More customers for your workshop: list your auto business

When someone's car needs a service, repair or tow, they often want answers quickly.

Can you work on their vehicle? Are you nearby? Do you offer the service they need? What does your previous work look like? And how can they contact you?

Whether you run a workshop, work as a mobile mechanic or operate a towing service, making those answers easy to find can help potential customers decide whether to get in touch.

Make it clear what automotive work you do

“Automotive services” covers a huge range of work.

A workshop that specialises in routine servicing and brakes is different from a mechanic specialising in engines, gearboxes or diagnostics. A mobile mechanic offers something different again, while a towing business may focus on roadside recovery rather than repairs.

Tell customers exactly what you offer.

Depending on your business, that could include:

• minor and major services;
• brake repairs;
• diagnostics;
• batteries;
• clutch repairs;
• engine repairs;
• suspension;
• electrical fault finding;
• mobile mechanical services;
• roadside assistance; or
• towing and recovery.

Don't list services you don't actually provide simply to appear in more searches.

A customer who understands your specialities is more useful than an enquiry for work you can't perform.

Tell drivers where you work

Location matters in automotive services.

For a fixed workshop, make your service area and workshop location clear.

If you're a mobile mechanic, explain the towns or suburbs you travel to.

If you operate a towing service, clearly indicate the areas you cover and whether longer-distance towing is available.

This helps customers decide whether contacting you makes sense before either side spends time on the enquiry.

Show customers your actual business

Genuine photographs can make your profile more informative.

Depending on your type of business, consider showing:

• your workshop;
• your mobile service vehicle;
• your tow truck or recovery equipment;
• examples of repair work where appropriate;
• diagnostic equipment;
• your team; and
• completed work that can be shown without exposing customer information.

Use photographs of your real business rather than generic stock images wherever possible.

Be careful with customer privacy. Avoid unnecessarily publishing registration numbers, documents, addresses or other identifiable information.

Build trust with useful information

South African Pros complete identity verification as part of the Know a Pro signup process before their profile can go live.

Once your identity has been verified, your profile can display the ID Verified badge.

Identity verification confirms identity. It does not prove mechanical skill, honesty or quality of workmanship.

That's why the rest of your profile matters.

Give customers useful information such as:

• your automotive experience;
• the services you specialise in;
• relevant qualifications or credentials where available;
• genuine customer reviews;
• examples of your work;
• information about applicable warranties you actually provide; and
• clear contact and service-area information.

The goal is to give drivers enough information to make their own informed decision about whether to contact you.

Make reviews part of your reputation

Automotive customers don't only care whether the car was repaired.

Their experience can also include communication, pricing, turnaround time and how clearly the work was explained.

After a successful job, ask the customer to leave an honest review.

Don't write the review for them or tell them what rating to give you.

Over time, genuine reviews can help future customers understand what previous customers experienced when dealing with your business.

Handle enquiries professionally

A useful first response doesn't have to be complicated.

When someone contacts you, establish the basics:

• What vehicle do they have?
• What year and model is it?
• What's the problem?
• Is the vehicle still driveable?
• Where is it located?
• Are there warning lights or symptoms they can describe?
• Have they already had the vehicle diagnosed?

For routine servicing, ask for the information you need to quote appropriately.

For faults and repairs, don't promise a final repair price before you've gathered enough information or carried out the necessary diagnosis.

If diagnostic work carries a charge, explain that before doing it.

If you offer towing, make your pricing process clear

A stranded driver may be stressed and trying to make a quick decision.

Clear communication is particularly valuable.

Explain how your towing price is calculated, including where applicable:

• the call-out or base charge;
• included distance;
• additional kilometres;
• after-hours charges;
• winching or recovery charges; and
• the destination.

Don't advertise a low starting price if common additional charges aren't explained.

If you only cover certain areas or distances, make that clear on your profile too.

Use your profile beyond Know a Pro

Your Know a Pro profile doesn't have to sit quietly waiting to be discovered.

Where the platform provides a shareable profile link or other sharing tools, use them.

You can direct customers to your profile from places such as:

• WhatsApp conversations;
• your business social profiles;
• digital quotations or invoices;
• your website; and
• other appropriate customer communications.

This gives customers another place to see your business information and available trust information.

What it costs to list on Know a Pro

Know a Pro uses a monthly membership model.

Independent Pro — R300/month

For independent Pros and sole traders.

Registered Business — R500/month

For registered businesses.

Know a Pro does not take a percentage of the jobs you receive through the platform. Your applicable monthly membership fee still applies.

Prices shown are current at the time of publication and may change.

Ready to grow your automotive presence?

Create your Know a Pro profile, show drivers what your business offers and make it easier for customers in the areas you serve to discover you.

List my business