The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast

Thanks to our Partner, AppFueledEmail marketing is dead? I hear that every year, and every year I disagree. The truth is, email is still one of the most effective ways to stay connected with your customers, build trust, and keep your auto repair shop top of mind. And the best part? You probably already have everything you need to start doing it.In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, Kim Walker sits down with two members of the Shop Marketing Pros team, Wendy Falgout and Izzy Szejk, to talk about what's really happening with email marketing in the auto repair industry. They share how shops are using simple monthly emails to educate customers, promote new services, build community relationships, and generate brand awareness without constantly pushing discounts or sales.You'll hear real examples from shops seeing open rates of 60% and 70%, why your email subject lines matter, how to reuse content you're already creating for social media and blogs, and why you might be paying for email marketing through your CRM without even realizing it.They also get into email marketing costs, A/B testing, video content, tracking open rates and click-through rates, and the importance of having someone on your team respond when customers reply to your emails.Here's something worth remembering: You don't have to create a ton of new content to make email marketing work. The things happening in your shop every single day are already great material. You just have to share them.So if you've been putting off email marketing because you think it's dead, too expensive, or too time-consuming, this conversation might change your mind.Listen now and find out how to make email marketing another foundational piece of your auto repair shop's marketing strategy.Show Notes with TimestampsWelcome and sponsor message (00:00:10) Kim introduces the episode and thanks sponsor AppFueled.Meet the guests and introduce email marketing (00:01:00) Kim introduces Wendy and Izzy and explains why they’re discussing email marketing.Is email marketing dead? (00:02:36) The hosts discuss how people use email and why it remains part of everyday life.Email’s role in a shop’s marketing foundation (00:07:59) The group explains how email helps repair shops build relationships and stay top of mind.What to include in marketing emails (00:11:16) They discuss newsletters, discounts, educational content, shop updates, and community news.Open rates, clicks, and email content (00:15:32) The guests share campaign metrics and discuss subject lines, blog links, and video tests.Sponsor message (00:18:36) AppFueled promotes custom loyalty apps for auto repair shops.Email marketing costs and time commitment (00:22:42) The hosts discuss CRM features, email platforms, pricing considerations, and reusing existing content.Tracking email results and customer replies (00:29:58) They cover opens, clicks, replies, appointment requests, and the limits of measuring brand awareness.Getting started with email marketing (00:33:22) The guests suggest using shop experiences, customer education, photos, and scheduling links as content.Final advice and episode wrap-up (00:36:03) Wendy and Izzy encourage shops to keep emails simple, authentic, and easy to create.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)Thanks to our Partner, AppFueledAppFueled 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/Download Our Free Mobile Podcast App: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/app/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Storytelling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/Automotive Field Theory with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Quantum Physics 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/

Thanks to our Partner, AppFueledMarketing a rural auto repair shop comes with a unique set of challenges. When your town has only a few hundred people and everybody already knows which shops are available, traditional digital marketing can only take you so far. So what do you do when your market is small, your advertising opportunities are limited, and you want to become the go-to shop in your community?In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, Brian Walker shares the marketing strategies he would use if he owned an auto repair shop in rural America. From building relationships at the local diner and barbershop to starting a community podcast, sponsoring local events, and promoting services your customers may not know you offer, Brian explains how to become the shop everybody knows and trusts.Because when you're in a small town, your reputation matters. The relationships you build, the quality of your work, and the way you show up in your community can make all the difference in keeping your bays full.Ready to learn how to make your auto repair shop the first choice in your area? Listen to the full episode for practical ideas you can start putting to work in your own community.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)Thanks to our Partner, AppFueledAppFueled 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/Download Our Free Mobile Podcast App: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/app/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Storytelling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/Automotive Field Theory with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Quantum Physics 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/

Thanks to our Partner, AppFueledRoad construction can be a nightmare for any business, especially an auto repair shop that depends on local traffic to bring customers through the door. But what if a major construction project became an opportunity to grow your business and strengthen your community relationships instead?In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, Brian Walker and Kim Walker sit down with Brandon Miller of Miller Auto in Omro, Wisconsin, to hear how he turned a challenging road construction project into a marketing opportunity. With traffic on the main highway dropping from 20,000–25,000 vehicles a day to roughly 500, Brandon knew he had to do something to keep people informed and remind them that local businesses were still open.Brandon started creating daily road construction reports, explaining closures, sharing timelines, and showing people how to access businesses throughout town. That effort eventually grew into Inside Omro, a community podcast featuring local businesses, their stories, and the people behind them. Sponsored by Miller Auto and created in conjunction with the local chamber, the podcast helped build community connections, generate awareness, and bring customers through the doors, all without paid advertising campaigns.The results? While many businesses might have expected a difficult year, Miller Auto's auto repair business actually grew compared to the previous year, and customers were telling Brandon they came in because they saw the podcast.This conversation is a great reminder that marketing doesn't always have to be about selling your services. Sometimes, the best way to grow your auto repair shop is to become a more valuable part of the community you serve.Listen to the full episode to hear Brandon's story, learn how to turn unexpected challenges into marketing opportunities, and discover how a community-focused podcast could help your shop build relationships, increase visibility, and attract more customers.Show Notes with TimestampsWelcome and guest introduction (00:00:09) Brian welcomes co-host Kim and guest Brandon Miller, then introduces the episode’s road-construction story.Industry networking and shared ideas (00:01:23) Brandon discusses learning from other shop owners and the value of networking at industry events.A road-construction setback remembered (00:02:37) Brian recalls how unexpected construction disrupted his shop and contributed to its closure.Brandon’s construction project and road reports (00:04:13) Brandon explains the planned highway project, severe traffic drop, and daily reports that helped people navigate town.Miller Auto’s locations and construction timeline (00:08:13) Brandon describes the three businesses and the project’s ongoing effects on access and traffic.Road reports build community support (00:11:08) Brandon shares how other businesses joined in and how the reports helped residents find their way.Launching the Inside Omro community podcast (00:12:28) Brandon explains shifting from an automotive podcast to interviewing local businesses and organizations.Sponsor message: App Fueled (00:14:50) The hosts describe App Fueled’s customer loyalty app and its benefits for repair shops.Community podcasts as shop marketing (00:15:23) Brian and Brandon discuss the idea of sponsoring a community-focused podcast rather than one solely about auto repair.Mayor requests a public update (00:17:15) Brandon recounts sharing changed bridge-closure information after the mayor asked him to update residents.Business results during construction (00:19:40) Brandon reports steady car sales and improved repair business despite construction, crediting the reports and podcast.Creating a community podcast without construction (00:22:27) Brandon offers advice on useful local topics, community involvement, and making the shop’s support visible.Ideas for highlighting local kids (00:24:53) The hosts discuss community storytelling and how a podcast featuring children could encourage sharing and engagement.Community reputation and referrals (00:26:54) Brandon describes local recommendations that praised Miller Auto for its community involvement and its partnership with Main Tire.Podcast plans and storm damage (00:28:14) Brandon explains damage to the shop and studio, then outlines plans for a dedicated recording space and future episodes.Closing thoughts and where to listen (00:30:21) Brandon reflects on getting through construction, thanks the industry community, and shares where to find Inside Omro.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)EP 57 - Should Your Shop Have a Podcast?Inside OmroThanks to our Partner, AppFueledAppFueled 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/Download Our Free Mobile Podcast App: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/app/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Storytelling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/Automotive Field Theory with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Quantum Physics 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/

Thanks to our Partner, AppFueledWhat happens when you stop treating your employees like people who simply show up to do a job and start investing in them as people? For Doug DeLucca and his team at Boca Auto Fix in Boca Raton, Florida, the answer is a stronger company culture, more transparency, and a team that understands what it takes to build a successful auto repair business.Doug joins Brian Walker, along with client advocate Karina Kuecha, to talk about how informal lunch-and-learns have grown into meaningful mentoring conversations about everything from personal finance and credit to business KPIs, profit and loss statements, and the future of the shop. By opening up about the numbers and giving employees a better understanding of how the business operates, Doug and his wife, Alissa, are helping their team grow both personally and professionally.But this conversation goes beyond mentoring. You'll hear how transparency builds trust with employees and clients, why educating your team about the financial side of the business matters, and how creating a culture of shared knowledge can help prepare the next generation of shop leaders.If you're an auto repair shop owner who wants to build a stronger team, improve your shop culture, and develop employees who understand the business beyond their individual roles, this is a conversation worth hearing.Listen to the full episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast and discover how investing in your people can help build a healthier, more transparent, and more sustainable auto repair business.Show Notes with TimestampsWelcome and guest introduction (00:00:09) Brian Walker introduces Doug DeLucca and Karina Kuecha of Boca Auto Fix and previews the mentoring discussion.Boca Auto Fix’s growth and Karina’s background (00:01:15) Doug describes the shop’s growth; Karina shares her experience as a Chevrolet technician.How the mentoring began (00:02:28) Doug explains how shared lunches and a business update led to informal, transparent lunch-and-learn conversations.Personal finance as a mentoring topic (00:04:38) Karina discusses learning about credit, debt, savings, and retirement planning, and how it reduces personal stress.Why personal topics belong at work (00:06:23) Doug describes how employees’ questions inspired openness and how personal well-being supports professional growth.Transparency and client communication (00:09:13) Karina compares dealership practices with Boca Auto Fix’s education-focused approach to serving clients.Sharing business information with employees (00:11:54) Doug explains what financial and operational information the team discusses, including KPIs and long-term plans.How clients respond to transparency (00:14:53) Doug recalls clients reading the shop’s financial breakdown and explains how openness differentiates the business.Sponsor message: App Fueled (00:16:33) The sponsor promotes custom customer-loyalty apps for auto repair shops.The impact of leadership access on workplace culture (00:17:51) Karina describes the difference between dealership hierarchies and the personal, accessible culture at Boca Auto Fix.Choosing mentoring topics (00:20:01) Karina and Doug explain how everyday events prompt discussions about team morale, hiring, business basics, and KPIs.Using KPIs to understand business performance (00:22:32) Brian and Doug discuss educating employees about finances and using performance data to avoid emotional conclusions.How the meetings are organized (00:24:50) Doug outlines daily lunches, morning huddles, quarterly check-ins, and the informal mentoring process.Recognizing team wins (00:26:45) Karina explains how celebrating client, team, and business successes supports morale.Final advice and episode close (00:27:34) Doug recommends trying useful ideas, adapting as needed, and learning from podcasts; Brian closes the episode.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)Boca Auto FixThey Ask, You Answer by Marcus SheridanThanks to our Partner, AppFueledAppFueled 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/Download Our Free Mobile Podcast App: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/app/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Storytelling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/Automotive Field Theory with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Quantum Physics 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/

Thanks to our Partner, AppFueledYour auto repair shop can spend thousands of dollars on marketing, but what happens when those leads call your shop? If your front counter isn't delivering a great customer experience, you're leaving money on the table. Brian Walker sits down with Michael Doherty, a veteran service advisor with 22 years of experience, to discuss five ways your front counter can optimize your advertising results, especially Google Local Services Ads (LSA). From answering the phone with confidence and energy to creating scheduling opportunities, building relationships instead of focusing on price, and measuring your actual return on ad spend, this conversation reveals why great customer service is one of your most powerful marketing tools. If you want to turn more calls into customers, differentiate your shop from the competition, and get more value from your marketing dollars, listen to this episode and discover what your front counter could be doing differently.Show Notes with TimestampsEpisode introduction and webinar context (00:00:10) Brian introduces the episode and guest Michael Doherty, previewing advice on improving ad results through front-counter service.Local Service Ads overview (00:02:18) Brian explains how LSAs work, which repair shops may benefit, and upcoming targeting changes.Create an opportunity when the phone rings (00:04:33) Michael emphasizes answering promptly and treating each call as a chance to earn a customer’s business.Answer with energy and confidence (00:06:31) They discuss an enthusiastic greeting, positive tone, and making callers feel welcome.Make room for urgent appointments (00:09:17) Michael recommends understanding daily shop capacity and communicating with the team to accommodate callers.Communicate value beyond price (00:11:29) Michael advises addressing customers’ logistics, listening empathetically, and building relationships instead of focusing only on cost.Handle calls professionally under pressure (00:12:59) They discuss service-advisor stress, staying composed, and helping callers rather than treating interactions as transactions.Move price questions into a conversation (00:16:40) Michael suggests asking follow-up questions, explaining the shop’s value, and learning what the customer needs.Sponsor message: App Fueled (00:17:25) A promotional break describes custom loyalty apps for independent auto repair shops.Differentiate the shop and build trust (00:18:53) Brian and Michael discuss LSA lead quality, explaining what makes a shop distinctive, and creating confidence with callers.Address concerns before asking about price (00:22:46) They reflect on why customers ask about cost and how professionalism, process, and trust can matter more.Set expectations and solve scheduling concerns (00:26:09) Michael recommends gauging urgency, offering practical help, and giving realistic timelines and specific appointment times.Confirm appointments and communication preferences (00:29:56) They discuss treating appointments as commitments, confirming them, and asking customers how they prefer to communicate.Measure advertising results in revenue (00:31:37) Brian explains tracking LSA calls through repair orders and introduces Shop Marketing Pros’ Pro ROI tool.Podcast closing and credits (00:34:48) Brian thanks listeners and sponsors, followed by the network’s closing message.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)Pro ROI by Shop Marketing ProsThanks to our Partner, AppFueledAppFueled 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/Download Our Free Mobile Podcast App: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/app/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Storytelling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/Automotive Field Theory with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Quantum Physics 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/