5 COMMON MYTHS ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SOFTWARE PROGRAMS DEBUNKED

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May 22, 2023

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Read time: 3 min

You might have heard some myths about automotive repair software programs like “it’s too expensive to switch” and “training is tough.” But that's not necessarily true.

Don’t be deterred by shop management software misconceptions. We’re here to help break down these myths and rRevolutionize your shop with modern tools. See what your shop can accomplish once you have all the facts about auto repair software programs..

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SOFTWARE PROGRAMS

Now that you’re a shop owner, you’re probably looking for ways to level up your shop. Thanks to talking to fellow shop owners or browsing online, you may have become somewhat familiar with automotive repair software programs.

Finding the right automotive repair software program for your shop is one of the most effective ways you can increase your team’s productivity, boost your revenue, communicate better with customers, and more. However, there are some myths surrounding auto repair software programs that might be preventing you from taking your business to new heights.

To help you on your journey, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common myths we’ve heard about auto repair software programs and then let you in on the real deal.

MYTH 1: YOU’LL HAVE TO PURCHASE BRAND NEW HARDWARE

It’s understandable to be worried about having to get new hardware to go alongside a new auto repair software program. After all, new hardware is expensive and will also need space that your office just might not have.

THE REAL DEAL: RUN YOUR SHOP ON YOUR TERMS

If you opt for the right cloud-based automotive repair software program, you won’t have to worry about buying new hardware because you won’t be tied down to just one device.

Once your software is activated, you can work from whichever device and whichever location you prefer (as long as you have an internet connection), whether it’s the trusty desktop in your home office or the laptop you take with you to trainings across the country.

Cloud-based software gives you the flexibility to run your shop on your terms.

TEK-TIP: EASY-TO-USE, CLOUD-BASED AUTO REPAIR SHOP SOFTWARE

Tekmetric’s cloud-based automotive repair software program is easy to learn and use. Your shop’s data will securely live on the cloud, so you can access it anytime, anywhere you have an internet connection. You don’t have to be physically tethered to your shop to run it efficiently. You can stay in-the-know from afar, whether you’re on a Hawaiian island or at your child’s doctor’s office.

And, unlike with an on-location solution, you’ll have more peace of mind. Because your data will live on the cloud, you won’t have to worry about losing years and years of important shop history due to a drink spilling on your hard-drive or your hard-drive becoming corrupted (hard-drives don’t have long lives—on average, they last between three to five years).

MYTH 2: YOU’LL HAVE TO LOCK YOURSELF INTO A LONG-TERM CONTRACT

Contracts can make anyone nervous. After all, by signing a contract, you’re basically locking yourself into using the automotive repair software program for a certain amount of time. What if you end up not liking it? What if your team finds it difficult to use?

If problems arise, you’ll have to stick out the contract. Meanwhile, you and your team may become increasingly unhappy, and productivity might start to take a hit.

THE REAL DEAL: LONG-TERM CONTRACTS AREN’T A GIVEN

Thankfully, long-term contracts aren’t a given! With some research, you can find an automotive repair software program that won’t require you to sign a long-term contract. In fact, you can even find an automotive repair software program that won’t require you to sign any contract!

As obvious as it sounds, when you don’t have to sign a contract, you simply have more freedom. If you or your team end up not liking the software, you can switch at any time. The ability to switch whenever you want gives you more control over how you run your shop. You’ll have peace of mind that you and your team won’t be stuck for what feels like an eternity using a solution you dislike.

TEK-TIP: NO CONTRACTS OF ANY KIND REQUIRED

At Tekmetric, we pride ourselves on the quality and ease-of-use of our software. We know, we know. We sound like braggarts right now. But we’re confident that shop owners will love our software, and if they don’t, no hard feelings! We don’t lock our users into contracts because we value freedom and don’t want people to stay if they genuinely don’t want to.

If you sign up for Tekmetric, you won’t have to sign a contract locking you into using our software for any length of time. You’ll be free to cancel your service at any time, without hassles.

MYTH 3: SWITCHING AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SOFTWARE PROGRAMS IS EXPENSIVE

You might already be using one of the many automotive repair software programs on the market. Whatever your reasons are for wanting to switch—maybe you want a solution that isn’t on-location or want one that offers different features—you might be worried that switching automotive repair software programs will be an expensive ordeal.

THE REAL DEAL: SWITCHING CAN BE COST-EFFECTIVE

An automotive repair software program doesn’t have to cost you big time to switch. With some automotive repair software programs, you can consolidate many of your daily activities, so you don’t have to worry about getting various solutions for different functionalities.

Additionally, the automotive repair software program you’re considering might have tiered pricing, meaning you can pick and choose a plan that falls within your budget and that has the specific features you want. Later, if you decide you do want to start using those features, you can upgrade your plan. This flexibility is helpful because as your business evolves, your technological needs will evolve, too.

Or, as distressing as it is to think about, sometimes things in business don’t go as planned. If your area is hit by a natural disaster and you must close your shop for several months, for instance, you can take some solace in the fact that you can cancel your automotive repair software program subscription for the time being and re-subscribe once the situation improves.

And if you go with a cloud-based automotive repair software program, you’ll likely have low startup costs. Data migrations might be the only things for which you’ll have startup fees.

TEK-TIP: SWITCH WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

Tekmetric offers tiered pricing that makes it easy for shop owners to switch over. All three of our plans offer access to some of the most essential capabilities for shops, including:

  • Digital vehicle inspections
  • Calendars and appointments
  • Unlimited repair orders
  • Unlimited users and devices per shop

Tekmetric doesn’t make users sign contracts, either, so you can upgrade, downgrade, or cancel your plan whenever you wish.

For setting up, you won’t have to purchase expensive hardware, since our solution is cloud-based. If you wish, you can pay an additional fee and import your data from your old system. Paying for a data migration is not mandatory by any means, but it will make getting up and running even easier.

MYTH 4: YOU’LL HAVE TO PAY MORE FOR THE SOFTWARE WHEN YOU HIRE NEW EMPLOYEES

One of the main reasons you may be looking to roll out an automotive repair software program is to scale your business more efficiently. As your business grows, chances are you’ll have to hire additional employees to keep things running seamlessly. Those new employees will need to access the automotive repair software program to successfully do their jobs, and you’ll have to pay more for those new users, right? Not necessarily.

THE REAL DEAL: MORE USERS ≠ MORE EXPENSES!

While researching automotive repair software programs—or other types of software solutions—you might have stumbled upon some that charge more when you add additional users. This approach can create a lot of headaches for shop owners. Hiring a new employee is already expensive.

After all, you must pay them a salary or hourly rate, provide benefits like health insurance, and set them up with the tools they need to succeed. If you have tomust pay more money to get a new service advisor or technician set up on your automotive repair software program, that’s yet another expense that you’ll have to add to the list.

If you decide against setting up some of your team members with your automotive repair software program due to the expenses involved, you’ll probably run into major problems, like a disjointed environment where it’s hard for people to get into a state of “flow.” Some shop owners try to bypass this type of restriction by having employees share logins, but that can quickly take a turn for the worse. Specifically, tracking might become inaccurate, and you’ll have a tougher time determining who did what in the software.

However, there are automotive repair software programs out there that won’t charge you for additional users. In fact, programs like Tekmetric have an “unlimited users” approach for each shop location, meaning you won’t have to worry about your automotive repair software program bill climbing up each time you hire a new employee at your shop.

TEK-TIP: NO HIDDEN FEES FOR ADDING MORE USERS AND DEVICES PER LOCATION

Tekmetric gives you one less thing to worry about when you’re expanding your team. You can add unlimited users and devices within a single shop location—with zero hidden fees! Whether you hire five or fifteen new employees for your shop, the price you’ll pay for Tekmetric moving forward will remain the same.

If you decide to open an additional shop, you can easily purchase a new Tekmetric plan for that location and then add that new shop’s profile to your existing Tekmetric system.

MYTH 5: TRAINING IS ALWAYS TOUGH

Whenever you do something new—be it cooking that carbonara pasta dish you saw online, trying your hand at golf for the first time, or using that automotive repair software program you rolled out for your team—you have to learn the ropes.

How steep a learning curve is will often depend on your existing knowledge and skills, the complication or ease of the task at hand, and the resources available to you.

THE REAL DEAL: LEARN NEW SOFTWARE WITHOUT A STEEP LEARNING CURVE

When it comes to learning how to use a new automotive repair software program, how easy it will be will come down to two main things:

  1. How intuitive the software is
  2. How responsive the customer success team is at training your team and helping you solve challenges

If you go with an automotive repair software program that’s clunky and has a hands-off team that gives you a user manual and wishes you luck, we’re willing to bet that you and your team will have a steep learning curve. You might spend hours trying to figure out how to navigate the software, and that time ends up cutting into your team’s core tasks. Your frustrated team members start taking longer to finish repairs (because they’re dealing with trying to figure out the software), and your customers leave unhappy, possibly leaving a negative review for your shop on Google or Yelp.

But, if you go with an automotive repair software program that's easy and straightforward to use, and that’s backed by a responsive customer success team that offers users plenty of resources (like webinars and on-site training), that learning curve will be pretty smooth sailing. You and your team will be able to quickly get up to speed, learning all the essential tips and tricks for making the most out of the software.

TEK-TIP: TRAINING, SIMPLIFIED

Tekmetric is already intuitive and easy to use. Just check out what Tekmetric user Stephane Grabina of Excluservice has to say: “The system is very intuitive, so training wasn't that hard.”

Tekmetric offers shops multiple ways to get familiar with our software, including:

  • Comprehensive YouTube videos
  • An in-depth online Knowledge Base
  • Webinar trainings
  • Dedicated remote training sessions
  • On-site, hands-on training sessions

With all these options at your disposal, you can decide how to get your team up to speed.

And what’s more, your training isn’t limited to the early stages of your subscription. Our responsive customer success team is here to answer your questions along the way as they come up, whether you need a refresher on a particular feature or need assistance setting up a new employee with an account.

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SOFTWARE PROGRAMS: FINDING THE RIGHT FIT

It’s important to think about your shop’s unique needs during the research phase. There are some capabilities in particular that will help you rapidly transform and grow your shop, such as robust reporting, integrations, and workflows. Keep your shop’s needs in mind as you research different options on the market, and don’t assume that every solution will have them. The last thing you want is a nasty surprise on day one of using your new software when you realize that the feature you really wantedd… isn’t there.

And remember that along with the software itself, it’s essential to consider the people behind the software.

Do you get along with them?

What’s your impression of them?

Are they approachable and helpful during the demo stage?

If you sign up for a solution that’s backed by people you don’t really get along with, you’re going to have a harder time with training and, down the road, with support.

On the other hand, if you choose a solution that’s backed by a team you love, you’ll feel at ease during training and comfortable asking questions along the way. You’ll actually enjoy interacting with them—and that makes a world of difference.

Additionally, you should consider your team members’ preferences and opinions. They’re the people who will be using the software to complete repairs, and it’s important that they have a say in the software they’ll be using each day. Try to have members of your team attend demo sessions with you so they can get a feel for the software and ask their questions.

Ultimately, by not believing the myths above, doing your due diligence during the research phase, and involving your team in the decision-making process, you’ll be well on your way to implementing the automotive repair software program that’s just right for you and your team.

So, while there’s lots of shop problems automotive repair software can’t fix (your shop’s bad coffee, for example), you may be surprised on all it can do and how easy it is to get up and running.

FAQ

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Mechanic interviews are challenging for both the employer and candidate because the right candidate has to be a fit in personality and technical ability. Plus, the numerous certification types, manufacturer nuances, and shop needs make it even more challenging.

This guide can be used to help repair shops/dealerships ask the right questions and also help technicians be prepared for questions they will likely encounter. Below you will find the most common car mechanic interview questions broken down by mechanic and service advisor level plus tips to ace your next interview.

Top mechanic job interview questions

While every auto repair shop differs in how they run their job interview process, these are some of the most common questions you can expect. Ranging from technical questions to customer service, be prepared to answer these common questions before your next interview.

An image highlighting the top job interview questions for mechanics.

General interview questions for car mechanics

These common questions cover basic automotive repair experience and relevant work history.

  • Tell me about yourself and your experience as an automotive technician.
  • Why do you want to work for our company/shop?
  • How do you stay up to date with new automotive technologies and repair techniques?
  • What certifications do you currently hold (ASE, manufacturer-specific, etc.)?
  • Are you comfortable working weekends, evenings, or overtime if needed?

Technical interview questions for mechanics

These technical interview questions cover more specific hand-on experience and tools/equipment.

  • Which repairs are you best at?
  • How much would you estimate your tool inventory to be worth?
  • What steps do you take when diagnosing a check engine light?
  • What tools and diagnostic equipment are you most familiar with?
  • Have you worked with hybrid or electric vehicles?
  • Do you believe in factory recommended vehicle maintenance intervals?
  • How comfortable are you with OEM scan/diagnostic tools?

Experience & situational questions for mechanics

These questions help employers understand how you would handle various shop situations and also helps them understand your communication skills.

  • Can you describe a time when you had to work under a tight deadline?
  • How do you deal with angry customers?
  • How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple vehicles to work on?
  • What would you do if you made a mistake on a repair? How do you handle accountability?
  • What do you do if you encounter a vehicle with an issue you've never seen before?

Additional questions to expect

  • Are you comfortable serving those in need once a month?
  • Are you comfortable doing a DVI on the majority of vehicles you touch?
  • How do you handle a high-pressure environment when the shop is busy?
  • How do you handle a situation where you're unsure about how to fix a problem?
  • Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a customer?

Top interview questions for service advisors

While the interview questions for service advisors will be similar to mechanics, there will be small differences. Typically, service advisors will be more customer facing and shops will tailor their questions to focus more on customer service and communication style.

General interview questions for service advisors

  • Are you comfortable selling repair services?
  • Are you comfortable working on a commission based salary structure?
  • Who do you believe has the best after market products?
  • Which shop management software is your favorite?
  • How do you deal with a customer saying that you are more expensive than their last shop?
  • How do you win back angry customers?
  • How do you handle over the phone quotes?

Technical interview questions for service advisors

  • What are your greatest strengths as a service advisor?
  • Who do you trust for moving electrical parts?
  • How do you handle working in a fast-paced environment?
  • Are you comfortable meeting sales goals and upselling services?
  • How do you stay up to date with new automotive technology and service trends?
  • How do you handle stress during busy hours?

Experience & situational questions for service advisors

  • How do you explain complex vehicle repairs to a customer who doesn’t understand cars?
  • What steps do you take to build trust with customers?
  • Have you ever had to deal with a miscommunication between a technician and a customer? How did you resolve it?
  • Can you describe a time when you turned a dissatisfied customer into a repeat customer?
  • How do you handle multiple customers needing assistance at the same time?

Additional questions to expect

  • How do you explain the importance of routine maintenance to a customer?
  • What experience do you have with automotive service software or point-of-sale systems?
  • How do you prioritize repair orders and schedule work efficiently?
  • How do you explain repair estimates to customers?
  • How would you respond to 1-star reviews?

Job interview tips for mechanics

  • Research: Not all shops are created equal so make sure to research before applying to make sure they are a good fit. You can also look at online reviews to see what their customers are saying.
  • Preparation: Use the commonly used questions above to help you prepare for the interview. Practice how you would answer each question and ways you can present yourself well.
  • Attire: You have 7 seconds to make your first impression and attire is a big part of that. Dress to showcase your professionalism and experience.
  • Highlight your experience/certifications: Showcasing your certifications and experience can go a long way to in making sure you land the job.
  • Ask thoughtful questions: Some interviewers will allow you to ask questions during the conversation. Make sure you have a few questions to ask that help you learn more about the shop.
  • Follow up: if you haven’t heard back from the shop and you are still interested, give them a call and remind them of your interest in the position.

Final thoughts

Interviews are challenging in any industry but mechanic interviews can be even more challenging with the shortage of talent available. This guide will help you either prepare for your next interview or provide you with common questions to ask your next hire. Lastly, always hire for culture fit and talent second. Culture problems are a lot harder to correct than technical car knowledge.

Top Interview Questions for Automotive Mechanics

March 25, 2025

Read time: 3 min

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If you're running an auto repair shop, investing in a car lift is essential. A high-quality vehicle lift makes it easier to work on cars, increases efficiency, and ensures safety. But how much does it actually cost to install a car lift? That depends on the type of lift, installation costs, and other factors such as weight capacity and safety features. Let’s break it all down so you can pick the best automotive lift for your needs.

Do you need a car lift?

Car lifts are essential in auto repair shops because they provide mechanics with better access to a vehicle’s undercarriage, making inspections, repairs, and maintenance tasks safer, more efficient, and more comfortable. Unlike floor jacks, lifts offer a stable and elevated workspace, reducing the risk of injuries and improving workflow.

With a car lift, technicians can quickly perform tasks such as oil changes, brake repairs, exhaust system work, and suspension adjustments without having to crawl under the vehicle. This efficiency leads to faster turnaround times and higher shop productivity.

Additionally, lifts help maximize shop space by allowing vertical storage for vehicles, which is especially useful in high-volume repair shops. Overall, car hoists are a fundamental investment for any auto repair shop looking to enhance efficiency, safety, and the quality of service provided to customers.

Types of car lifts and their costs

Each type of lift has its pros and cons. Some lifts are better for oil change shops and some are better for tire or repair shops. In general, car lifts can cost between $1,000 and $20,000 depending on brand, lift capacity, lift height, and features. Here’s a comprehensive look at the most common lift options for your shop.

An image comparing the cost of car lift types.

Two-Post car lifts

A two-post car lift is one of the most popular choices for auto repair shops. They are popular because they take up less space and can be affordable depending on features. Make sure to plan out your shop layout as these lifts are permanent and cannot be easily moved. These hoists come in asymmetric and symmetric configurations, allowing flexibility based on vehicle type.

  • Price: $3,000 - $10,000
  • Best For: General repair shops working on SUVs and smaller cars.
  • Lift capacity: 5,000 - 10,000 lbs.
  • Popular brands: BendPak, Rotary, Tuxedo.
  • Advantages: High lifting capacity while saving space for smaller shops.

Four-Post lifts

A four-post lift provides greater stability and weight capacity, making it ideal for heavier vehicles. If your shop works on a lot of trucks or heavy-duty vehicles, the four-post lift might be the best lift for you. Tire and brake shops should avoid these lifts as the tires sit on the lift making it difficult to work on these areas.

  • Price: $5,000 - $25,000
  • Best For: Dealerships and professional shops.
  • Lift capacity: 7,000 - 14,000 lbs.
  • Popular brands: BendPak, Titan, Tuxedo, Rotary.
  • Advantages: Heavier lifting capacity for larger vehicles.

Scissor lifts

If saving space is your top priority, the scissor lift may be your best option. They are almost invisible when not in use and lie flat on the ground to optimize garage space. Double check the lift capacity and height to make sure it can accommodate the types of vehicles you work on.

  • Price: $1,500 - $10,000
  • Best For: Quick repair shops where space is limited.
  • Lift capacity: 5,000 - 15,000 lbs.
  • Brands: QuickJack, BendPak, MaxJax
  • Advantages: Compact and cheaper.

In-Ground lifts

In-ground car lifts are a great choice for shops that work on heavier vehicles and want to save space. These lifts are the perfect balance of the space saving capabilities of a scissor lift while also providing optimal strength for large vehicles.

  • Price: $10,000 - $25,000
  • Best For: Repair shops and dealerships.
  • Lift capacity: 5,000 - 20,000 lbs.
  • Brands: BendPak, Rotary, Atlas
  • Advantages: Compact while also offering enough muscle.

Portable car lifts

If your shop layout frequently changes or you are a mobile mechanic, a portable lift may be the best option. These lifts can be easily moved around a garage or taken to a job site and are often the cheapest option. However, they can be less reliable and don’t provide the same level of strength as a stationary lift.

  • Price: $500 - $5,000
  • Best For: Home garages, mobile mechanics, DIY enthusiasts.
  • Lift capacity: 5,000 - 10,000 lbs.
  • Brands: QuickJack, MaxJax
  • Advantages: Affordable, compact, mobile.

Installation prices for car lifts

Installing a vehicle lift is not just about purchasing the unit. You also need to consider the installation costs, which can vary depending on the type of lift and garage setup. Here are the main factors affecting installation costs:

1. Concrete requirements

Most lifts, especially two-post car lifts and four-post lifts, require a thick concrete base. If your floor isn’t thick enough, you may need reinforcement, which adds to the cost.

2. Electrical setup

Lifts need power, and if your garage isn’t wired for it, you’ll need an electrician.

3. Air compressors & accessories

Some lifts require compressors and additional balancer tools for operation.

4. Professional installation

Hiring a pro ensures the lift is ALI-certified and meets safety regulations.

Choosing the right car lift for your auto repair shop

Each type of lift comes with its own advantages, making it important to choose the right one based on your needs. Here are some things to consider when making your decision:

  • How big is your shop?
  • Which repair services do you offer?
  • What is your budget?
  • Does the lift offer a warranty?
  • Will you garage layout change over time?
  • How important is a car lift warranty to you?
  • How heavy will the vehicles you work on be?
  • What is the average review rating of the lift?
  • How easy or hard is the lift to install?
  • How much will the maintenance cost?

Final thoughts

Installing a vehicle lift in your auto repair shop is a smart investment. Whether you choose a two-post car lift, scissor lifts, or portable lift, knowing the lift cost and installation costs upfront can help you budget wisely. Whatever you choose, ensure it’s ALI-certified for safety and performance. Lastly, don’t forget about regular maintenance and safety inspections to ensure your lift continues to run for many years.

How Much Does a Car Lift Cost + Installation Prices

March 21, 2025

Read time: 3 min

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Ever wonder how you could make your auto repair shop website rank in Google for “Mechanic near me” or “Best auto repair shop”? Look no further, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about search engine optimization for automotive repair shops.

Search engines play a large role in today’s buyer journey and the auto repair shop industry is no different. Shop owners are recognizing this and starting to emphasize SEO (search engine optimization) as part of their overall digital marketing strategy.

Auto Repair SEO 101

SEO for automotive repair shops is a marketing tactic designed to influence how your website ranks in Google and other search engines. When done correctly, SEO efforts can create more website traffic and ultimately, generate more customers for your auto repair shop.

However, search traffic is becoming more competitive and other shops are likely aiming for the same keywords as you are. Utilize this guide to see how you can improve your website traffic and search engine rankings for your auto shop.

Tek-Tip: Curious how you rank for important keywords? Simply open an incognito tab and search for keywords you want to rank for. Incognito tabs remove location and search history bias from your search.

Image showing 5 steps to better SEO for auto repair shops.

Why is SEO important for Auto Repair Shops?

More traffic equals more customers

Search traffic is high-intent traffic which means that people who are searching for “mechanic near me” and similar queries are indicating that they are ready to make a decision. Social media and other traffic forms may bring in traffic but rarely are they ready to make a decision that day. Capturing more search traffic almost always leads to more conversions. Think about it, when you start looking for a service where do you start your search?

Brand awareness

Even if the customer is not ready to make a decision that day, being visible for relevant keywords is important (and free) brand awareness. Ranking well will help your shop stay top of mind for future automotive repair needs and build your online presence. Just like we remember a billboard or business logo weeks later, being visible in search engine results leads to better brand awareness and online visibility.

Cost effective

Unlike paid advertising, SEO efforts are free if you do them in-house. All you need to get started is this guide + a few YouTube videos and you can make a big difference in your website traffic and online conversions.

Local search

Search engines can use mobile device locations to help match customers with a shop that is nearby. Part of this guide will walk you through how you can indicate to Google where your auto repair shop is located and capitalize on local search traffic.

5 Steps to Improve your Rankings and Website Traffic

1. Quality content

Helpful content: Google loves fresh content and companies who regularly publish helpful content. Strategize what type of content will resonate with your audience and don’t be afraid to test new ideas. Consider removing or updating out-of-date content that is no longer relevant for your audience.

Content calendar: Creating a content calendar for your shop can help you strategize which topics you want to cover each month and who will be responsible for the project timeline.

2. On-page SEO

URLs: Did you know that Google uses the words in your url to help understand what your content is about? Avoid generic URLs like www.Yourshopname.com/blog/23trk and start using keyword-rich URLs like www.Yourshopname.com/blog/houston-tire-store. A simple optimization that can lead to better rankings.

Keyword research: Organic search is no longer about stuffing your content with every keyword you can find but keywords still play a part in how Google ranks content. Keywords are the terms searchers type into Google like “Tire shop near me” or “Brake service shop in Houston”. Other common auto repair keywords include “auto repair shop near me”, “best mechanic in (insert city)”, or "(insert service type) near me”.

You can use a free tool like Google Search Console (more info on tools later on) to explore which keywords you are ranking for and strategize how you can include those terms in your content/website. You will also want to research keywords that you do not currently rank for but want to in the future. Don’t forget to look at competitors and see what they are ranking for to help you locate your target keywords and form your overall strategy.

Internal linking: If you think of the internet as a spider web, each piece of content has internal and external links that help connect related content. These internal links help search engines crawl your website and find all the other content your website has to offer. Aim for at least one internal link in each article you write.

Meta Descriptions: As the name suggests, meta descriptions inform readers on what they can expect your content to cover. This is a great place to highlight keywords you think searchers might use to find your content.

Avoid click-bait strategies but try to make your meta description attractive and keyword dense. This will lead to better click-through-rates and better rankings. Aim to use 150 characters or less in your meta description so Google doesn’t cut it off.

Meta Titles: Think of a meta title as the headline or title tag for your content. This is a great place to showcase what your content offers and what it covers. You also want to feature your top priority keyword in the title to make sure Google (and users) know that it matches what they are searching for.

A picture showing how title and meta description tags appear in Google search.

3. Technical SEO

Tek-Tip: Warning: this section is more technical and may require the assistance of a website professional. We recommend Shopgenie to help with all of your website/SEO needs.

Page speed: Search engines have started to prioritize websites that provide a better user experience and part of that is having fast page speed. You can test your website speed using this free tool. Some quick ways to improve your page speed would be to minimize image file sizes and reduce the number of third-party scripts you have on your website. You may need to contact a website developer if you want to make bigger adjustments to your website.

Link building: Search engines use backlinks as a way to identify which websites are trustworthy and authoritative. For example, if your website has a link from Forbes pointing to your blog article, it indicates that your blog has value. The more links you can gather (especially from high-quality websites) the more reasons search engines have to believe your website has value.

SEO and PR agencies can help you build your link profile. You can also contact other websites directly and do manual outreach. The best practice is to create content that people want to link to and the links will accumulate naturally. Content that typically performs well for link-building in the automotive industry includes how-to videos, guides, and tutorials.

Mobile friendly/UX: Have you ever been frustrated by a website on your phone that you can’t use because the buttons are too close together or it loads slowly? With the majority of your target audience using their phones to search for services, your SEO strategy needs to include a user and mobile-friendly website design.

Sitemaps: A sitemap is a file that you can add to your website to help guide search engine crawlers to your content. Think of it as a crawler roadmap for your website. This file can be useful if you don’t want certain parts of your website crawled or if you recently added new content and want it to be crawled quickly.

4. Local SEO

Google My Business: Google My Business (GMB) is a free Google business profile that showcases your company, services, contact info, logo, and more. An easy way to improve your local SEO is to keep this platform up-to-date with your contact information, website, and hours of operation. If a potential customer searches “auto repair shop near me” your GMB listing indicates to Google if you service that area and helps you rank for their search.

Bonus tip: Make it easy for customers to leave reviews on your GMB profile as extra proof that you run a quality automotive repair shop. Some auto shops add a QR code on the front desk or on receipts directing customers on how to leave reviews. Make sure to respond to negative and positive reviews with professionalism. First impressions matter; potential clients often research reviews before selecting a shop.

Directories: Directories are popular aggregation review platforms like Yelp, Consumer Reports, BBB, and Yellow Pages. Claiming your business profiles and updating them with your relevant information can help some potential clients find your auto repair business. Make sure your phone number, address and website are all up to date within each directory.

Location pages: Adding your address and directions to your website can help search engines understand where you are located and aid in pairing you with appropriate local queries. Another tactic is to make sure your website content mentions your city to further boost this effort.

5. SEO tools

Paid tools: There is no shortage of SEO software/tools to help you upgrade your auto repair SEO strategy. These tools typically have a free version but they are limited in functionality and you will need to upgrade if you have larger websites. Some of the top options include Ahrefs, Semrush, and seoClarity.

Free tools: If you have a smaller website you may be able to get by with these free tools. Some of the top free SEO tools include Google Search Console, PageSpeed Insights, and free versions of Ahrefs and Semrush.

Tracking/monitoring: After making updates to your website and overall SEO strategy it is important to track your progress and KPIs like clicks, traffic, impressions, CTR and others that may be relevant to your auto repair business. You can build free tracking dashboards in Google Analytics or Google Looker Studio.

Bonus tip: Google and other search engines regularly update their algorithms so keep an eye out for volatility during these updates.

How long does it take for search engine optimization to work?

While some SEO tactics will start working immediately, larger and more consistent progress will be seen within 3-6 months if implemented correctly. Typically, this progress is seen as part of a “snowball” effect where multiple small optimizations will snowball into larger results over time.

Ranking on the first page of Google can take time but it often depends on how many competitors are in your area. All worthwhile marketing strategies take time and SEO is no different.

Final thoughts

Search engine optimization is an important tactic to drive more traffic and customers for your auto repair business. Keep in mind that SEO is one of many marketing tactics and should be part of a larger marketing strategy. To be successful in automotive shop marketing you will also need to explore other channels like social media, email, paid advertising, and traditional marketing.

Auto Repair SEO: The Complete Guide for 2025

March 18, 2025

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