Ranking in the first position on a Google search can be beneficial for your auto repair shop or collision repair business, as it often leads to increased visibility, credibility, and web traffic. However, being in the first position to succeed is not strictly necessary. Ranking in positions two through five can also be effective.
For auto repair or body shops, local search results are crucial. Customers often look for services near them, and Google's algorithm prioritizes local businesses. Being in the top five positions will make your business highly visible to local customers. Let's evaluate additional things to consider when evaluating the necessity to be number in Google search results. 
Different customers may have different requirements, like specific repair services, brand specialization, or budget constraints. Those browsing through the first few search results are likely to choose the shop that best fits their specific needs, even if it's not the first one listed.
In the auto repair industry, trust is a key factor. Customers often read reviews and check ratings before deciding. A shop in the second to fifth position with excellent reviews can be more appealing than the first one with mediocre reviews.
Ranking higher for specific services (like "collision repair," "oil change," or "transmission repair") can be more beneficial than being the first for a broad search term. Customers searching for these specific services are more likely to choose shops that specialize in their needs, regardless of the overall ranking.
Even if your shop isn’t first on Google, having a strong presence in local listing directories can boost your visibility. Consumers may evaluate service providers using sites other than Google.
Providing clear, detailed information about your services and expertise on your website can attract customers who are looking for more than just the top-ranked shop. A well-designed website with user-friendly navigation can be a deciding factor.
For auto shops, it's beneficial to have a broad online strategy. This can include having a strong presence on social media, engaging with customers through reviews and feedback, and utilizing Google My Business effectively.
According to a study by Advanced Web Ranking, the CTR (Click-Through Rate) for the first position on a desktop search can be around 30%. This means that about 30% of people who see the first result click on it. The second position might see a CTR of around 15-20%, and this further drops for each subsequent position. By the time you reach the fifth position, the CTR might be in the range of 5-10%.
Other factors to consider include mobile searches, which can exhibit different CTR patterns due to the smaller screen size and different user behavior. The nature of the search query (informational, transactional, navigational) can also influence CTR's. The presence of Search Engine Results Page features like featured snippets, local packs, knowledge graphs, etc., can also impact CTR's for traditional organic listings. Sometimes these features can capture a significant portion of clicks.
While being the top-ranked auto repair or body shop on Google can be advantageous, ranking in positions two through five is still very effective. It's important for auto shops to focus on local SEO, build a strong online presence, and emphasize quality service and customer trust to attract and retain customers.
