Make social media work for your business

Let’s be honest. When you have cars up on the ramps, MOTs stacking up, and a customer hovering because their "light just came on again", social media isn’t exactly top of the list. But the truth is, a bit of time spent online can go a long way when it comes to getting your name out there – and bringing more business through the door.

You don’t need a ring light or a TikTok dance routine, but you do need to show people you exist, that you're trustworthy, and that your garage is the kind of place they want to bring their car to. And that’s where social media comes in.

Where to start

It’s 2025, so there are lots of platforms out there, but the main three worth focusing on for garages are Facebook, Instagram, and Google.

Instagram and Facebook are a dual effort because Instagram is owned by Facebook, so the platforms work hand in hand. Post on one, and you can easily share it to the other – one effort, double the exposure. Win, win.

Facebook is still golden for local businesses. Most people still use it to find local services, and if you post regularly (even once or twice a week), you stay on people’s radar. Photos of your team, a heads-up that you have some MOT slots free, or a reminder that winter tyres are back in stock are all great examples of keeping the content stream going. Keep it friendly, keep it short, and just get into the habit of sharing what’s going on.

Instagram is more visual, but don’t let that put you off. You don’t need to be a photographer. Snap a quick pic of a classic car in for service, share a ‘behind-the-scenes of a job well done, or show the faces of the team. People like to see real, relatable content – and a garage that looks busy, clean, and honest builds trust without even trying.

Time poor? No problem

If you only have time for one thing, build up a rhythm. Post a couple of times a week. Share a good review (a screenshot works), highlight a job you’re proud of, or introduce someone from the team. It doesn’t need to be polished. In fact, the less polished it is, the more real it feels – and that’s what people respond to.

Finally, Google. While not technically social media, it is essential. Make sure your listing is up to date (even down to the accuracy of your open and closed times), upload some decent photos, respond to reviews, and post an update every so often. When someone ‘Googles’ “garage near me”, you want them to land on your page and see a place that feels legit, helpful and responsive.

Remember, you don’t need to be everywhere; you just need to show up somewhere consistently.

Top tips

• A quick 20-second clip of a team member explaining what that weird knocking noise might be, for example, is both helpful for customers and great for reach.
• Before and after pics – people love to see a transformation.
• Your team are your biggest asset, so show them off and let their personalities shine. A birthday, a promotion, even a ‘ 10 minutes with’ series over a brew – it all helps show that you’re more than just a company, and not just another garage.

Don’t overthink it. You don’t need to “crack the algorithm” or learn hashtags inside out. Just be consistent, and remember that people buy from people. The days of choosing a garage just because it’s nearby are gone – now it’s about trust, reviews, and familiarity. Social media is your chance to build all three.

You’ve already got the skills. This is just about showing them off.