How Much Should Auto Repair Shops Spend on Paid Advertising?

How Much Should Auto Repair Shops Spend on Paid Advertising?

For auto repair shops, paid advertising can be a powerful way to attract new customers, increase service appointments, and grow revenue. But one of the biggest questions shop owners face is: “How much should I actually spend?”

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Let’s break it down so you can make informed decisions for your business.

Factors That Affect Your Paid Advertising Budget

1. Location & Market Size

   • Shops in big cities often face higher competition, which can drive up ad costs.

   • Smaller towns may require less spending to reach your target audience.

2. Your Goals

   • Are you trying to attract new customers, promote seasonal services, or increase brand awareness?

   • The more ambitious your goals, the higher your budget may need to be.

3. Type of Paid Advertising

   • Google Ads (Search & Local Service Ads) – Pay per click or per lead. Costs vary by competition and keywords.

   • Facebook & Instagram Ads – Cost per click or impression; effective for targeting local audiences.

   • Other Platforms – YouTube, TikTok, or Bing may be worth testing depending on your audience.

4. Current Marketing Performance

   • If you already have high organic traffic and good reviews, you might need a smaller paid budget.

   • If you’re just starting out, investing more in ads can jumpstart your visibility.

Typical Auto Repair Advertising Budgets

While budgets vary, here’s a general guideline:

Shop Size	Monthly Paid Ad Budget
Small (1–2 bays)	$500 – $1,000
Medium (3–5 bays)	$1,000 – $2,500
Large (6+ bays or multi-location)	$2,500 – $5,000+

Tips for Maximizing Your Advertising Spend

• Focus on High-Intent Ads: Target customers searching for services like “brake repair near me” or “oil change in [city]”.

• Track ROI: Measure which ads bring in paying customers, not just clicks.

• Start Small, Scale Up: Test campaigns with a smaller budget, optimize, then increase spend on top-performing ads.

• Leverage Local Service Ads (LSAs): LSAs are pay-per-lead, meaning you only pay for customers who contact you directly.

There isn’t a magic number for advertising spend—it depends on your shop’s size, goals, and market. Start with a realistic monthly budget, track results closely, and adjust based on ROI.

Paid advertising, when done correctly, can provide a steady stream of local customers, making it one of the most effective ways to grow your auto repair business.

Pro Tip: Combine paid ads with strong reviews, SEO, and website optimization for maximum impact.