Episode Details

Brian and Hallie break down Google Local Services Ads (LSA) and how auto repair shops are using them to bring in more leads at lower costs. Unlike traditional Google Ads, LSA charges per lead instead of per click, making it a cost-effective approach to customer acquisition. Some shops have reported leads as low as $7 per call.

They cover how to set up LSA, key verification steps, and ways to optimize a shop’s Google Business Profile for better rankings. The discussion also explores how specialty shops can use LSA effectively and when Google Ads might still be useful.

With LSA now open to auto repair shops nationwide, early adopters have a clear advantage. Brian and Hallie explain how to make the most of it and why now is the best time to get started.

Thank you to our friends at RepairPal for providing you this episode. RepairPal is the key that unlocks more business for your repair shop. Learn More at RepairPal.com/shops.

AppFueled makes marketing easy. It’s a CRM designed for auto repair shops with tools like segmentation, reminders, and even a call center. Don’t wait—get started today at appfueled.com

Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)

Google Local Service Ads

AutoOps - Scheduling Tools for Auto Shops

The Google Guarantee

Google Screened

Keywords in Reviews – Adding Fuel to the Fire

Show Notes with Timestamps

• Introduction to the Episode (00:00:01) Brian Walker introduces the podcast and guest, Hallie Wassinger, discussing the importance of Google Local Services Ads.
• Overview of Google Local Services Ads (00:02:53)  Hallie explains the recent availability of Google Local Services Ads for auto repair shops across the U.S.
• Historical Context of Local Services Ads (00:03:25)  Discussion on the past availability of Google Guaranteed Ads and their expansion to auto repair shops.
• Current Availability and Limitations (00:04:38)  Hallie details the current state of Local Services Ads for tire shops and their limited availability.
• Cost Structure of Local Services Ads (00:05:34)  Introduction to the pay-per-lead model, highlighting its differences from traditional Google Ads.
• Service Categories for Auto Repair (00:06:45) Hallie outlines the specific services auto repair shops can advertise under Local Services Ads.
• Lead Generation Process (00:07:44)  Explanation of how leads are generated through phone calls or messages via the Local Services Ads dashboard.
• Ongoing Maintenance of Ads (00:08:31)  Discussion on the necessity of monitoring and rating leads to optimize the ad performance.
• Success Stories from Beta Testing (00:10:55)  Brian shares a success story from Chris Cotton, highlighting low lead costs achieved through Local Services Ads.
• Lead Cost Insights (00:11:39)  Hallie provides average lead cost data, emphasizing the effectiveness of the ads for auto repair shops.
• Visibility of Lo