There's a free marketing tool that can put your body shop in front of hundreds of local customers every month. It's called Google Business Profile. And most body shops are barely using it.
## Why Your Google Business Profile Matters
When someone searches "body shop near me" or "collision repair [your city]," Google shows a map with three businesses. This is called the "Local Pack" or "Map Pack."
Getting into that top 3 is worth thousands in free visibility. And your Google Business Profile is the key to ranking there.
Here's what most shop owners don't realize: **Google Business Profile is its own ranking algorithm.** You can have a terrible website and still rank well in the map pack if your profile is optimized.
## The Basics Most Shops Get Wrong
### 1. Categories
This is huge. Your primary category should be "Auto Body Shop." But did you add secondary categories? You can add: Auto Dent Removal Service, Auto Glass Shop, Auto Painting, Car Detailing Service. Each category helps you show up for more searches.
### 2. Services
Google lets you list individual services with descriptions. Add everything: Collision repair, Dent repair, Paint services, Frame straightening, Bumper repair, Insurance claims assistance, Free estimates. Each service is another chance to match a customer's search.
### 3. Business Description
You get 750 characters. Use them. Include services you offer, areas you serve, insurance companies you work with, and what makes you different.
## The Photo Strategy That Actually Works
Google says businesses with photos get **42% more requests for directions** and **35% more website clicks.**
### Weekly Photo Uploads
Post 2-3 photos every week. This signals to Google that your business is active. Ideas: Before/after repair shots, your team at work, clean facility photos, completed vehicles, equipment and technology.
## The Review Game
Reviews are the #1 factor for local pack rankings. But it's not just about quantity—Google also looks at:
- **Recency** - Recent reviews matter more
- **Response rate** - Do you reply to reviews?
- **Keywords** - When customers mention services, it helps rankings
## Google Posts: Your Free Billboard
Google Posts appear right on your profile and in search results. Most body shops never use them. Post ideas: Special offers or promotions, before/after photos, new certifications, community involvement, tips for car owners.
## Your Action Plan
**This week:**
- Fill out every field in your profile completely
- Add all relevant service categories
- Upload 5-10 quality photos
- Respond to any unanswered reviews
- Create your first Google Post
This is all free. It just takes consistency. The shops that put in 30 minutes a week on their Google Business Profile will outrank the shops that "set it and forget it."
