How to Use Paid Advertising Campaigns to Boost Sales for your Restoration and Performance Shop

But while you’re in the shop working your magic, how much time are you spending on bringing in new customers to your shop?

Word-of-mouth referrals can only take you so far, and if you’re eager to grow, paid advertising can be a big help. Not only will it help you get more cars into your shop, but you’ll be able to focus more on restoring cars and less on sales.

If a paid advertising campaign is new ground for you, don’t worry, you won’t need a marketing degree or a huge budget. All you need is the right approach to attract more customers, fill your schedule, and get your shop the attention it needs to succeed.

With help from our guide, we’ll show you exactly how to attract more clients through the door, so you can spend more time focusing on your work.

#1 Determine your goals for the paid campaigns

Dropping cash on ads is a big investment, which is why you want to be clear on what you’re hoping to accomplish before spending a single dollar.

Are you trying to bring in more local customers for restorations? Promote a specific part or service? Or fill your shop with performance builds?

With a proper goal in place, you can tailor your ad spend to reach the right people and make sure you’re not burning money without a clear end goal in mind.

Pro Tip: Be as specific as possible. The clearer your goal, the easier it is to create ads that actually help you achieve it.

#2 Know your target audience

Are you trying to reach classic car collectors, weekend warriors looking for upgrades, or performance enthusiasts who want a shop that really knows engines? Think about where they hang out online and what kind of content catches their eye. The more you know about them, the better your ads will hit the right people.

Some great paid advertising channels to increase brand awareness include:

• Social media advertising: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn ads are great for reaching local car enthusiasts with eye-catching visuals.
• Search engine advertising: Google Ads can show your shop to people who are already searching online for restorations, performance upgrades, or parts in your area. At the same time, investing in search engine optimization (SEO) helps your website rank higher in organic search results.
• YouTube: Perfect for video advertising! Show off your coolest builds and tutorials on video advertising platforms to show your skills and attract enthusiasts who love seeing cars come to life.
• Banner ads: Automotive websites, forums, or blog ads can also get your shop in front of enthusiasts who are browsing content related to restorations or performance builds.

Pro tip: Keep it simple! Focus on the group that matters most to your shop and tailor your ad campaigns to the advertising platforms that reach them best. Also, remember if you’re trying to get in front of the 18 – 35 age group, they might not be on Facebook