If you’re an Aussie auto repair shop owner wondering about Google Ads cost for auto repair shop and whether it’s worth the spend, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we get — and for good reason. When done right, Google Ads can bring in jobs fast. But when your budget disappears without results, it’s frustrating and costly.
So, how much should you be spending? What should you expect to pay for each click or call? And how do you make sure you’re not throwing money away?
This guide will walk you through what affects ad costs, what the average shop spends, and how to get the most out of your budget, no matter its size.
Key Summary
- Most independent Australian auto repair shops spend between $500 – $3,000/month on Google Ads.
- Cost per click (CPC) ranges from $2 to $10, depending on your location and service type.
- Factors like competition, ad quality, and landing page experience affect how much you pay.
- You should aim for a cost per lead (phone call or booking) under $50.
- Common mistakes include targeting the wrong keywords, sending traffic to a bad landing page, or not tracking conversions.
- DIY is cheaper upfront, but can lead to costly mistakes. Agencies add value with a better strategy if you choose the right one.
- You don’t need a huge budget to compete, but you do need to spend smartly.
What’s a Realistic Google Ads Cost for Auto Repair Shop?
Let’s get to the number straight away. Most independent Australian mechanics and auto repair shops spend between $500 and $3,000 per month on Google Ads. For small shops in low-competition suburbs, $500–$800/month can bring in a steady stream of jobs. Larger shops or those in competitive areas (like Sydney or Melbourne) may need $1,500–$2,000/month to stay visible.
If you’re just starting, test with $500-$1,000 for the first month. See how many leads it brings. If you’re booking jobs and making a profit, scale up gradually.
What Impacts the Cost of Google Ads?
The cost of Google Ads isn’t fixed. Several things affect how much you’ll pay:
Your location plays a significant role. If you’re in a busy city, you’ll compete with more shops, which drives up the cost per click. The services you promote also matter. Ads for “rego inspections” or “emergency towing” might cost more than general “car servicing.”
Your ad quality score, which includes relevance, landing page quality, and click-through rate, affects your cost. Better ads cost less to show.
How Much Does it Cost to Per Enquiry?
Let’s look at some examples.
A mechanic in Geelong spends around $600/month targeting brake and logbook services. They average about $6 per click, with a conversion rate of 15%. This means they’ll get 100 clicks ($600 / $6). At 15% conversion rate, they will get 15 leads a month, or $40 per lead ($600 / 15).
A busier shop in Sydney’s Inner West spends $1,800/month, targeting high-value services like engine diagnostics and Euro car servicing. With a better-optimised landing page, they bring in 35–45 leads, at about $30 per lead.
These numbers show it’s less about spending and more about how you spend it.
How to Know if Your Ads Are Working
Don’t just track clicks. Track calls, bookings, and actual jobs.
Use call tracking numbers on your ad landing pages and link Google Ads with Google Analytics. Know which keywords are driving real leads, not just visitors. If your ad spend isn’t turning into work, something’s off.
We use a system called WhatConverts, which allows you to see the exact amount of revenue you’ve derived from each channel, including Google Ads.
Budgeting Tips for Maximum Return
- Start small (around $500-$1,000), then scale based on return.
- Avoid broad keywords like “mechanic” — target “logbook service [suburb]” instead. Even better, target specific niches (e.g. “dyno tuning” or “diesel car service” or “american truck upgrades”
- Use a page that relates to your ads, this may be a landing page or a service page on your website (e.g. if someone searches for ‘Audi servicing’ then take them to a page about Audi servicing, not just a generic homepage).
- Set your ad schedule to only run during business hours.
- Track all the data! This will help you and the platforms optimise better.
What to Expect: DIY vs DWY vs Agency Costs
Doing your own Google Ads can save you upfront costs, but it often comes with a learning curve. You might waste hundreds (or worse, thousands!) testing the wrong settings. Our sister agency, Hedgehog, is a ‘done with you’ firm who helps DIY marketers to not go it alone.The benefit of agencies is that they do the hard work and lifting for you. If you don’t have the time, expertise or capacity to take on your Google Ads then handing over to an expert agency might be the right move.
How to Make Every Dollar Count with Google Ads
Whether your budget is $500 or $2,000, make sure every dollar is working for you. Focus on services that deliver higher margins. Direct traffic to a landing page that relates to your ad and that answers key questions and includes your phone number, reviews, and a quick booking form.
Also, don’t forget to optimise your Google Business Profile. Showing up in both ads and the map pack gives you two chances to get clicked.
Ready to Set a Smart Budget? Here’s Your Next Step
Google Ads doesn’t need to be overwhelming or expensive. With the right approach, even a modest budget can bring in steady work. Start with what you can afford, measure your results, and improve what’s not working.
Want help figuring out your ideal budget or fixing underperforming ads? Book a strategy session with Mechanic Marketing, and we’ll walk you through it.