If you own a phone repair shop, you know how important it is to get new customers. People don’t always know where to go when their phone breaks, so they usually search online. That’s where Google My Business (GMB) and local ads come in. These tools help customers find you quickly and easily.
Many repair shops rely on word of mouth, but that’s not enough anymore. Most people turn to Google first when they need something fixed. If your shop isn’t showing up, you’re losing business. Let’s go over how Google My Business and local ads can help you bring in more customers and boost sales.
Setting Up Google My Business for Your Repair Shop
Google My Business is a free tool that helps people find your shop online. It lets you create a profile that shows up when someone searches for phone repair near them. This profile includes your business name, address, phone number, hours, and reviews from customers.
1. Claim and Verify Your Listing
First, you need to claim your business on Google. If you haven’t done this yet, go to Google My Business and sign up. Search for your business name. If it’s already listed, you can claim it. If not, you’ll need to create a new listing.
Google will ask you to verify your business. They usually send a postcard to your shop with a code. Once you enter the code online, your listing is verified. This process ensures that only real businesses appear on Google.
2. Complete Your Profile
A complete profile helps your shop show up in more searches. Make sure you add:
- Your full business name and correct address
- Your phone number and website (if you have one)
- Business hours, including holiday hours
- A short but clear description of your services
- Photos of your shop, staff, and repairs you’ve done
Good photos make a big difference. If people can see a clean and professional shop, they’re more likely to trust you. Also, keep your information up to date. If your hours change, update them right away.
3. Collect and Respond to Reviews
Reviews help build trust. When people see positive reviews, they feel more confident about choosing your shop. Ask happy customers to leave a review on Google. You can say something simple like, “We’d really appreciate it if you left us a review on Google.”
Also, respond to reviews—both good and bad. Thank people for positive reviews. If someone leaves a negative review, reply politely and try to fix the issue. This shows that you care about your customers.
4. Use Google Posts and Updates
Google lets you post updates on your profile. You can share special offers, phone repair tips, or new services. These posts appear in search results and can attract more customers. Try posting at least once a week to keep your profile active.
Using Local Ads to Attract More Customers
Google Local Ads help your shop appear at the top of search results when someone looks for phone repair nearby. These ads show your business name, location, and contact info. They also include a button for customers to call you directly.
1. Set Up Your Google Ads Account
To run local ads, you need a Google Ads account. If you don’t have one, go to Google Ads and sign up. Once you’re in, choose “Local Campaigns” to create ads that target customers in your area.
2. Choose the Right Keywords
Keywords are words or phrases people type into Google when looking for phone repair. You want to target the ones that match your services. Some good keywords include:
“Phone repair near me”
“iPhone screen repair”
“Fix cracked phone screen”
“Fast phone repair”
Google will show your ad when people search for these terms in your area. Make sure you choose keywords that match what you offer.
3. Set Your Budget and Target Area
Decide how much you want to spend each day on ads. Even a small budget can help bring in new customers. Also, choose the area you want to target. If your shop is in a city, you may only want to show ads to people within a few miles. If you’re in a small town, you might target a wider area.
4. Write a Simple and Clear Ad
Your ad should be short and direct. Tell people what you offer and why they should choose your shop. A good ad might look like this:
“Fast and affordable phone repair. Cracked screen? Water damage? We fix it all! Call now or visit us today.”
Keep it simple and focus on what customers care about—fast and reliable repairs.
Tracking and Improving Your Ads
Once your Google ads are running, you need to track their performance. Google Ads provides data that shows how well your ads are working. You can see how many people clicked your ad, how many called your shop, and how much each click costs.
1. Monitor Clicks and Calls
Check how many people are clicking on your ad. If a lot of people click but don’t call or visit, something might be wrong. Your ad might not be clear, or your website might not be helpful.
You should also track how many calls come from the ad. If you’re getting calls but not many people coming in, make sure your staff is handling calls well. Be friendly and give clear answers so customers feel comfortable bringing their phones to you.
2. Adjust Your Keywords
If your ad isn’t getting many clicks, you may need to change your keywords. Some keywords are too broad and bring in people who aren’t looking for your services. Others might be too specific and not get enough searches.
Look at the keywords that bring in the most clicks and focus on those. If a keyword isn’t working, replace it with a different one. You can also try adding words like “same-day” or “affordable” if people in your area are searching for those terms.
3. Test Different Ads
Running more than one ad can help you see what works best. Try different wording and offers to see what gets the most clicks. One ad might focus on fast repairs, while another mentions a discount for first-time customers.
After a few weeks, compare the results. Keep the ads that bring in customers and turn off the ones that don’t.
4. Adjust Your Budget
If your ad is bringing in customers, you might want to spend more to reach even more people. If it’s not working, lower your budget and try different keywords or ad copy.
Start with a small budget and increase it if you see good results. Google Ads lets you change your spending at any time, so you can adjust as needed.
Other Ways to Get More Local Customers
Google My Business and local ads are great tools, but there are other ways to bring in customers too. Using a mix of strategies can help your shop stand out.
1. Offer Promotions and Discounts
People love deals. Offering a discount on repairs can encourage more people to choose your shop. Try promotions like:
10% off screen repairs for first-time customers
Free phone cleaning with any repair
Referral discounts for customers who bring in a friend
You can mention these deals in your Google My Business posts, ads, and social media.
2. Partner with Local Businesses
Team up with nearby businesses to reach more people. A cell phone store might recommend your repair shop to customers who need a fix. In return, you can send people their way when they need a new phone.
You can also leave business cards or flyers in local coffee shops, barber shops, or gyms—places where people spend time and might notice your ad.
3. Use Social Media
Facebook and Instagram can help you reach more local customers. Share repair tips, special offers, and before-and-after photos of phone repairs. If someone in your area asks for recommendations, people might tag your shop.
You can also run Facebook ads, which let you target people based on location and interests. Even a small budget can help get more people to notice your business.
4. Get More Reviews
Reviews are one of the best ways to attract new customers. When people see good reviews, they trust your business more. Keep asking happy customers to leave reviews on Google.
If you get a bad review, don’t panic. Respond professionally and try to fix the issue. This shows potential customers that you care about service.
Conclusion
Google My Business and local ads can bring in more customers and increase sales. A strong online presence helps people find you when they need a repair. Set up your profile, run targeted ads, and track your results. Combine this with other local marketing strategies to keep your phone repair shop busy.
