Here are some interesting automotive repair trends on consumers searching for vehicle maintenance and repair services, for both Do It Yourself (DIY) and Do It For Me (DIFM) vehicle owners. It’s the subject of a report released by the folks over at Google Think Insights and shows the importance of automotive Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and paid search. As an automotive digital marketing agency, we enjoy data like this. (Note: for more market research on auto repair trends and statistics see our recently added Vehicle Repair & Maintenance Reports.) DIFM consumers were responsible for 77% of the aftermarket’s sales volume in 2012 (excluding tires). That’s only down slightly from a decade ago, when it was 78%. It’s projected to get back to around 78% by 2015 (Google shows it at 80%, we’re assuming they’re rounding up from 78%). Auto Repair Industry Statistics and Search Trends Google reveals that repair and maintenance search is outpacing search for vehicles, suggesting that consumers needing vehicle maintenance are increasingly using Google to find a local repair shop.

Google also reports 73% of consumers are “definitely” or “most likely” to return to their most recent service provider. That underscores the need for repair businesses to be found in local search results in order to bring in new customers. These customers, in turn, are likely to bring in repeat business. Also of interest, searches for repair services from smartphones increased 74% in the past year (2012). That reinforces the importance of the concept of the “constantly connected consumer,” the driving force behind the new “enhanced” campaigns in Google AdWords, which deliver ads across computers, tablets and phones. Automotive repair industry trends Check back on our blog for more trends and analysis published in the future. Remember, it's polite to share!The following guide to industry information, research, and analysis provides sources for industry trends and statistics, financial ratios, salary surveys, and more. Select from the following sections or scroll below to view available resources:Industry Analysis, Statistics, Trends, and ForecastsFinancial Information and Financial RatiosCompensation and Salary SurveysBusiness Valuation Resources

For guides to other industries, see our index of over 400 industries. Industry Analysis, Statistics, Trends, and Forecasts Auto Maintenance & Repair Franchises Comprehensive research reports provide in-depth industry analysis and five-year growth forecasts, with special focus on the underlying structure and external forces and relationships that affect industries and their Market size and characteristics Key risk and success factors Information resources available from this trade association include: Monthly trade association publication features news and information for shop owners and managers, with topics covered including business management, technical information, and legislative and regulatory issues. articles from current and prior issues can be viewed online. Annual survey covers independent collision and mechanical service and repair shops, with topics covered including company and owner characteristics, sales volume and trends, profitability trends, types of parts used, and primary

Current and prior year survey results are accessible online. Automotive Repair and Maintenance Critical issues and challenges Business trends and opportunities Information resources available from this organization include: Monthly trade magazine features news and information for owners and managers of independent shops, with a primary focus on management topics such as shop operations, marketing, financing, insurance, personnel, and training.How Much Does It Cost To Move An Aquarium Digital editions of the magazine are available online.Bathroom Tiling Cost Per Square Foot Monthly trade magazine features news and information for shops which derive the majority of their revenue fromPatio Furniture Michigan City

under-the-hood work, with topics covered including business management, shop operations, new products, and technicalCurrent and prior digital editions are accessible online. Monthly trade magazine features news and information for automotive service business owners, managers, and technicians, with topical sections including shop management, customer service, financial, marketing, and training. and prior digital editions can be viewed free online. Auto Service Franchise Study / Independent Shop Study Special reports analyze sales and gross margin trends on an overall basis and by specific product categories for franchise and independent shops based on a survey of "Motor Age" magazine readers, with product categories covered including brakes, batteries, fuel pumps, filters, belts and hoses, starters, alternators, and waterSummary articles and full studies can be viewed free online. Small business market research report provides a summary overview of the business, with topics covered including

industry trends, customer demographics, business startup costs, industry trade associations, and additional sourcesReport can be viewed free online. Automotive Repair & Maintenance Services Research report analyzes the U.S. market for these services, with information provided including historical demand and forecasts by system (e.g., exterior, structural, mechanical, electrical, and electronic) and provider (e.g., new car dealers, general service facilities, body shops, and other providers). Summary description and detailed table of contents are available free online. Car Service: Maintenance and Repair - US /  Search for "car service" Market research report provides in-depth analysis of the U.S. market, with topics covered including market size and forecast, market segmentation, retail channels (e.g., car dealerships, franchised and independent shops, and mass retailers), market drivers, marketing strategies, and more. Detailed table of contents which includes key points

from the report can be viewed free online. Automotive Repair and Maintenance Services Comprehensive report provides in-depth analysis of the motor vehicle repair and maintenance services market in the U.S. and other countries, with segments analyzed including general repair, transmissions, exhaust systems, oil and lubricants, body painting and repair, and windshield and window replacement. Summary description and detailed table of contents are available free online. Income and expense detail in dollars and percentages Balance sheets in dollars and percentages Liquidity and working capital ratios Profitability and return on investment ratios Asset turnover and efficiency ratios Capital structure and debt service ratios Financial information section of these profiles includes common-size income statement and balance sheet data and key financial ratios for the most recent annual reporting period, with average financial measures reported

for all companies and by sales size range for small (under $5 million), medium ($5 million to $50 million), and large companies (over $50 million). Sample report can be downloaded and viewed online. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook - Automotive Mechanics and Technicians Information provided for this occupational category includes a description of the nature of the work and the work environment, number and types of jobs, education and training requirements, wages and earnings, employment outlook, and sources for additional information. All information is available free online. Small Business Valuation Multiples Comprehensive reference guide provides market-based business valuation multiples for small businesses in moreValuation multiples are derived from actual business sales transactions as reported by BIZCOMPS®, with the primary focus on small companies priced at less than $1 million. Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Distributors