Six Easy Steps to Build Your Business with Google Reviews

BY JIMMY LEA, BUSINESS EVANGELIST, THE INSTITUTE FOR AUTOMOTIVE EXCELLENCE

ONLINE REVIEWS PLAY A KEY ROLE IN THE SUCCESS OF AN AUTOMOTIVE service and repair business. We understand trust is crucial to your business and how your customers view your shop can be a definitive experience.

By implementing Google reviews, shops can leverage the following six-step action plan to enhance their online reputation, attract new customers, and grow their business.

Step 1: Pay attention to Google reviews

The majority of internet searches are completed using Google. Paying attention to the reviews you have on the Google platform will go a long way to increase awareness, credibility, and trust with prospective customers. Consumers are paying attention to your Google reviews; you need to do the same.

Step 2: Obtain and maintain a Google Business Profile listing

One of the first steps in managing your online reputation is claiming your business listing for a Google Business Profile. This allows your company to control what information appears on Google when someone searches for your shop; for example, current operating hours.

Step 3: Encourage customers to leave a Google review

Once your shop is listed on Google Business Profile, encourage your customers to leave reviews. You can do this by including a link to your Google review page in your email signature, text messages, and on your website.

Step 4: Respond to Google reviews

It is important for a shop to respond quickly and professionally to both positive and negative reviews. Responding to reviews shows that the shop is dedicated and cares about customer feedback. Shop owners should take this opportunity to thank their customers for their feedback, address their concerns, and demonstrate their commitment to excellent customer service.

Step 5: Monitor Google reviews regularly

Regularly monitoring your Google reviews ensures that your business maintains a high reputation online. Regular monitoring of reviews also helps organizations identify areas where they can improve their processes and procedures and make changes.

Step 6: Encourage positive reviews on social media and other platforms

Automotive repair shops can promote positive reviews left on Google to social media and other platforms, reaching a wider audience. Sharing positive reviews on Facebook, Twitter, and your website — along with other platforms — helps you reach new customers and build trust with potential customers.

In today’s digital world, having Google reviews is crucial for the success of your automotive repair business. Contact MWACA and The Institute for Automotive Business Excellence to help you implement your six-step action plan and dominate your online Google reviews. You can find further assistance at www.wearetheinstitute.com or (385) 238-4534.

With more than 24 years of experience in sales and business development for software-as-a-service, financial services, and hardware products, Jimmy embodies the fabric of the independent automotive industry. Jimmy is a true family man; recently married, he loves to spend time with his seven children, his son-in-law, and a new granddaughter. Jimmy enjoys the outdoors and breathing fresh air on the mountain trails outside the office. Jimmy also enjoys ballroom dancing, travel, triathlons, road biking, and camping with the family.