# Auto Repair Shop Marketing Plan (Simple, Local)

A simple marketing plan for an auto repair shop: channels that fit auto repair shops, monthly routine, and what to measure.

Source page: https://cheapcheapwebsites.com/small-business-guides/industries/auto-repair/marketing-plan/
Updated: October 6, 2026

Auto repair marketing relies on Google visibility, reviews, a website with clear services and appointment requests, reminders for maintenance, and seasonal campaigns.

## Twelve-month calendar

| Month | Theme |
| January | Battery and winter checks |
| February | Tax refund repairs |
| March | Spring inspection |
| April | Alignment and suspension |
| May | AC check |
| June | Road trip inspection |
| July | Cooling system |
| August | Back to school |
| September | Brakes |
| October | Fall check |
| November | Tires and winter prep |
| December | Year-end maintenance |

## Reminders

Service reminders bring customers back on schedule.

## Mistakes

- No reminders
- Ignoring reviews
- Unclear pricing

## Service reminders that bring cars back

Most maintenance revenue comes from customers who already know you. Shop software can send reminders based on mileage or time since the last visit: oil service, tire rotation, brake inspection, coolant service and state inspection deadlines. Keep messages short, with a link to request an appointment. A personal call to customers who have not returned in a year can win back many of them.

Pair reminders with seasonal checks from the calendar above, such as AC checks before summer and battery tests before winter.

## Measuring what works

| Channel | Track |
| Google profile | Calls, direction requests, appointment clicks |
| Website | Appointment requests |
| Reminders | Bookings from each campaign |
| Partners | Referrals |
| Ads | Cost per new customer |

## Mistakes

- Advertising prices that exclude common fees
- Not asking new customers how they found you
- Inconsistent hours online

## Mistakes

- No reminders
- Ignoring reviews
- Unclear pricing

## Sample reminder text

"Hi Ana, your Civic is due for an oil service and tire rotation based on mileage. Book here: [link]. Thanks for trusting us!"

## Sample seasonal email

"Summer road trip coming up? Our trip check covers tires, brakes, fluids, belts, AC and battery. Book a time online and drive with confidence."

## Building a customer list

Every customer record (name, contact, vehicle, mileage, services) is a marketing asset. Use it for maintenance reminders, seasonal checks and the occasional thank-you. Ask permission to send messages and make unsubscribing easy. A shop with a thousand active customers and good reminders can stay busy with little advertising.

## Where to spend the first marketing hours

An auto repair shop's best marketing hours go to the customers it already has: reminders based on mileage, follow-up on recommended work and thank-you messages. New customers come from a strong Google profile with honest reviews, a website that explains estimates and warranty, and partners like towing companies and fleets. Track new customers by source before spending on ads.

## One more thing to know

Send reminders based on mileage and time.

## Channels

- Google profile
- Service pages
- Reviews
- Text reminders

## Free tools

Marketing calendar

## Common questions

### Do reminders work?

Yes.

### Should I advertise?

Local search ads can work; track calls.

### Do social posts help?

Some; Google matters more.

### What about email?

Useful for reminders.

### Should I run coupons?

Simple maintenance specials can bring first visits; keep terms clear and avoid bait pricing.

### Do maintenance reminders work?

Yes; they bring customers back on schedule.

### Should we post on social media?

Occasional posts help; Google matters more.

Websites from $399 with domain included: https://cheapcheapwebsites.com/products