Looking to unlock the true potential of your business? Discover how taking time to think can reveal new opportunities, boost creativity, and tackle challenges head-on. Learn how clarity breaks can help you refine your vision, focus on what truly matters, and transform your marketing strategy for better results. Get practical tips on clearing distractions, setting the right direction, and making the most of your time away from the daily grind. Ready to take your business to the next...

Ready to kick off the year with a marketing plan that keeps your bays full? Join Brian Walker and Caroline Legrand as they dive into easy, actionable strategies to help auto repair shops plan their marketing month-by-month. From practical ways to align your campaigns with community events to leveraging fun, nationally recognized days, you’ll learn how to make your marketing engaging and impactful. Discover fresh ideas for social media, event hosting, and campaigns that’ll keep your shop...

Welcome to another episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast! I'm your host, Brian Walker, and I’m excited to have my co-host, Kim, back with me after her recovery. Today, we’re diving into a topic that can change the game for your shop: Stop Playing Small. If you’re tired of feeling stuck or just getting by, this episode is for you. We'll be talking about the mindset shifts and practical steps needed to build a thriving, impactful business. It’s time to break free from the limits we place...

Curious about how BNI can transform your auto repair shop's success? Discover the secrets to building powerful referral networks, creating meaningful connections, and turning BNI meetings into your most valuable sales opportunity. In this episode, Brian and Kim Walker sit down with BNI expert Steve Hand to explore how BNI can help you fill your bays, streamline your networking, and grow your business through strategic partnerships. From finding the perfect chapter to mastering the art of...

Today’s episode tackles a critical issue that could cost your business thousands—your domain name. What happens if it expires? Spoiler alert: It’s not good. An expired domain can bring your website crashing down, devastate your SEO rankings, and even force you to pay big money to get it back. But don't worry, we’re here to guide you through it! We’ll dive into the risks of letting your domain lapse and share practical steps to make sure this never happens to you. This episode is packed with...

Welcome to another episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Today we’re diving into an essential topic for shops in competitive markets—how to rank auto repair keywords in a large city. If you're in a big city like Houston or Atlanta, you know how tough it can be to stand out among hundreds of other shops. But with the right SEO strategies, you can get your shop to rank higher and bring in more customers. In this episode, we’ll cover the key SEO basics you need, from optimizing your...

Today, we’re diving into an essential topic—how to make your brand stand out from the competition. While you may already provide exceptional service, standing out in a crowded market requires a focused strategy. It’s not just about doing good work; it's about showing what makes your shop truly unique. We’ll break down the key ways to differentiate your brand, from nailing your customer service to using your core values to your advantage. We’ll also talk about how paying attention to your...

Today, we’re diving into a crucial topic—your role in making your marketing partnership a true success. While hiring a marketing company takes a lot of work off your plate, it doesn’t mean you can be completely hands-off. In fact, your involvement is essential to ensure your marketing reaches its full potential. We’ll cover the key responsibilities you need to take on, from meeting with your marketing team to providing access and sharing important updates. We’ll also discuss how staying...

Want to make your content stand out in 2024? In this episode, we’ll discuss why creating completely original content isn’t the key—and what really drives success in today’s competitive landscape. You’ll learn how to take existing topics and make them your own by adding your unique voice and perspective. We’ll show you how to keep your shop at the forefront of your customers’ minds, even during long gaps between visits. Plus, get tips on how to use content across social media, email, and...

Want to create video content that boosts your shop’s visibility and drives more customers to your door? Discover how taking on the VEDA (Video Every Day in August) challenge can help you get comfortable on camera, overcome any fears, and make video a natural part of your marketing strategy. In this episode, we’ll share practical tips on using video to build trust with your audience, improve your SEO, and showcase your expertise—all while staying consistent with daily video content. Plus,...

Join host Kim Walker as she leads a heartwarming and insightful panel discussion with auto repair shop owners who are making a real difference in their communities. In this special episode, our panelists share how they're stepping up during the back-to-school season to support local students and teachers through creative initiatives—from donating school supplies to funding teacher wish lists and organizing community events. Listen as Tanika Haynes, Christina Grace Beverly, and Nakia and Nate...

Today, we're excited to have a special guest with us, Craig O'Neill, a seasoned communication expert. In this episode, we'll dive into Craig's unique approach to effective communication in the auto repair industry. We'll explore how he defines and measures communication success, the art of creating positive first impressions, and the crucial role of clear, transparent interactions in building client trust and retention. We'll also discuss the impact of personalized communication, the...

When running your auto repair shop, burnout, stress, and exhaustion can feel like constant companions. How do you reignite your passion and find balance amidst the daily challenges? In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, Kim Walker hosts a solo cast with guest Jeff Salzenstein, a former professional tennis player turned coach and speaker.  Jeff shares his transformative journey from the tennis courts to becoming a coach focused on holistic well-being. He offers invaluable...

Want to unlock new opportunities for your auto repair shop? Learn how to tap into local organizations that are eager to help your business thrive, connect with valuable resources, and maximize community support. We'll explore the benefits of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), leveraging Downtown Development Districts, and participating in programs like Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses.  Plus, discover how to network with local government officials, secure grants, and enhance...

Are you an auto repair shop owner looking to demystify the world of marketing jargon and take your business to the next level? Join hosts Brian and Kim Walker in this must-listen episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast as they unravel the mysteries behind marketing terms that could be holding your business back. Ever wondered if boosting a post is worth your money or how SEO can actually drive more customers to your door? We’ve got the answers. Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring...

Join Brian Walker in this thought-provoking episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast as he delves into the controversial philosophy of "just say yes" in the auto repair industry.  Brian explores how this approach can influence your marketing efforts, customer service, and overall shop success.  He shares real-life examples of missed opportunities, highlighting the importance of proper service advisor training and the need to always look for ways to turn a "no" into a positive...

Join Kim, in this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast as she dives into the key responsibilities shop owners have when teaming up with professional marketers. From the importance of honesty to the need for regular communication and thinking like a marketer, Kim outlines seven essential points to enhance your partnership and boost your business. Discover how to lay a strong foundation for your marketing efforts and ensure your shop is ready for growth. Don't miss these valuable...

Welcome to the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Brian Walker. In this solo episode, Brian discusses the importance of taking massive action during slow business periods.  Drawing from a recent conversation with a shop owner, he shares strategies to combat slow times, including leveraging networking groups like BNI, using your CRM effectively, creating engaging video content, and offering incentives. Brian also highlights the importance of personal health and well-being, emphasizing that a...

Today, we're excited to have a special guest with us, Arun Kumar, the owner of Driven Auto Care.  In this episode, we’ll explore Arun's unique approach to defining and measuring customer loyalty, creating positive first impressions, and the crucial role of communication and transparency in client retention.  We'll also discuss the impact of personalized service, the importance of community engagement, and strategies for handling negative reviews.  Plus, Arun will share his insights on...

Welcome to another episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, hosted by Brian and Kim Walker!  Today, we have a very special guest, Michael Doherty, who was our exceptional service advisor at Peak Automotive in Apex, North Carolina.  Michael has been a pivotal figure in our journey, and we are thrilled to share his insights on customer loyalty and retention. He’ll discuss his unique approach to building lasting client relationships and the importance of genuine care and transparency. Thank...

Customer loyalty programs are crucial for retaining clients in the auto repair industry. On the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, hosts Brian and Kim Walker explore this topic with Joe Schindler and Jeff Rudnick.  Joe, a shop owner, shares his experiences with loyalty programs, while Jeff from Pit Crew Marketing offers insights on how these programs can significantly benefit automotive shops.  This discussion is part of their ongoing series on customer retention. They highlight how personalized...

In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, hosts Brian and Kim Walker are joined by Rena Rennebohm to discuss the crucial role of service advisors in customer retention.  Part of a customer retention series, this conversation highlights the importance of tailored, one-on-one service advisor training.  Key topics include the shop owner's role in setting expectations, the benefits of a one-to-one advisor-to-technician ratio, and common mistakes in advisor interactions.  Rena...

In this episode, Brian and Kim kick off a series on retention marketing, focusing on how auto repair shops can utilize Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems to enhance customer loyalty and communication.  They are joined by Greg Rainville from Steer and Chris Enright from Enright Automotive, who share their expertise and experiences. Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops Lagniappe (Books,...

Want to create content that really connects with your audience? Learn how to identify what your customers need, personalize content from your shop, and tap into local community insights for better engagement. We'll share practical tips on using Canva, planning your content calendar, and driving more traffic to your website. Plus, discover strategies to promote your brand, enhance your shop's culture, and create SEO-friendly content. Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your content...