Three Free and Easy Ways to Boost Your Shop's Online Presence

By Lisa Humrich, Steelbloom

As a business, attracting local customers and standing out from the competition can be a challenge. But there’s good news—there are a few simple, free marketing strategies you can implement right now that will help you get found online and build your reputation. Let’s dive into three game-changing tactics: adding your business to Google Maps, optimizing your Google My Business (GMB) profile, and starting a Google review campaign. These quick and easy steps will give your shop more visibility and credibility while helping you bring in more clients without spending a dime.

1) Add Your Wrap Shop to Google Maps

If your business isn’t on Google Maps yet, it’s time to change that! When potential customers search for a “vehicle wrap shop near me” or even “best car wraps in [your city],” you want your business to show up right at the top. Google Maps helps people discover local businesses like yours on their phones or computers—don’t miss out. Most customers who need wraps for branding or personal projects will start with an online search. If your shop isn’t listed on Google Maps, you’re essentially invisible to anyone looking for vehicle wraps in your area. When your shop is on the map, your business will show up when people search for vehicle wrap services in your city or area, giving you a chance to capture new leads. For vehicle wrap shops, being on Google Maps is especially important because your potential customers are likely to want to see your location, read reviews, and maybe even get directions to your shop. Google Maps also allows you to post photos of your best work, which can attract customers as they see your skills before they even call you.

How to Add Your Vehicle Wrap Shop to Google Maps

Adding your shop to Google Maps is a quick and straightforward process:

Step 1: Set Up a Google My Business Account

Go to Google My Business (https://www. google.com/business/) and create an account for your vehicle wrap shop. Enter your business name, address, and contact information. If you offer mobile services in addition to your in-shop work, you can list that too!

Step 2: Enter Key Business Information

Make sure you include accurate hours of operation and a phone number where potential clients can easily reach you. You’ll also want to pick the most relevant category for your business. Choose something like "Vehicle Wrapping Service" or "Auto Customization" to make sure you’re appearing in the right search results.

Step 3: Verify Your Shop

To finish setting up your business on Google Maps, Google will send a verification code by postcard or phone. Once you enter this code into your Google My Business profile, your shop will be listed on Google Maps, and people can start finding you online.

Step 4: Upload Photos of Your Work

This is the fun part— show off your best vehicle wraps! Upload high-quality photos of wrapped cars, trucks, or fleet vehicles you’ve worked on. Adding photos can help potential customers see your work and make your shop stand out. A good portfolio of images on Google Maps is like a free advertisement.

2) Optimize Your Google My Business (GMB) Profile for Vehicle Wrap Services.

Getting on Google Maps is only the first step. To really make your shop stand out, you need to optimize your Google My Business profile. Think of it as your shop’s online storefront—a place where customers can see reviews, photos, and key details about your services.

Why Your GMB Profile Is Crucial for Wrap Shops

A well-optimized Google My Business profile can help bring more traffic to your shop.

Customers will use it to check your shop’s location, hours, services, and—most importantly—reviews. It can make all the difference when someone is deciding between your shop and a competitor. Keeping your profile updated, adding great photos, and getting reviews, your GMB profile will improve your local search ranking, making you more likely to appear in the coveted “Local Pack”—the top three local results on Google searches. For vehicle wrap shops, where trust and craftsmanship are essential, a great GMB profile can lead to more calls, foot traffic, and sales.

How to Optimize Your Vehicle Wrap Shop’s GMB Profile

Step 1: Complete All Basic Information

First, make sure your business name, address, phone number, and website are all listed correctly. This might seem obvious, but customers often get frustrated when they can’t find basic info. If you’ve got a website with examples of your work, make sure that link is prominently displayed on your GMB profile.

Step 2: List All Services You Offer

Wrap shops offer a variety of services beyond just vehicle wraps. Maybe you do vinyl wraps for boats, custom graphics for trucks, or commercial fleet wraps. Whatever services you offer, list them in your GMB profile. Not only does this help customers know exactly what you offer, but it also helps Google understand the range of services you provide, making it easier to match your business with relevant searches.

Step 3: Add Photos and Videos

This cannot be stressed enough: photos of your work are critical for a vehicle wrap shop. Customers want to see the quality of your work before they even consider contacting you. Add clear, high-quality photos of recent wraps you’ve done, from colorful branding wraps for businesses to sleek, personal car wraps. You can even upload videos of the wrapping process or of finished projects driving off the lot.

Step 4: Use the Google Posts Feature

Google My Business lets you post updates just like social media platforms. Use this feature to announce promotions (like 10% off for new clients), show off new work, or highlight upcoming events. This keeps your profile fresh and shows that your shop is active and engaged with customers.

Step 5: Stay on Top of Reviews

Customer reviews are the lifeblood of a wrap business. Positive reviews build trust, and customers rely heavily on them to choose between different shops. Make sure you regularly monitor and respond to reviews, both positive and negative. Responding to feedback shows you care and can help diffuse any negative situations.

3) Start a Google Review Campaign for Your Vehicle Wrap Shop

If you’re looking for a way to really boost your shop’s credibility, reviews are the answer. Positive reviews can bring in more customers, build trust, and even improve your ranking in local search results. More reviews equal more visibility, which equals more potential clients for your vehicle wrap shop.

Why Reviews Are So Important

For vehicle wrap shops, reviews do more than just provide feedback—they act as social proof for new customers. Wrapping a car, truck, or boat is a big investment for clients, and they want to know they’re choosing the right shop. Seeing a long list of happy customers with five-star reviews can convince a hesitant client that you’re the real deal. Google uses reviews as a ranking factor, meaning the more reviews you have—and the better they are—the more likely your shop is to show up in local search results. Plus, Google’s algorithm tends to prioritize businesses that engage with their reviews, so don’t ignore the reviews!

How to Start a Google Review Campaign

Step 1: Ask for Reviews from Satisfied Customers

After completing a job, ask your customer for a review while the experience is still fresh. If they’re happy with the work, most people are willing to leave a quick review, especially if you make it easy for them. Send them a link directly to your Google review page or print out a QR code they can scan with their phone.

Step 2: Incentivize Reviews

If you want to encourage more reviews, consider offering a small incentive like a discount on future services, a freebie, or entry into a giveaway. This can nudge clients to take the time to leave you a positive review.

Step 3: Respond to Reviews (Good and Bad)

Don’t just let reviews sit there—respond to them! Thank customers for their kind words, and if someone leaves negative feedback, address the issue professionally. Showing that you care about both positive and negative feedback builds trust with potential clients.

Wrapping it UP

Marketing doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Getting found online is key to attracting new customers and growing your business. By adding your shop to Google Maps, optimizing your Google My Business profile, and running a Google review campaign, you’ll be well on your way to improving your online presence—without spending a dime. These free, low-effort marketing strategies will help bring in new clients, build trust through customer reviews, and show off your work to a broader audience. Over time, these small moves can lead to big results. Don’t wait, bring more visibility to your shop today!