Getting a new customer is always exciting. However, for an auto body shop, getting customers to come back for additional service is actually much more valuable. Consistent customers mean consistent, reliable revenue for your business.
But how do you get more customers to come back? In the past, auto dealerships mailed vehicle service reminders to past customers. Now, you can do it all online, through text and email.
Sending these service reminder messages is a simple yet effective way to encourage customers to return to your auto shop. Learn how to write and optimize your messages in this guide.
Why Service Reminders Matter for Auto Shops
Proactive service reminders give your existing customers the nudge they may need to bring their vehicles back to your auto shop.
When someone hasn’t been back to the shop in a while, there are lots of possible reasons behind that. They may have moved away or found a different auto shop they prefer, but it’s also possible that they simply forgot that their car needs that oil change or annual tune-up. A service reminder lets them know and makes it easy for them to book their service.
By sending auto shop service reminders, you’ll boost repeat visits and improve retention. You can even go beyond using messages to let customers know their vehicles need service. Once someone makes an appointment, send a reminder message slightly beforehand to make sure they don’t forget. You’ll improve appointment reliability and customer loyalty.
You can use a vehicle service reminder app to share these reminders, but the better approach is to send them directly to customers via email and text message.
Core Elements of an Effective Service Reminder
Your vehicle service reminder stickers or messages should include a few key elements to be effective:
- A direct call to action: Tell your customers the exact next step to take, whether that’s booking an appointment, rescheduling, or sharing feedback. Make it as easy as possible by including a link or contact number right in the message.
- The right timing: Send appointment reminders a few days before the scheduled time and again a few weeks before. Avoid sending extra reminders that could annoy the recipient.
- Personalization:
Include the customer’s name as well as their vehicle’s year, make, and model when appropriate. You can also add the customer’s last service date if it’s relevant to the message.
- Clarity and tone: Aim to sound friendly and professional in your message while clearly communicating the point of the vehicle service reminder.
- Sender identification: Make sure to include your auto shop name so your customers know who the message is from.
- Opt-out method: In both marketing emails and text messages, you need to give customers a way to opt out of future messages from your brand. An unsubscribe link accomplishes this while being easy to ignore.
You can work with an
automotive
marketing company to help you craft the best promotional messages across channels like email, text, and advertising platforms.
Email Service Reminder Examples
In an email, you have room to add a few more details than in a text message. Even so, try to keep your message short and to the point. Take inspiration from these email service reminders.
For Oil Changes
Hi [Customer Name],
This is [Name] from [Auto Body Shop]. We just wanted to let you know that your [Vehicle year, make, and model] is due for an oil change soon. Keep your vehicle in top condition by scheduling an appointment at [Auto Body Shop]. Give us a call at [Phone number] or visit [Link] to book your oil change today.
Best,
[Auto Body Shop]
For a Tire Rotation
Hi [Customer Name],
It looks like it’s time to rotate your tires to make sure your [Vehicle year, make, and model] has the proper traction and handling while you’re driving. Luckily, we have a few slots open at [Auto Body Shop]. Reach out to us at [Phone number] or visit [Link] to secure your tire rotation appointment now.
See you soon!
[Auto Body Shop]
Seasonal Maintenance
Hi [Customer Name],
Our records show that the last time you brought your [Vehicle year, make, and model] in for service was six months ago. Now’s the perfect time to bring your car back to [Auto Body Shop] for seasonal maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Book your appointment by calling us at [Phone number] or visiting [Link].
We hope to see you soon!
[Staff Name] at [Auto Body Shop]
Make sure all the information in your service reminder, like the auto shop name, telephone number, and website, matches your
Google listing. Using consistent details helps customers trust you more.
SMS Service Reminder Examples
With SMS vehicle service reminders, you only have 160 characters to get your message across. That’s just one or two short sentences, so you have to be clever about your wording, whether you’re sending
appointment reminders or urgent alerts.
Quick Overdue Reminders
Hi [Customer Name]. It’s time to bring your [Vehicle year, make, and model] in for service. Book your appointment at [Auto Body Shop] with this [Link].
Simple Confirmation/Reschedule Messages
Hi [Customer Name]. Confirming your appointment for [Date and Time] at [Auto Body Shop]. Reply to change your appointment details.
See you soon!
[Customer Name], you canceled your appointment at [Auto Body Shop]. Reschedule by calling [Phone Number] or visiting [Link].
Safety-Related Urgent Alerts
[Customer Name], there’s a recall for [Part] of your [Vehicle year, make, and model]. Book an appointment at [Link] and bring your vehicle to [Auto Body Shop].
Best Practices for Vehicle Service Reminders
Your customers probably get lots of emails and texts each day, so it’s important to craft your vehicle service reminders to stand out. Keep these best practices in mind:
- Use customer data responsibly: In your service reminders, only incorporate data that your customers have given you directly or have given their permission for you to use. Their vehicle make, model, and year, as well as their last service appointment date, are the information you should leverage.
- Keep messages short and friendly:
Get to the point quickly, and only include the information the customers need. Shorter messages are quicker and easier to read, helping to boost engagement rates.
- Include a clear call to action:
Let the customers know exactly what to do next and how. Tell them how to confirm or reschedule, which can be as simple as replying to the message or calling a specific number.
Don’t worry about incorporating extra
automotive keywords into your service reminders the way you would in
local service ads. Just keep your message right to the point with no fluff.
Automate Your Service Reminders for Maximum Impact
Even with these examples and tips on writing your vehicle service reminders, it can be hard to find time to tackle these tasks. With automation and CRM integration, you can reap all the benefits of sending service reminders without investing tons of extra time and effort.
An automotive CRM automatically sends out service and appointment reminders to help draw your customers back at the ideal moments. You’ll have consistent customer follow-through while the CRM does the tedious, routine work for you.
Try Optimize Digital Marketing’s
automotive scheduling tool to improve customer loyalty and repeat business for your auto shop with just a few clicks.
