We’ve compiled some of our favorite initiatives so you can make the most out of your social media efforts in 2015.

Because everyone loves to win. Have fun with your page and socialize. There is roughly one nationally recognized holiday per month, and that’s a good reason to give away a gift certificate or gas card. Don’t overthink it — simplicity is the key.

Contests

Ex. Guess how many items are in this jar! Closest to the actual number wins a $100 Gift Certificate to Moving Targets Auto!

Tweet-to-Quote

Be a resource for your potential customers by providing them with a ballpark average for your most common services. Go the extra mile to help them out if they ask you to quote a more specific service.

Incentivize platforms

While it’s true that fan-gating is no longer allowed by Facebook, incentivizing your platforms is still possible and easier than you think. Ask your followers to post a picture of their visit, and give them 20% off their bill just because.

Combine email and social media

Turn social media fans into email subscribers and convert them into sales.

Let your customers know who they can expect to work with, and present them in the best possible light. (Not like this.)

Highlight your employees

Invite them to your shop for a behind-the-scenes look — and let them know they will receive $50 off their next service if they show you that they are a fan of your Facebook or a follower on Twitter.

Have a “Social Media

Weekend”

Ask your customers to provide feedback with comment cards. When they leave you a good comment or ask a good question, feature it on Facebook and thank them/answer it.

Post comment cards to

Facebook

Highlight your customers’

vehicles

People like cars. People love cool cars. Show them, rinse, repeat.

Show off your work

If one of your mechanics did great work this week, feature it on your pages. Doing so will instill confidence in your potential customers and your employees. (Your actual mechanics. No one will believe she works at your shop.)

For the best results, spread these out over time, and make sure you utilize all of your marketing avenues (direct mail, email and social media) to make sure your potential customers are aware of your specials. That being said, have fun with it — that’s what social media is all about!