Local SEO is a smart and affordable way to connect with customers who need your services now.
When done correctly, it helps your shop show up in local search results, Google Maps, and “near me” listings when people search for auto repair services. But if your Local SEO is off — you’re missing out on business.
How do you make Local SEO work for your shop? You improve your shop’s visibility online and here are 5 ways to do it.
1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is usually the first thing potential customers see. It shows up in local map results and significantly helps your ranking.
How to do it:
- Complete every part of your GBP including hours, address, services, photos, and categories.
- Keep it fresh with updated hours and new images.
- Naturally include relevant service keywords in your business description.
- Respond quickly to reviews, whether they’re good or bad, doing so shows you care and it builds trust.
2. Get Listed in Local Directories
Online directories help customers find you and show search engines that your business is legit. The more consistent and high-quality your listings are, the better your chances to rank well.
How to do it:
- Submit your shop to directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and your local Chamber of Commerce.
- Make sure your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) are consistent across all listings.
- Avoid shoddy or spammy directories — stick with reliable sites.
3. Publish Locally Relevant Content
Google likes new content, especially if it’s focused on your local area. Writing blog posts that talk about your specific location lets search engines and potential customers know you’re active and connected to your community.
How to do it:
- Write articles that answer local questions like “How often should I rotate my tires in [city]?” or “Best time for A/C checks in [city].”
- Share local deals or events (like “[City] Winter Tire Special”).
- Use everyday language and keywords like “auto repair in [city]” or “[city] brake shop”.
4. Encourage and Manage Reviews
Reviews help build trust with potential customers and can boost your ranking in local search results. Shops with a lot of recent, good-quality reviews often rank higher.
How to do it:
- Ask for reviews after each service. A quick text or follow-up email can help.
- Make it easy by linking directly to your Google review form.
- Always reply to reviews — thank happy customers, and address concerns from unhappy ones respectfully. Sometimes the way you handle a bad review can impress new customers more than the good reviews.
5. Improve Your Website's Local SEO
Even if your GBP is strong, your website still counts. Google checks your site’s layout, content, and signals to see how local and trustworthy you are.
How to do it:
- Add schema markup with your business name, location, hours, and contact info.
- Ensure every page includes your city and contact details — not just the footer.
- Optimize your page titles, meta descriptions, and headings with local keywords like “[City] auto repair.”
Local SEO isn’t a one-and-done thing, it’s a continual process. Your Google My Business profile and website should be updated regularly to keep your shop visible and top of mind for local drivers.
Local SEO isn’t a one-and-done thing, it’s a continual process. Your Google My Business profile and website should be updated regularly to keep your shop visible and top of mind for local drivers.
If it’s too much work to focus on this while running your shop, we’ve got you covered. At Gear Digital, we handle all of this — and we do it with the same mindset you bring to your bays: get it done right, and get results.
