When was the last time you Googled your own shop?

Not to see if the internet still knows you exist, but to actually look at your listing, your photos, your reviews, your hours. At how a brand-new customer might see you for the very first time.

For a lot of shop owners, the answer is... “uh, maybe never?”

That’s a missed opportunity. Because when someone types “auto repair near me,” your Google Business Profile (GBP) is front and center. It’s the front porch to your shop online - and if it’s a mess, outdated, or missing altogether, you’re not just invisible. You’re losing cars before they ever pull in the lot.

So, let’s fix that.

Here’s a practical, no-fluff checklist of local SEO tips to help your Google listing actually work for you - and bring in the right customers without spending a dime on ads.

First things first; make sure you’ve claimed your Google Business Profile. If you haven’t done that yet, stop reading and go do it right now. Seriously. We’ll wait.

Once you’ve claimed it, don’t just “set it and forget it.” Your profile needs regular check-ins.

✅ Are your hours current?

✅ Is your phone number correct?

✅ Do you have holiday hours scheduled?

✅ Have you added a short, clear description that explains what kind of shop you are and who you serve?

If your listing still says “Call for hours” or has a blurry photo from 2023... we can do better.

2. Use Keywords, But Keep It Human

Google scans your profile for keywords to help decide when to show your shop in search results. That means your business description, services, and even photo captions can all give you a little ranking boost—if you write them with intention.

🚫 Don't keyword-stuff like a robot.

 ✅ Do include phrases like:

“Auto repair in [your city]”

“Brake repair specialists”

“Family-owned diesel mechanic”

Write like a real person talking to a customer. Because that’s who it’s for.

Here’s where most shop listings fall flat: the visuals. They either don’t have any photos, or they upload 37 shots of valve covers and timing belts. (I get it. You’re proud of your work. But customers aren’t trying to hire a parts catalog.)

The front of your building (so they recognize it when they drive by)

Your team in action (bonus points for smiles!)

Your waiting area

A couple clean, finished cars

Any family-friendly or unique touches (mascot dog? community board? donut day?)

Aim for at least 10 solid photos. Update them every few months so your listing feels alive - not forgotten.

Reviews aren’t a “nice to have.” They’re trust currency.

Most people aren’t clicking on a shop with two stars and no responses. And they’re not going to trust a place with perfect 5.0 stars and only three reviews from the owner's family members either.

You want steady, recent, real reviews; and yes, you can ask for them.

📢 Pro tip: 

Train your team to spot the “thank you” moments in customer conversations. That’s when you say:

“We really appreciate that. If you have a minute, would you be willing to share that in a Google review? It helps more than you know.”

And once that review goes live? Always respond, even if it’s just “Thanks so much for the kind words, we loved working on your Jeep!”

Got a negative review? Don’t panic. Breathe. Reply calmly, own what’s real, and show you care about making it right. That response says more to future customers than the bad review ever could.

Did you know you can post updates directly to your Google listing? Most shops don’t use this feature, but it’s free, visible, and helps show Google that you’re active.

• Seasonal specials
• Holiday hours
• Customer shoutouts
• Blog links (like this one!)
• Reminders like “Book early before school starts”
• Keep it short, visual, and relevant - just once a week is a great rhythm.

There’s a “Q&A” section on your profile where people can ask questions... and anyone can answer them.

Ask your own FAQs and answer them yourself.

Q: Do you work on diesels?

A: Yes! We specialize in diesel repair, including Ford Powerstroke, Duramax, and Cummins systems.

Now, when someone types “diesel mechanic near me,” guess who just got a visibility bump? You.

Google isn’t magic. It’s math, strategy, and consistency.

And your shop doesn’t need to outspend anyone - you just need to show up smarter.

📍 Claim your profile

 📷 Keep it updated with real photos

 ⭐ Build review momentum

 🛠️ Post weekly, answer questions, and use keywords like a human

You’ve already built a business people can trust. Let’s make sure your Google listing reflects that.

Need help writing your listing? Want me to audit it with fresh eyes?

👋 Drop us a message and let’s make sure your shop is getting found first- organically, authentically, and in a way that actually works.

#BirdsiSocial #LocalSEO #GoogleBusinessTips #AutoRepairMarketing #ShopLeadership #FixCarsGrowBusiness #BirdieSays