundles with Deposits

9. Local Partnerships (Gyms, Apartment Managers)

10. Technician Spotlight Posts

11. Website Offers that Don’t Devalue

12. 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