There are so many translations of what the “12 Days of Christmas” really means, where it came from and how it’s used. For the purpose of this blog, we just want to have some fun and share some ideas for you to use in your auto repair shop marketing for the month of December.
Stick with us here. We’ve got a variety of “gifts” to share with you but be ready to put these ideas into action. Time is running out!
Some are social media posts, some include video and some are via email. Feel free to take these ideas and turn them into your own thing – that’s our favorite part. Our goal is that these tips take on a life of their own using your shop’s culture.
Let us know how this goes for you! We can’t wait to see what you do with these tips.
ONE
Share an idea with a social graphic the shop owner can use on Facebook. Maybe a fun graphic where they pick their “elf name” or select from a selection of different favorite Christmas movies (you only get to pick one or one has to go kind of thing). Download our pre-made social media graphic as is or edit it to add your shop logo and colors!
TWO
Email Marketing
Create and schedule your Merry Christmas email. Don’t feel overwhelmed. We’re here to help. Check out this tutorial video showing you how easy it is! Watch the video here.
THREE
Take a few minutes to go follow all of the local organizations, non-profits, local businesses in your community. Research what the local, relevant hashtags are in your community to follow. Begin using those.
FOUR
Grow Email List
Create a contest on social – maybe give away a Christmas tree with decorations – and for folks to enter to win they must click a link. That link is a link for them to join your email list.
FIVE
Use A Story
We created these fun “Story” templates for you to use. Post this on your Instagram story and allow it to populate automatically onto your Facebook story. Invite your followers to participate. Download our pre-made social media graphic as is or edit it to add your shop logo and colors.
SIX
Ask A Customer
Ask a loyal customer to do a testimonial on video for you! Capture them while they’re in the shop and happy 🙂
SEVEN
Community Fun
Gather up some fun holiday candies: Reese’s Christmas trees, chocolate covered cherries, peppermints, etc. Go out into the community and hand them out. Capture some photos and post. Have fun. Wear a Santa or Elf hat.
EIGHT
Review Management
When it comes to reviews, you probably have no problem GETTING reviews, but it’s equally important that you “manage” your reviews. What do we mean by that? Well, are you receiving notifications that you’ve gotten a review? If not, be sure to get control of that. Then once you’ve received them, be sure that you recognize and respond to them. Worried about how to respond to negative reviews? We did a podcast specifically about that topic all by itself. Listen to that Podcast here.
NINE
Blog Posts
Create a blog post with links to your staff’s favorite gifts to give/receive during the holidays. Put this blog on your website, post it on social media and blast it out to your email list. Customers love when things are made easy for them and gift guides with direct links are helpful!
TEN
Get Involved
Partner with a local business or host a toy drive at your shop where customers can donate gifts for the holidays! Some ideas: Toys for Tots, a toy drive for the local children’s hospital, or an Angel Tree adopting a local family.
ELEVEN
Digital Ads
For the month of December, run a digital ad on Facebook and Instagram that spreads holiday cheer! Thank your customers for being loyal and giving your their business all year long. Tell them how much you look forward to continuing to serve them in the new year. Gratitude goes a long way, especially during the holiday season.
TWELVE
Be Proactive
A lot of people travel during the holiday season. Be proactive in reminding your customers to get their vehicles serviced before traveling- especially in snowy or icy weather conditions. This shows your customers that you are looking out for them and care about their safety on the road. Here’s a social graphic for you to share!
Download our pre-made social media graphic as is or edit it to add your shop logo and colors.
About The Author
Kim Walker
In addition to being co-owner of Shop Marketing Pros, Kim is a Master Certified Solution Provider with Constant Contact and a StoryBrand Certified Guide. Kim is a past shop owner and has served as President of ASA North Carolina.
