If you own an auto repair shop, then you know how difficult it can be to attract new customers while working hard to satisfy existing ones.

However, there are things that you can do to help your potential customers recognize you in a sea of competitors. Try one of these three ideas to attract new customers that will choose your auto repair shop again and again.

1. Enhance your staff’s skill set

You want to be sure that your employees provide the highest level of service to your customers. If you have technicians that were last trained in automobile technology over a decade ago, now is the time to invest in their education on contemporary vehicles. Your customers will recognize the added value, and you will increase your chances of attracting new auto-repair shop customers.

Continuing education for auto repair professionals can be delivered online or in live classes. Consider investing in training on topics that can help your staff extend their level of service including modern diagnostics, alternative fuel vehicles, and even safety procedures.

2. Educate your customers

Customer training? Yes, customer training.

Offer weekend how-to seminars about the basics of automobile maintenance and technology. You can show people how to perform routine maintenance tasks, such as changing a flat tire, and even help them make more educated car-purchasing decisions.

If you have a comfortable lobby, or open space in your garage, you can offer customer training sessions with only a small investment. A simple “how-to” demonstration, printed materials for the participants to take home, and some extra tools for hands-on learning should be all that you need to create this valuable offer.

Training seminars may not immediately bring new customers into your shop, but they will position you in your community as professional, consultative, and customer-oriented. In the long run, you'll generate brand awareness, customer loyalty, and attract new auto-repair shop customers. 

3. Offer maintenance plans

A maintenance plan is a great way to attract new auto repair shop customers. Here’s how it works: your business offers a suite of routine maintenance services that are paid for up front at a discounted price. A typical maintenance plan includes services such as fluid changes, checking (and replacing, if necessary) belts, and checking seals for wear and tear.

For this kind of service, you should invest in a reliable system to keep track of customers who have bought a maintenance plan and how much of it they have used at a given point in time. You may also want to invest in marketing and advertising through radio, newspapers, and digital channels to attract new auto repair shop customers.