Case study: 72 quality leads from TikTok for service stations and car services

In just 2 weeks of TikTok Ads lead-form campaigns, Spilno Agency generated 72 quality leads for an auto repair shop at 92 UAH (~$2.3) per lead — compared to only 2–3 calls during an entire month of website traffic strategy. Here’s the full case study: from account unblocking to channel scaling.

Client Background

Spilno Agency promotes a company providing car repair services across Ukraine. The client operates three websites offering different services: tire fitting, technical maintenance, and body repair. Promotion tools used: Google Ads and Meta Ads.

However, Meta Ads began showing unstable results — the cost per lead was rising while the number of quality enquiries was falling. A new lead generation channel was needed. The choice fell on TikTok Ads — a platform with millions of active Ukrainian users and significantly lower competition in the auto repair niche.

Task 1: Unblocking the TikTok Ads Account

The client already had a TikTok Ads account, but it was blocked due to document discrepancies during the initial registration. The unblocking process proved challenging:

1. Contacted TikTok Ads support via the official chat.
2. Prepared a document package: company registration data, legal entity confirmation, business description.
3. Submitted documents for review — received a rejection for technical reasons.
4. Re-submitted with a refined document package.
5. After 4 weeks, the account was successfully unblocked.

Key takeaway: TikTok Ads account unblocking is a lengthy process that requires patience and strict adherence to platform requirements. Once the account was restored, the client entrusted us with full campaign management.

Spilno Agency can help you unblock your TikTok Ads account and launch effective advertising campaigns. Leave a request on our TikTok advertising page.

Task 2: Auto Repair Advertising on TikTok

Month 1: Website Traffic Strategy

We started with a classic approach: driving traffic to the website. We set up the TikTok Pixel and prepared video ad campaigns — this took 1 week. Campaigns were launched.

After 2–3 weeks the result was: 2–3 phone calls. Traffic was flowing to the site but not converting. We began investigating the root cause.

Thanks to our standard practice of connecting call tracking and analysing on-site behaviour, we identified a critical problem. Using Microsoft Clarity heatmaps, we found that the “Call” button was not working on mobile devices — and the vast majority of TikTok traffic is mobile. We recorded a video proof and sent it to the client for fixing.

Month 1 — unsatisfactory results. But the data provided the foundation for a strategy change.

Month 2: TikTok Lead Forms

Instead of the website, we switched to native TikTok Lead Forms. Key advantages: the form opens directly within the app, fields auto-populate from the TikTok profile, and conversion rates are significantly higher than redirecting to an external site.

What we did:

1. Created 3 separate lead forms — one for each service (tire fitting, maintenance, body repair).
2. Integrated forms with Google Sheets via Zapier — submissions arrive instantly.
3. The client independently configured export from Google Sheets into their CRM system.
4. Result: TikTok lead → Google Sheets → CRM — processing time dropped from hours to minutes.

Fast lead response is critical for auto repair businesses: a client who receives a call within 5–10 minutes converts to a sale far better than one who is called back the next day.

Campaign Results

On a test budget over 2 weeks of lead form campaigns, we achieved:

The channel was successfully validated. The client increased the advertising budget on TikTok and is now scaling campaigns.

Why TikTok Ads Works for Auto Repair Shops in Europe

The automotive niche on TikTok is growing rapidly. Here is why TikTok Ads is a strong fit for promoting car service businesses:

• Lower competition than Google Ads. Most auto repair shops are not yet advertising on TikTok — auctions are cheaper, CPL is lower.
• Automotive audience exists on TikTok. Among the platform’s active users are car owners aged 25–45 interested in automotive content.
• Lead forms without leaving the app. Users submit enquiries without visiting your website — higher conversion, especially on mobile.
• Video demonstrates expertise. Repair process videos, before-and-after shots, driver tips — content that builds trust at scale.
• Lookalike audiences enable precise targeting. Upload your customer database — TikTok finds similar users.

How to Set Up TikTok Ads for Auto Repair: Step-by-Step

1. Create or unblock your TikTok Ads account. Ensure the business account is verified.
2. Install TikTok Pixel on your website. Even with a lead-form strategy, Pixel collects optimisation data.
3. Prepare video creatives. 15–30 seconds, vertical format. Show real work: tyre removal, diagnostics, body repair before-and-after.
4. Set up your audience. Interests: ‘Automobiles’, ‘DIY & Crafts’, ‘Car maintenance’. Geo: your city + 20–30 km radius.
5. Create lead forms. One per service type. Keep it minimal: name, phone, preferred callback time.
6. Set up integration. Zapier or Make: TikTok Leads → Google Sheets → CRM. Response time target: under 10 minutes.
7. Launch, analyse, scale. Month 1 is a test. Switch off underperforming forms, scale what works.

TikTok Ads vs Google Ads vs Meta Ads for Auto Repair: Comparison

Optimal strategy for auto repair businesses: combine TikTok Ads (volume + low CPL) with Google Ads (hot demand) for maximum funnel coverage.

Conclusion

This case study confirms: TikTok Ads works for auto repair shops and service stations. Key lessons learned:

• A failing first month is normal for a new channel. What matters is rapid analysis and strategy adjustment.
• Lead forms significantly outperform website traffic for TikTok’s mobile-first audience.
• TikTok → CRM integration reduces lead processing time and boosts conversion to sales.
• A CPL of 92 UAH for auto repair justifies channel scaling and budget increase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is TikTok Ads effective for auto repair shops?

Yes, TikTok Ads is effective for auto repair shops when using the right approach: lead forms instead of website traffic, repair process videos, driver tips. In our case study, we generated 72 quality leads at 92 UAH per lead in just 2 weeks.

How much does a lead cost for auto repair via TikTok Ads?

In our case study, the cost per lead via TikTok Ads for an auto repair shop was 92 UAH (~$2.3). Generally, CPL for automotive services on TikTok ranges from 80 to 300 UAH depending on the service, region, and video creative quality.

Which TikTok lead forms work best for car service businesses?

Create separate lead forms for each service type (tire fitting, maintenance, body repair). Integrate the form with Google Sheets and your CRM to reduce response time and increase conversion to sales.

Who is the TikTok audience for auto repair advertising?

TikTok has an affluent 25–45 audience of car owners interested in automotive content. Target by interests such as ‘Automobiles’, ‘DIY’, ‘Auto maintenance’. Lookalike audiences based on your existing customers deliver the best results.

TikTok Ads vs Google Ads for auto repair: which is more effective?

Google Ads better converts ‘hot’ customers who are already searching for a service. TikTok Ads is effective for building brand awareness and attracting clients at earlier funnel stages. CPL on TikTok is usually lower due to less competition. Combining both channels delivers the best results.