Using Email to Grow An Auto Body Shop Business

Many of our customers who sign up for Web-Est are fairly new to the Internet Age and the capabilities and benefits that Email can bring to their business. This article will explain some of those benefits and will hopefully bring to light some ideas and resources that we did not have available prior to having high-speed internet access.

One of the most important aspects of running a customer service oriented business, is most obvious, which is servicing your customers at the highest possible level. The ability to quickly send a "thank you" letter or a customer survey, is the easiest way to keep your business exposed to your customer base. Email templates can be drafted and saved, allowing you to apply the template to a customer address book, instantly reaching your entire customer base in a matter of seconds.

Let's take a closer look at the possibilities. As of the third quarter of 2010, it is reported that 28 percent of U.S. Mobile cell phone subscribers are using Smartphones. This trend is continuing to grow as statistics show that 41 percent of new cell phone subscribers opted for a Smartphone over the standard-featured phone.

Smartphones, as you may know differ from the standard cellular phone in many ways; most importantly, Smartphones have the ability to allow the user instant access to his or her email inboxes. This means that when an email is received by a Smartphone user, they no longer have to be in front of their computer to read and/or respond to email messages. Keeping a steady stream of emails flowing to your customers also keeps your name in front of them and you will likely be remembered first if a need for a repair shop comes along.

Another way to stay on top of your valuable customer base is to keep them informed of any new services or specials offered. An example of this could be announcing a menu of new services available to your customers. Full Vehicle Detailing Services, Oil Changes/Maintenance, Tire Rotations, are just some of these examples that you could send an "Email Coupon" to your email list.

Lastly, an important habit to get into when gathering information about your customers, is to ask for their email address. This simple step will open the door to endless opportunities when it comes to communicating directly to your growing customer base.