The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast

In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, hosts Kim and Brian Walker discuss the topic of bankruptcy with industry coaches Rick White and Cecil Bullard. Each guest shares their personal experiences with bankruptcy, providing insights into the emotional and financial struggles they faced. They discuss the importance of learning from past mistakes, seeking professional advice, and maintaining open communication in relationships during difficult times. The episode emphasizes resilience, the power of education, and the importance of not letting fear or pride hinder business growth. The speakers also highlight the value of giving and receiving support and the significance of moving forward after failure.Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsShow Notes with TimestampsThe decision to file for bankruptcy (00:02:12) Discussion about the impact of bankruptcy on marriages and families, encouraging openness and sharing of experiences.Rick White's bankruptcy story (00:04:08) Rick shares his personal experience of going bankrupt in 1989, selling his shop to pay off debts, and facing the consequences of vendors going after him.Cecil Bullard's bankruptcy story (00:06:19) Cecil talks about his experience of owing the IRS and the state of California a significant amount of money while owning multiple shops in Palm Springs.The manager's financial troubles (00:06:38) The speaker discusses the financial troubles faced by the manager, including owing money to the IRS and having to sell off shops.Bankruptcy and starting over (00:08:16) The speaker shares their experience of declaring bankruptcy, moving to a new location, and starting over in their career.Overcoming adversity and finding success (00:09:06) The speaker talks about facing multiple challenges, including a severe injury, financial difficulties, and bankruptcy, but ultimately finding success and running a successful shop.The bankruptcy decision (00:14:15) The speaker talks about their experience with bankruptcy, the poor decisions made during a road construction project, and the stress levels they faced.Encouraging others after bankruptcy (00:15:56) The speaker discusses how they found peace and were able to encourage others who had also filed for bankruptcy.Different types of bankruptcy (00:18:35) The speaker shares their experience with Chapter 13 bankruptcy and emphasizes the importance of getting educated and seeking legal advice before making a decision.The Tax Bill and Financial Guidance (00:20:24) Discussion on the importance of being prepared for tax bills and the difference between a CPA and a CFO.Bankruptcy and Learning from Failure (00:20:52) Personal experience with bankruptcy and the lessons learned from failure and tough times.Importance of Making Mistakes and Financial Advice (00:23:35) Emphasizing the value of making mistakes, seeking financial advice, and the need to let go of pride and fear in business.The importance of learning from mistakes (00:26:37) The importance of learning from past mistakes and not allowing them to dictate future decisions.Taking care of yourself emotionally and mentally (00:28:17) How to take care of oneself emotionally and mentally during difficult times, and Speaker 5 shares his perspective and advice.Moving forward and starting over (00:31:36) The mindset shift and perspective change needed to move forward and start over after facing challenges and setbacks.The bankruptcy experience (00:33:21) Discussion on the perspective change needed when facing bankruptcy and the importance of not staying stuck in the pain.The importance of relationships (00:35:10) The significance of communication and support in relationships during challenging times, with a focus on being a provider and protector.The reality of bankruptcy (00:36:28) Acknowledging the hardships and difficulties of filing bankruptcy, along with the recommendation to explore alternative options before resorting to it.The significance of talking to your significant other (00:40:02) Importance of having open conversations with your spouse or significant other about business failure and not letting it define your identity.Letting go of the baggage and learning from mistakes (00:40:38) Discussion about the chains we create for ourselves and the need to let go of unnecessary baggage, learn from mistakes, and move forward.The fear of failure and starting over (00:42:40) Encouragement to not let the fear of failure prevent you from pursuing your passion again, learning from past mistakes, and finding success on the other side.How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - podcast@shopmarketingpros.com 

In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, hosts Brian and Kim Walker discuss the negative impacts of fragmented marketing on a brand. They stress the importance of a cohesive marketing strategy, consistent branding, and the role of a brand style guide. They share their experiences and the lessons they've learned in marketing their auto repair shop. The hosts also discuss the changing landscape of marketing, the importance of planning, and the role of a fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsShow Notes with TimestampsFragmented Marketing (00:00:56) Discussion on the concept of fragmented marketing and its negative impact on brand consistency and effectiveness.Defragging Your Marketing (00:03:29) Drawing parallels between fragmented marketing and the process of defragmenting a computer, emphasizing the need for aligning various marketing efforts.The Consequences of Fragmented Marketing (00:06:11) Exploring the confusion and lack of coherence that fragmented marketing creates for the audience, leading to a less effective marketing strategy.The Marketing Rule of Seven (00:08:06) Discussion on the outdated concept of the marketing rule of seven and the increase in the number of ads people see per day.The Importance of Cohesive Marketing (00:12:09) The significance of having consistent branding across different advertising platforms and the wasted effort if the message is not cohesive.The Need for a Marketing Plan (00:12:55) Emphasis on the importance of having a well-thought-out marketing plan to avoid marketing failures.The planning process (00:13:05) Discussion about the in-person planning session for marketing for the next year and the extra class in the Facebook group teaching how to create an annual marketing plan.Creating a marketing plan (00:14:05) Explanation of the guide to creating a real-world marketing plan and the steps involved in creating a practical marketing plan.Simplifying marketing efforts (00:17:10) Advice on simplifying marketing efforts and focusing on a few key platforms or strategies to ensure cohesiveness and effectiveness.The importance of a brand style guide (00:19:48) Discusses the significance of having a brand style guide to ensure consistency and cohesion in marketing materials.Having one person in charge of marketing (00:20:46) Emphasizes the need for one person to be responsible for overseeing the company's marketing efforts.Working with a minimum number of outside companies (00:23:41) Advises limiting the number of external companies involved in marketing to maintain simplicity and avoid confusion.The Chief Marketing Officer (00:26:17) Discussion about the role of a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) in an organization, whether they are fractional or full-time, and their responsibilities in guiding and directing marketing efforts.Overseeing Marketing Cohesiveness (00:27:03) Mention of two companies, Overdrive and Turnkey, that provide services to oversee and ensure cohesiveness in marketing efforts. Importance of having a plan and someone guiding and directing marketing for successful outcomes.Joining the Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind (00:28:19) Invitation to join the Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind Facebook group, with over a thousand members, to share ideas, questions, and tips about marketing in auto repair shops.How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - podcast@shopmarketingpros.com Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Blog: Fragmented MarketingTuesday Teaching in ARMM FB Group: Fragmented MarketingPodcast: What is a Brand?Podcast: A Shop Owner’s Story of Creating a New Logo w/ Don StardyGuide: How to Create a Real World Marketing Plan

In this podcast episode, Brian Walker and Kim discuss the importance of being ready for marketing in the context of auto repair businesses. They highlight four signs that a business may not be ready for marketing, including a high comeback rate, poor phone skills of service advisors, low Average Repair Order (ARO), and low or no profits. They stress the need to address these issues before focusing on marketing and business growth. They also discuss their experiences with clients and the importance of ensuring a good fit before starting a working relationship. Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsShow Notes with TimestampsFixing the cars first (00:03:58) Discussion on the importance of fixing cars with precision and expertise before investing in marketing.Reducing comeback rate (00:04:06) Exploration of the negative impact of high comeback rates on reputation and marketing efforts.Customer acquisition cost (00:05:01) Explanation of the expenses involved in acquiring new clients and the need to create loyal, long-term customers.Tracking Comebacks and Acceptable Rates (00:06:30) Discussion on tracking comeback rates and the acceptable percentage, and the importance of fixing problems if the rate exceeds 5%.Handling Comebacks and Customer Reviews (00:08:04) The significance of handling comebacks appropriately to avoid negative reviews and word-of-mouth, and the impact it has on the business.Investing in Service Advisor Phone Skills Training (00:10:02) The importance of investing in training for service advisors' phone skills before increasing marketing investments, and the need for shop owners to be aware of their advisors' performance on phone calls.Improving Phone Skills and Service Advisor Training (00:12:35) Discussion on the importance of fixing phone skills and training service advisors before increasing call volume.Importance of Average Repair Order (00:13:13) Explanation of average repair order (ARO) and the significance of having a high ARO for profitability.Challenges of High Car Volume and Low ARO (00:14:37) Discussion on the challenges and potential mistakes that can arise from having a high car volume and low average repair order, including the need for additional service advisors and time constraints.(00:19:11) Qualifying clients and ensuring a good fit for the team and return on investment.(00:19:49) The importance of client engagement and follow-through for successful marketing strategies.(00:21:23) Encouraging audience participation and inviting questions for future podcast episodes.How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - podcast@shopmarketingpros.comLagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Link to Episode 45 with Cecil Bullard - Phone Skills Amplify Your Marketing

In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, host Brian Walker talks with Caroline Lagrand, Senior Messaging Strategist at Shop Marketing Pros. They discuss the importance of retention marketing in the auto repair industry, emphasizing the need to focus on existing customers rather than just acquiring new ones. Caroline shares insights on how to use social media, email marketing, CRM follow-up messages, and direct mail to keep customers engaged and connected to the business. She also highlights the role of customer experience and shop culture in retaining customers. The episode concludes with practical tips for businesses looking to implement retention marketing strategies.Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsShow Notes with TimestampsRetention Marketing (00:01:29) Importance of retention marketing and how it keeps customers coming back to the shop.Acquisition vs Retention Marketing (00:02:19) Differentiating between acquisition marketing (getting new customers) and retention marketing (keeping existing customers).Customer Experience and Shop Culture (00:05:47) The role of customer experience, shop culture, and leadership in retention marketing.Retention Marketing and Customer Experience (00:06:33)The importance of providing exceptional customer service and creating a positive experience to retain clients.Other Aspects of Marketing (00:07:26) Marketing includes more than just SEO and acquisition strategies, and highlights the importance of social media, video strategy, CRM, follow-up messages, and direct mail for customer retention.Engaging Social Media Content (00:09:11) The effectiveness of engaging social media posts, such as wishing someone a happy birthday, and emphasizes the power of video content in driving engagement and attracting new followers.The ability to build relationships through social media (00:12:55) Explains how social media allows businesses to continue building relationships with customers even when they are not physically present.Retention marketing through email and CRM (00:14:27) Discusses how email marketing and the use of a CRM can be effective for retention marketing, including sending customized emails and offering special incentives to existing customers.The effectiveness of email marketing and newsletter content (00:17:01) Highlights the effectiveness of email marketing for driving new business and emphasizes the importance of short and engaging newsletter content to generate customer response.Retention Marketing and Top of Mind Awareness (00:19:34) Discusses the importance of retention marketing and staying top of mind for customers through email campaigns and reminders.Engaging with Clients and Seasonal Cards (00:20:30) Explores ideas for retention marketing, such as hosting events and sending seasonal cards to clients, with examples of Christmas and Thanksgiving cards.The Difference Between Acquisition and Retention Marketing (00:22:00) Explains the difference between acquisition and retention marketing, highlighting the importance of building trust and relationships with existing clients for long-term profitability.Retention Marketing and Cost (00:25:34) Discusses the concept of retention marketing and its cost-effectiveness compared to acquisition marketing.Social Media as an Equalizer (00:27:39) Explains how social media can enhance other marketing efforts and build trust and familiarity with customers.Getting Started with Retention Marketing (00:28:22) Provides advice on utilizing CRM, implementing email newsletters, and posting on social media to start building customer relationships.How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - podcast@shopmarketingpros.com 

In this episode, Kim interviews two young ladies who have taken over the marketing roles in their families’ auto repair shops. Calla Bourdeau of Rowes Garage and Callie Grace Burris of Frog Pond Performance talk about their roles, the challenges they face, and what it’s like to be young marketers in the world of auto repair. They also give advice to other young professionals who may be considering a career in marketing.Thanks to our partner, RepairPal. Visit the Web HERECallie Grace's Shop and Marketing Journey (00:03:10) Callie Grace talks about her family's shop, Frog Pond Performance, and how she took over the marketing efforts.Calla's Introduction to Rose Garage (00:04:18) Calla shares how she got involved in her brother's business, Rose Garage, and the tasks she handles, including social media marketing.Callie Grace's Experience at ASTE (00:05:52) Callie Grace discusses her experience attending ASTE, the collaboration among industry professionals, and the classes she found helpful.Introduction of Callie and Calla and their ages, discussing their involvement in the shop (00:07:55)Discussion about family involvement in the shop, including siblings and in-laws (00:08:33) The transition into marketing roles and the reasons behind choosing marketing as a focus (00:09:25) Facebook Groups for Industry Connection: Discussion about the value of Facebook groups, particularly for women in the automotive industry (00:17:01) Marketing Gratification and Video Pet Peeves (00:20:16) Sharing the satisfaction of successful social media posts and content creation, along with the dislike of being on camera.Challenges with Voice and Video (00:22:01) Personal experiences of feeling self-conscious about voice and appearance in videos, and the realization of the importance of video in marketing.The importance of learning from marketing failures (00:23:49) Discussion on the experience of posting content that does not perform well and the importance of learning from failures to improve future marketing strategies.Recommendation: "The Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Marketing" (00:25:42) Both speakers highlight the book as a helpful resource for marketing strategies in the auto repair industry.The significance of connecting with the target audience (00:28:38) Discussion on the importance of understanding and connecting with the specific audience of the shop's social media page to tailor the marketing message effectively.Callie’s pursuit of nursing (00:30:12) Deciding to pursue nursing while still being involved in marketing.Support and encouragement for the guest's career plans and future endeavors (00:30:49)Discussing uncertainty about future career paths and experiences gained so far (00:31:17)How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - podcast@shopmarketingpros.com Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Frog Pond Performance - FB pageFrog Pond Performance - WebsiteRowes Garage - FB PageRowes Garage - WebsiteAmazing Women in Automotive Facebook GroupThe Ultimate Guide to Auto Repair Marketing Book

In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, host Kim Walker and her team at Shop Marketing Pros discuss the importance of marketing security. They provide tips on securing marketing assets, managing passwords, verifying identities on platforms like Facebook and Google, and identifying spam and scams. They also emphasize the importance of knowing who has access to your accounts and regularly reviewing this access. The team encourages shop owners to be proactive in securing their digital assets.Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsShow Notes with TimestampsAccount Access and Security (00:05:27) Discussion on the importance of being the primary account holder for your website, email, and Google listing, and the potential issues that can arise if you don't have access.Different Types of Access in Facebook (00:06:53) Explanation of the different levels of access in Facebook's business manager, including partial access for specific tasks and full access that allows partners to act as page owners.Assigning Access to Facebook and Instagram Accounts (00:08:23) Further discussion on assigning partial or full access to team members, marketing agencies, or other partners for Facebook and Instagram accounts.The importance of owning your Facebook page (00:08:29) Discussion on the importance of being the owner of your Facebook page and how to assign different accesses.Properly storing passwords (00:11:02) Discussion on different methods for storing passwords, including using Google, writing them down, and using password management tools like LastPass.Benefits of LastPass for password management (00:12:10) Discussion on the features and benefits of using LastPass, including the ability to store and share passwords securely, organize passwords in folders, and access passwords on both browsers and mobile devices.Identity Verification on Google Ads (00:19:05) Discussion on the requirement to verify Google Ads accounts with documentation and ID to eliminate fake advertisers and ensure legitimacy.Google Business Profiles Verification (00:22:24) Exploration of the verification process for Google business listings, including submitting documentation and a video of the shop's interior and exterior.Importance of Security and Password Management (00:15:45) Emphasis on the need for strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and the use of password managers like LastPass for enhanced security.The Google Business Profile (00:23:41) How to find and claim a Google Business Profile for a business, including ownership access and management access.Facebook Ownership and Levels (00:26:19) The different levels of ownership and access on Facebook and Instagram, including the importance of having a meta business account and a business manager.Facebook Ownership Dispute and Resolution (00:29:06) The process of resolving ownership disputes on Facebook, including submitting proof of business ownership and working with Facebook support.The security levels of Facebook accounts (00:32:46) Discusses the different levels of access on Facebook accounts and the importance of being cautious with granting admin privileges.Securing personal Facebook profiles (00:34:43) Provides tips on securing personal Facebook profiles, including setting friends list to private and enabling two-factor authentication.Identifying spam and scams on Facebook and Google (00:37:49) Explains how to recognize and handle spam and scams on Facebook and Google, specifically related to fake messages, emails, and ownership requests.Spam and Scam Emails for Google Business Listings (00:38:10) Discussion on how to identify and handle spam or scam emails related to Google Business listings.Renewal Spam for Domains (00:39:52) Advice on recognizing domain renewal spam and clarifying that legitimate domain providers will not send paper mail for renewal.Facebook Spam and Scams (00:42:05) Explanation of the changing tactics used by scammers on Facebook, including fake messages from Facebook support and misleading product-related messages.Recognizing and handling marketing spam on Facebook (00:45:54) Tips on identifying and dealing with spam messages and fake reviews on Facebook.Beware of fake notifications from Facebook (00:46:43) Warning about fake notifications regarding disabled pages and how to differentiate them from genuine notifications.Importance of paying attention to domain and SSL certificate emails (00:51:15) Emphasizing the need to be aware of domain and SSL certificate expiration emails to prevent website downtime and loss of trust.Checking your spam folder (00:52:16) Importance of checking your spam folder for legitimate emails that may have been filtered incorrectly.Regularly reviewing access to accounts (00:53:16) Importance of regularly reviewing access to accounts, especially when switching marketing companies or hiring/firing new people.How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - podcast@shopmarketingpros.com & ask@shopmarketingpros.com

Recorded Live at AAPEX 2023, Carm is joined in studio with Aftermarket Radio Network hosts Brian Walker and Matt Fanslow for milestone episode 900. Carm discusses the process of creating the podcast, the journey to expand to the Aftermarket Radio Network and how his daughter Tracy became a crucial part of the team, starting as an editor and eventually working full-time with him. Carm also reflects on the challenges he faced when starting the podcast, the importance of consistency, quality, and good editing, and the shifts he had to make along the way.Aftermarket Radio NetworkHunt Demarest, CPA, Paar Mellis and Associates, Business by the Numbers PodcastMatt Fanslow, Riverside Automotive, Red Wing, MN, Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z PodcastKim and Brian Walker, Shop Marketing Pros, Auto Repair Marketing PodcastChris Cotton, AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching, Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz PodcastShow Notes Watch Full Video RR 172: Giuliano Zuccato, Clay Sculptor – 1964 Mustang RR 243: Giuliano Zuccato – Chrysler Crossfire & Horse of Destiny Foundation The preparation process (00:01:51) The process of preparing for a podcast episode, including research, vetting ideas, and interviewing guests. Working with Tracy (00:06:38) Carmen shares how his daughter Tracy came to work with him on the podcast and the proposal he made to her to join the team. The success of the Aftermarket Radio Network (00:07:59) The preparation process for podcast episodes (00:08:29) Carmen discusses the things he had to learn and the podcast coach he hired before starting the podcast. The first interview (00:09:27) Carm talks about how he called Dave, a shop owner, to be his first interviewee for the podcast and how they connected. The evolution of the podcast (00:12:52) Carm reflects on the growth of the podcast, starting with the first episode and the decision to create additional shows like the Town Hall Academy and For the Record. The struggle of starting a business (00:18:22) Carm discusses the challenges he faced when starting his business, including finding sponsors and promoting his podcast. Becoming a better interviewer (00:22:09) Carm explains how he had to improve his interviewing skills, drawing inspiration from NPR and studying interviewers like Charlie Rose. Giuliano Zuccato (00:26:26) Carm tells the story of Giuliano, a guest on the podcast, who came from Italy and ended up working as a sculptor for auto manufacturers. Carm's visit to Giuliano's house and recording the episode on the crossfire (00:28:53) Carm visits Giuliano at his house in Detroit and records an emotional episode about Giuliano's work on the crossfire, despite his illness. Tractor envy and equipment (00:33:47) The future of the industry (00:35:27) Carm mentions that he is preparing an episode on the future of the industry and talks about the challenges and changes that may occur in the next five years. New shows on Aftermarket Radio Network (00:40:54) Carmen and Tracy are brainstorming ideas for new shows on Aftermarket Radio Network, aiming to grow the network and engage with the audience in new ways. Cherishing milestones (00:43:15) Carm discusses the importance of celebrating milestones, such as the 900th episode, as a way to improve personal and professional success in the automotive aftermarket.Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX and NAPA TRACSSet your sights on Las Vegas in 2024. Mark your calendar now … November 5th-7th, 2024. AAPEX - Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINARNAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/Connect with the Podcast:-Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/-Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/-Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/-Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz-Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/-Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider-All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books-Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom-Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm-The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com-Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections

In this episode of The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast my guest is Hallie Wassinger, Digital Ads Manager for Shop Marketing Pros. Hallie talks about the first 90 days for a new Google Ads campaign and how important it is to have patience during that time period of machine learning and manual optimization.Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsShow Notes with TimestampsThe importance of patience with Google Ads campaigns (00:00:48) Setting realistic expectations and explaining the learning phase of Google Ads to clients.The learning phase of Google Ads (00:03:30) Explaining how Google takes time to learn about a business and optimize ads during the learning phase.Avoiding large-scale changes during the learning phase (00:05:31) Discussing the negative impact of making significant changes to campaign settings during the learning phase and the importance of stability.The importance of allowing time for large-scale changes (00:07:07)The need to give at least 30 days for large-scale changes to take effect and for Google to learn and optimize accordingly.Making changes to ad copy (00:08:07) Minor changes to ad copy can be made, but it's important to assess the performance of different headlines and descriptions over a period of 30 to 60 days.The impact of landing page optimization on Google Ads (00:09:07) Sending ads to landing pages optimized for targeted keywords improves user experience, ad quality score, and ad serving.The learning phase and large-scale changes (00:13:42) Discussion on the effects of making large-scale changes to a Google Ads campaign, such as splitting budgets between campaigns and changing ad destinations.Setting realistic budgets and increasing budgets (00:15:18) Importance of setting realistic budgets for Google Ads campaigns, assessing results during the learning phase, and considering budget increases for better results.The 90-day mark and seeing results (00:19:04) Expectations for the completion of the learning phase and the time it takes to see ads reach their full potential, along with the need for regular maintenance after the 90-day mark.The importance of patience with new Google Ads campaigns (00:20:47) Discussion about the need to trust the process and be patient with Google Ads campaigns, even beyond the 60-day mark.Setting realistic expectations for Google Ads (00:20:58) Exploration of the stress and anxiety clients may experience in the early stages of a Google Ads campaign, and the importance of managing expectations.Trusting the process and giving Google Ads time (00:21:48) Emphasizing the need to trust the process and give Google Ads campaigns time to show results, especially when working with a trusted marketing company.Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Blog: Patience Is Key With New Google AdsHow To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - podcast@shopmarketingpros.com

Inspiring story of a shop owner Kendall Warnock who went from growing up on a Native American reservation to successfully owning and operating a thriving business.Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsShow Notes with TimestampsGrowing up on the reservation (00:03:20) Kendall shares his experience of growing up on the Omaha Indian Reservation and the challenges he faced.Moving to Lincoln, Nebraska (00:05:20) Kendall talks about his move to Lincoln, Nebraska, a city with a population of 300,000, and his initial struggles to adapt.Breaking point and determination (00:07:08) Kendall recounts a pivotal moment in his life when he decided to make a change and stop using food stamps, showing his determination to create a better future.The turning point (00:08:00) Kendall discusses the moment when he decided to stop using food stamps and make a change in his life.Working in the automotive industry (00:08:23) Kendalls experience working at different shops and dealerships before starting his own business.Moving to downtown Lincoln (00:13:35) Kendall talks about the decision to move his shop to downtown Lincoln and the challenges and successes that came with it.The road construction project and downsizing (00:15:38) How a road construction project and their failure to downsize led to the demise of their shop.Moving back to Louisiana (00:16:47) Felt called by the Lord to move back to Louisiana after closing their shop and going through bankruptcy.The importance of coaching and getting support (00:19:33) The importance of getting coaching and support in orderto understand the business side of running a shop and improve as a business owner.Maintaining Relationships and Seeking Growth (00:22:36) Discussion on the importance of maintaining relationships but also recognizing the need to seek growth outside of one's comfort zone.Taking Care of Yourself for Business Success (00:24:26) Emphasis on the importance of prioritizing personal health and fitness to ensure the ability to lead and support a team.Core Values and Hiring Practices (00:27:19)Exploration of the company's core values, including integrity, pride, passion, giving back, humility, and consistent improvement, and how they inform hiring decisions and daily operations.Marketing with Billboards (00:30:16) Discussion of using electronic billboards to target specific audiences and track ROI.Radio Advertising (00:33:08) Exploration of the benefits and challenges of radio advertising, including a partnership with a local sports station.Authentic Social Media Presence (00:35:50) Importance of showcasing personal values, team dynamics, and family life on social media to build trust and connection with customers.Kendall's introduction to "How to Win Friends and Influence People" (00:37:54) Kendall talks about how he was introduced to the book "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie and how it has had a profound impact on his life.Offer to send the book to the first three people who email (00:40:28)In honor of Kendall, the host offers to send a copy of "How to Win Friends and Influence People" to the first three people who email their address, emphasizing the life-changing impact of the book. podcast@shopmarketingpros.comHow To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - podcast@shopmarketingpros.com

Maylan Newton, founder of ESI Seminars, has a chilling story of a day that started like any other day but ended in a year-long road to recovery that gave him a passion for helping shop owners be prepared for the worst case scenario. Maylan shares his story and gives tips to make sure your team and your loved ones aren’t left with a burden in the case where the day you hope never comes, comes.Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shopsShow Notes with TimestampsThe importance of having things in place for emergencies (00:01:06) Discussion on the impact of emergencies on businesses and the need to have contingency plans in place.The role of good staff and proper training (00:02:24) Importance of having trustworthy staff and training them properly to ensure smooth operations in case of emergencies.The need for comprehensive documentation and information sharing (00:03:13) Importance of documenting policies, procedures, passwords, legal and financial information to enable others to manage the business in case of emergencies.The stress of a technician's passing (00:07:19) The unfortunate passing of a technician and the resulting stress on the business and his wife.Lack of process for credit card machine (00:08:04) A story about a business losing money because they didn't have a process for batching out the credit card machine.Importance of planning for incapacitation (00:10:13) The importance of planning for incapacitation, such as strokes or heart attacks, and the impact it can have on the business and family.The doctor's plane crash (00:14:39) A doctor who survived a plane crash and the impact it had on his specialized medical practice.Realizing the gift (00:15:47) A conversation with his wife about his ability to inspire and motivate people, and the need to figure out what to do with his gift.Negotiating with God (00:17:14) Aconversation with God about his purpose and the request for pain relief and healing for himself and a friend.The phone calls (00:20:38) Maylan receives multiple phone calls from different associations asking him to talk about his company's survival and recovery.Committing to speaking engagements (00:21:24) Maylan commits to speaking engagements in Arizona, Las Vegas, and Kansas City to share his story.Encountering a young lady in a wheelchair (00:24:03) Maylan meets a young lady in a wheelchair and shares his philosophy of physical therapy and recovery with her.Planning for the Future (00:28:00) Discussion about the importance of creating a will and considering who will take over the business in the event of incapacitation or death.Passing on Ownership (00:28:24) Exploration of the potential issues that arise when passing on ownership of a business to someone who lacks knowledge or experience in the industry.Importance of Exit Planning (00:32:11) Emphasis on the need for business owners to have an exit plan in place and to prepare the business for succession to avoid chaos and problems in the event of unforeseen circumstances.Planning for the Unexpected (00:34:11) Importance of creating a plan for unexpected events such as illness, accidents, or death, and involving key stakeholders.Impact on the Business (00:35:37) Discussing the consequences for a business when the owner or key personnel are unable to work due to personal circumstances.Importance of Conversations and Professional Advice (00:38:20) Highlighting the need for open conversations with attorneys and professionals, such as insurance agents and real estate attorneys, to create wills, trusts, and buy-sell agreements.The importance of having a final wish (00:41:57) The realization of not having communicated their final wishes and the need to address this important topic.The comfort of having a succession plan (00:43:29) The peace of mind that comes with having a solid succession plan in place for one's business and the importance of reviewing it regularly.Planning for the future and leaving a legacy (00:46:25) The need to think beyond the day-to-day and paycheck-to-paycheck mindset, and instead focus on building businesses that provide stability for employees and leave a lasting legacy.The most powerful conversation (00:48:31) This topic discusses the significance of the conversation in this episode, emphasizing its value and the importance of taking action.The ripple effect of a traumatic event (00:49:01) TA personal story about the long-lasting impact of a traumatic event on their marriage and emphasizes the need for planning and thinking like big businesses.The importance of thinking like big businesses (00:49:30) The need for small businesses to adopt a mindset of big businesses and explains how it can lead to stability and success.Download from Maylan Newton - Shop Information Work Sheet HERE.How To Get In TouchGroup - Auto Repair Marketing MastermindWebsite - shopmarketingpros.com Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/bookInstagram - @shopmarketingpros Questions/Ideas - podcast@shopmarketingpros.com Lagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Blog: How To Know When You’re Not Ready for MarketingBook: They Ask You AnswerGuide: Creating a real world marketing plan for an auto repair shopDownload from Maylan Newton - Shop Information Work Sheet HERE.