In many cases, the first impression you will make on a customer is with your auto repair shop’s website. While a sharp, well-functioning site can build confidence in your business, one that looks like it came from the early 2000s is bound to make a negative impression.
Potential customers need to know you're up to the task of servicing their vehicle. A well-built automotive website conveys that message.
Here, we’ll explore five of the most important ways to make your website better, from allowing customers to book appointments themselves to highlighting positive feedback and even improving its design and layout.
Offer Online Scheduling
Customers love convenience, and offering online scheduling checks that box. This feature allows your website visitors to book appointments anytime, without ever having to pick up a phone. For shop owners, this means fewer calls and less back-and-forth with customers. It’s a total win-win.
To get the most out of this feature, look into automotive scheduling software that integrates seamlessly with the systems you already have in place. Make sure the scheduling process itself is clear and simple, with easy-to-understand instructions and real-time availability to prevent double-bookings.
In addition, the scheduling software for your auto repair shop website should provide automated confirmations and reminders to help reduce no-shows. It should also allow you to collect important information about your customers’ vehicles upfront.
Automate Customer Service
One of the coolest innovations to come online in recent years is the chatbot. These AI-powered programs can manage simple yet important tasks 24/7, from answering basic questions about your shop’s services to scheduling appointments and providing updates on the status of repairs.
Chatbots respond immediately whenever visitors interact with your website. They’re able to field common questions, handle online bookings, and even offer basic diagnostics or recommend services based on a customer’s input. Plus, by engaging directly with clients, chatbots collect valuable information that you can then use for follow-ups, or to generate leads. They also free up staff from continuously answering calls and inquiries, allowing them to get more done in a workday.
If you’re interested in a solution geared toward auto shop websites, take a look at automotive marketing chatbots. These tools score high marks for customer satisfaction, since they’re programmed to understand and respond to industry-specific questions in an instant.
Include Visible CTAs
If you want to know how to make a website better, consider your Calls to Action (CTAs). These are the digital signposts that tell online visitors what to do, whether it’s making an appointment or signing up to receive promotional texts or emails.
Effective CTAs for a mechanic website should include active or urgent language like “Book Your Service Now,” “Get a Free Quote,” or “Contact Us Today.” The buttons themselves should stand out, too, so make them nice and big, and use bright, contrasting colors for added visibility. Don’t just limit them to your homepage, either–put CTAs in strategic spots throughout the site.
When it comes to website best practices, the goal is to make it easy for potential customers to take action. Getting those CTAs in gear can help boost conversion rates and bring visitors closer to becoming loyal clients of your shop.
Showcase Reviews & Testimonials
Potential customers want to feel like their cars will be in good hands, and one of the most effective ways to build trust is by showcasing positive reviews on your website. Think of these testimonials as digital versions of word of mouth that speak to the quality and credibility of your shop.
Don’t be modest about it–highlight some of your best reviews on your homepage, right where people can see them. Consider adding a page just for reviews, too. You could include pictures or videos of happy customers with their vehicles, or before-and-after shots that demonstrate your work. Also, make it easy and straightforward for customers to leave reviews. And respond to each one quickly and professionally, even if it’s negative.
An automated reviews manager can help you sift through all that feedback. This tool makes collecting, monitoring, and sharing customer reviews so much easier than doing it manually.
Make It Mobile-Friendly
More people use mobile phones to access the Internet than any other device. This means your auto shop website must be mobile-friendly. In other words, it has to look just as good and work just as well on a smartphone as it does on desktop computers, laptops, and tablets.
To optimize your website for mobile users, you’ll need to use what’s called a responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes. Make sure it doesn’t take too long to load, either, by using high-quality images, along with shorter paragraphs and more section headings. Text should be legible without having to zoom in, and buttons and links should be easily tappable, even for folks with beefy fingers. Test the site out, too, on different devices and browsers to make sure it performs consistently.
Car troubles can happen anywhere, and customers often turn to their smartphones for help. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly you could be leaving potential business stranded on the roadside.
Tuning Up Your Shop’s Website
Unlike your physical shop, your website is open 24/7. This allows potential customers to access information about your services, book appointments, read reviews, and engage with a virtual assistant anytime, day or night.
A well-designed website that’s user-friendly and responsive on all devices can really enhance your shop's online presence. But don’t just set it and forget it. Look for ways to improve the site over time. Your shop adapts to meet the changing needs of customers, and your website should evolve right along with it.
While we’re talking upgrades, consider adding Shopmonkey’s automotive marketing solutions to your toolbox. From chatbots to review managers, these cutting-edge technologies are designed specifically for auto repair businesses just like yours. Request a free demo today!
