The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast copertina

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast

Di: Kim and Brian Walker
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The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker. Experts in their field who work with shop owners take it to the next level and create a unique approach to marketing. See the growth in your business you’ve been working so hard for by using time-proven marketing that works, fueled to go further by your shop's uniqueness.Copyright 2026 Kim and Brian Walker Economia Gestione e leadership Management Marketing Marketing e vendite
Episodi
  • Advertising Doesn't Fix Car Count Problems with Joe Marconi [E215]

    Advertising Doesn't Fix Car Count Problems with Joe Marconi [E215]
    Jul 29 2026
    Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledJoe Marconi believes one of the biggest mistakes auto repair shop owners make is assuming that more advertising will solve declining car count. In reality, marketing can make the phone ring, but what happens after a customer walks through the door determines whether they'll ever come back. Brian Walker and Joe dive into the critical difference between customer acquisition and retention, why hospitality should be at the center of every auto repair shop, and how internal processes, culture, leadership, and customer experience ultimately drive long-term growth. If you've ever wondered why your marketing isn't producing the results you expected, this conversation will challenge the way you think about growing your business.Listen to the full episode to discover how to turn first-time customers into lifelong advocates.Show Notes with TimestampsIntroduction to the Topic(00:00:09) Host Brian Walker introduces guest Joe Marconi and the topic of his article, "Advertising doesn't Fix Car Count Problems."The Original, Stronger Title(00:02:04) Joe reveals his article's original title was "Advertising doesn't sell anything and I can prove it," but it was toned down.Acquisition vs. Retention(00:03:04) The discussion shifts to the difference between acquiring new customers and the crucial, often overlooked, aspect of retaining them.The Biggest Misconception(00:04:31) Joe explains the biggest misconception is that advertising alone can solve weak sales or low car counts for a shop.Internal Marketing is Key(00:06:08) The conversation highlights that every interaction with a customer inside the shop is a form of marketing that builds relationships.Building a Positive Culture(00:07:17) Joe advises shop owners to establish a strong internal marketing plan and a positive culture before spending more on advertising.The Hospitality Industry(00:09:04) The speakers discuss how auto repair shops should adopt a hospitality mindset, similar to restaurants and hotels, to improve customer experience.The Walt Disney Effect(00:10:33) Joe explains how customers judge a shop on how they were treated, not the technical details of the repair.A Real-World Example(00:14:15) Joe shares a story of a large shop that thought it had a car count problem but actually had an internal process problem.The Dangers of Automation(00:18:54) Brian shares examples of how automated call trees and poor service advisor responses can undermine even the best marketing efforts.Mapping the 5-Star Experience(00:21:41) Joe outlines the steps to creating a world-class customer experience, from their first online search to post-repair follow-up.Remembering the Details(00:24:32) The importance of using the shop management system to note personal details about clients to build stronger, lasting relationships.What to Do Before Spending on Marketing(00:27:01) Joe advises owners to first evaluate their business goals and, most importantly, focus on the employee experience before increasing ad spend.Happy Employees Equal Happy Clients(00:29:37) The discussion emphasizes the direct link between a positive employee culture and a positive customer experience, citing Chick-fil-A as an example.Playing the Long Game(00:32:13) Brian explains why his agency advises shops with internal issues to fix those first, ensuring a better long-term marketing ROI.Fix the Shop Owner First(00:33:37) Joe stresses that a shop's success often starts with the owner's mindset, leadership, and willingness to address internal problems.How to Contact Joe Marconi(00:36:03) Joe shares how listeners can get in touch with him and Elite Worldwide for coaching and advice.Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Unreasonable Hospitality Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledThis episode is sponsored by Shop Boss. You know, other shop management software makes you work, but Shop Boss works for you.AppFueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.”The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from ...
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    38 min
  • Most Commonly Found Missed Marketing Opportunities [E214]

    Most Commonly Found Missed Marketing Opportunities [E214]
    Jul 22 2026
    Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledEvery day, auto repair shops leave valuable marketing opportunities on the table without even realizing it. From missing website essentials and weak SEO to underperforming Google Ads, Local Service Ads, and inconsistent social media, Kim Walker and Shop Marketing Pros' Market Service Advisor Michael Doherty break down the most common issues uncovered during digital marketing inspections. They explain why these overlooked details matter, how they impact your visibility and growth, and the practical steps you can take to fix them. If you want more qualified customers finding and choosing your shop, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Listen now and discover how a digital marketing inspection can uncover hidden opportunities to help fill your bays.Show Notes with TimestampsIntroduction to the Episode (00:01:19) Kim and Michael introduce the topic: commonly missed marketing opportunities found during a "digital marketing inspection" for auto repair shops.What is a Digital Marketing Inspection? (00:02:31) Michael explains that a digital marketing inspection is an evaluation of a shop's current marketing efforts, similar to a DVI.How to Get a Digital Marketing Inspection (00:03:41) Michael details the process for booking a free discovery call and digital marketing inspection through the Shop Marketing Pros website.Common Website Issues (00:07:28) Discussion on shops having no website, lacking personalization, missing clear calls to action, and overusing stock or AI-generated images.SEO: Google Business Profile Optimization (00:14:06) The importance of optimizing a Google Business Profile, including updated photos and responding to reviews with relevant automotive keywords.SEO: Lack of an SEO Footprint (00:19:07) Michael discusses how many shops have zero SEO visibility, which hurts their ability to be found by new customers online.SEO: The Importance of a Blog (00:22:34) The role of consistent, content-rich blog posts in providing search engines with information to rank the shop as a relevant result.Digital Ads: Local Service Ads (LSA) (00:25:10) An overview of Google's Local Service Ads, common setup frustrations, and the importance of optimizing them by rating calls.Digital Ads: Cookie-Cutter Google Search Ads (00:29:24) Many shops use generic, unengaging ad copy and are often unaware of what their own ads even look like.Digital Ads: Unhealthy Ad Budgets (00:34:53) Shops often set ad budgets that are too low to be effective, causing their ads to shut off prematurely.Social Media: Strategy and Content (00:38:41) Many shops lack a social media strategy, don't post consistently, or fail to use authentic photos and videos.Social Media: Does it Impact Car Count? (00:43:31) Discussion on the myth that social media doesn't bring in customers and the importance of tracking how customers find you.Social Media: The StoryBrand Framework (00:46:14) The importance of using a customer-first messaging framework like StoryBrand to create more effective and engaging social media content.How To Get In TouchJoin The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on FacebookMeet The ProsFollow SMP on FacebookFollow SMP on InstagramGet The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Shop Marketing BookEmail Us Podcast Questions or Topics Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Shop Marketing Pros – Book a Discovery Call / Digital Marketing InspectionThanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledThis episode is sponsored by Shop Boss. You know, other shop management software makes you work, but Shop Boss works for you.AppFueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.”The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
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    54 min
  • What It Really Takes to Become the Best Place to Work [E213]

    What It Really Takes to Become the Best Place to Work [E213]
    Jul 15 2026
    Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledWinning the Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo Best Place to Work Award isn't something that happens by accident. It’s the result of years of intentionally building a culture where people want to come to work, grow, and succeed.In this conversation, Brian and Kim sit down with Matt Mevert of Mevert Automotive & Tire Center to unpack what it really takes to create an award-winning workplace. Matt shares the emotional story behind receiving the recognition, explains why culture has to be designed, not left to chance, and discusses the role core values play in hiring, leadership, accountability, and making difficult personnel decisions. The conversation also explores how great teams are built, why character matters more than technical ability, and how protecting your culture ultimately leads to a stronger business.If you're looking to build an auto repair shop where great employees want to stay and thrive, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Listen now and discover practical leadership lessons you can start applying in your shop today.Show Notes with TimestampsIntroduction and Guest Welcome(00:00:10) Host Brian Walker introduces co-host Kim and guest Matt Mevert, owner of Mevert Automotive and Tire Center.Vision's "Best Place to Work" Award(00:01:20) Kim congratulates Matt on his shop winning the "Best Place to Work" award at Vision, nominated by his team.Matt's Reaction to Winning(00:03:42) Matt shares his emotional reaction to the award, realizing his team nominated him and the significance of the recognition.The Importance of Team Nomination(00:05:48) The hosts and Matt discuss how an award nominated by one's own team is the most meaningful form of recognition.Intentionally Designing Workplace Culture(00:08:38) Matt explains that a positive workplace culture doesn't happen by accident; it must be intentionally designed and cultivated.Developing and Implementing Core Values(00:10:13) Matt details the process of creating, refining, and integrating core values into the shop's daily operations and decision-making.The Hiring Process and Cultural Fit(00:16:45) The discussion shifts to the hiring process, focusing on finding candidates who are a good cultural fit beyond technical skills.Dealing with Toxic High-Performers(00:23:58) Matt shares his experience with a high-producing but toxic technician and the positive impact of their departure on team morale.Team Building Activities(00:29:54) Matt describes their twice-a-year team building events, like a lake day and a Christmas party, to foster bonding.Employee Appreciation and Recognition(00:32:16) Discussion on how the shop shows appreciation through birthday desserts, morning shout-outs, and a core values sticker reward system.Measuring Workplace Culture(00:35:21) Matt discusses the challenges of measuring culture and the importance of building trust so employees feel safe raising concerns.Leadership Advice: Rapid Fire Questions(00:43:26) Kim asks Matt a series of rapid-fire questions on leadership books, best advice, habits, and employee benefits.How To Get In TouchJoin The Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Group on FacebookMeet The ProsFollow SMP on FacebookFollow SMP on InstagramLagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John MaxwellVision Hi-Tech Training & ExpoThanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledThis episode is sponsored by Shop Boss. You know, other shop management software makes you work, but Shop Boss works for you.AppFueled at appfueled.com. “Are you ready to convert clients to members? AppFueled™ specializes in creating custom apps tailored specifically for auto repair businesses. Build your first app like a pro.”The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/
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    49 min
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