The Digital Front Door For Auto Repair: SEO, Google, and Website Marketing [THA 471]

Megan Dineff of Ervine’s Auto Repair and Grand Rapids Hybrid and EV joins marketing specialist Dan Vance of Shop Dog Marketing to explore the evolving relationship between websites and the future of search.

They explore why a website remains the digital “front door” of a business, where customers decide whether to call. From using real photos to build credibility, to protecting leads through better phone protocols, to preparing for AI-driven search, this episode delivers practical insights for modern shop owners.

Key takeaways:

Building Trust Through Authenticity: Megan explains why the shop’s website avoids stock photos and instead highlights their real team. Showing familiar faces builds instant comfort and credibility. A great website should “ooze trust” and reflect the shop’s personality, so prospects feel like they’ve found their “forever home.”

The 70% Rule: Studies show that nearly 70% of callers have already decided to do business before picking up the phone. The group discusses how poor phone handling can “put water on the candles.”

AI and the Return of Content: Dan explains why content matters more than ever in the age of AI. Search models now “race to your website” to gather information. Shops must create clear, helpful content, not just for people, but for the algorithms that determine future visibility.

The Power of Partnership: Megan shares a cautionary story about accidentally shutting down the shop’s Google Business Profile and the importance of having a trusted expert to resolve “black box” marketing issues. The group agrees: owners should focus on culture and leadership while relying on skilled partners to navigate the digital landscape.

When Customers Ask AI First: What Shop Owners Need to Know [RR 1071]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1071/ 

remarkableresults.biz/a471

When Customers Ask AI First: What Shop Owners Need to Know [RR 1071]

Recorded live at AAPEX 2025, this episode features Dan Vance, CEO of Shop Dog Marketing, sharing how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping marketing, business strategy, and the auto repair industry. The conversation explores how AI is changing consumer behavior—from lightning fast website visits focused on trust signals to customers using AI for vehicle self-diagnosis and shop recommendations, with AI often presenting only a few options, strong branding and clear communication matter more than ever.

In the marketing sphere, Vance explains that attention spans are incredibly short. Website visitors typically spend just 20 seconds looking for clear trust indicators such as professionalism, strong reviews, warranties, online scheduling, and financing options. Visual cues communicate faster than text, while warm colors and photos of the team help build familiarity and trust. Online scheduling continues to grow in importance as many consumers prefer it over making a phone call.

Vance encourages shop owners to embrace AI as a “digital butler”—a tool that anticipates needs, explains marketing metrics in plain language, and helps owners show up more confident, shifting from reacting to problems to intentionally driving growth.

remarkableresults.biz/e1071

Google Endorsed: Leveraging Local Service Ads (LSAs) to Differentiate Your Shop [THA 457]

This episode takes a deep dive into the evolution of digital marketing in the automotive repair industry, with a strong focus on Google’s Local Service Ads (LSAs), website performance, and empathetic customer engagement.

Connor Tracy and Jeff Jackson unpack how LSAs are transforming how shops attract and convert customers. They explain Google’s rigorous verification process and how LSAs differ from traditional pay-per-click models by emphasizing verified leads, call monitoring, and actual revenue generation over vanity metrics like clicks.

Beyond advertising, the discussion touches on ways to stand out, like adding live scheduling, using empathetic CRM communication instead of constant sales pitches, and avoiding wasted ad spend that doesn’t deliver results..

The takeaway: combine technology, transparency, and authentic communication to create trust, efficiency, and loyalty—building a digital presence that drives real business growth.
remarkableresults.biz/a457

Google Reviews: New Value From the Words Used [RR 793]

We are with Jimmy Lea from Kukui at ASTE 2022 with another important Google Update. We are always keeping you in the know as it relates to mother Google. Google is now giving more credibility and weight to customer reviews. It goes beyond their ranked star review and dives into what they wrote, word for word, literally. What does that mean for your shop?
remarkableresults.biz/e793

Google Reviews – Jimmy Lea [RR 747]

It’s time to take a deep dive into Google Reviews. Why is it important to have a variety of star ratings instead of all 5 stars? Why do you need to respond to good and bad reviews? I’m with Jimmy Lea, Kukui Evangelist. Find out why your business must exist digitally in order to capture customers.
remarkableresults.biz/e747

CEO Margaret Palango Takes the Lead [RR 692]

CEO Margaret Palango Takes the Lead [RR 692]

I’m so honored to be speaking with the new CEO of Auto Shop Solutions, Margaret Palango. In this episode, Margaret shares how she went from a stay-at-home mom to her newly appointed position as CEO. You have to create opportunities for yourself and go for what you want. Her new role will encourage more women to join our industry. Listen and be inspired and strive to grow your confidence so you can reach your goals, take big leaps and make a difference.

remarkableresults.biz/e692

Jimmy Lea’s Top 7 Proven Marketing Methods [RR 687]

Jimmy Lea’s Top 7 Proven Marketing Methods [RR 687]

The online realm of marketing can be overwhelming by just thinking about it. How do you successfully market your business online? Stop spending money on methods that don’t produce or may even work against you. You need to measure and manage your marketing for the most significant results possible. I’m in the ASTE 2021 studio with Jimmy Lea, Kukui evangelist, to discuss the top 7 methods you can implement in your shop today that are proven to put your shop on top.

remarkableresults.biz/e687

RR 337: Mandy Pennington from Net Driven – Influence Your Customer in Their Digital Hangouts

Influence your Customers In Their Digital Hangout.

Mandy Pennington is the Director of Internet Marketing at Net Driven and she brings an array of ideas to improve the influence you have on your customer where they interact with you in their digital world.

The more listening and empathizing you are engaged with your customers the more effective you can make your marketing and experiences. Be your customer’s ‘Day Maker’. Take ownership of your website and your social media channels so you can influence your customer in those micro-moments. Meet them where they are.

We talk SEO, your customer purchase journey, and digital marketing trends for 2018 & beyond. We discuss protecting your online Image and the very big push for having a mobile-friendly website. It will make a difference in your digital marketing.

RR 240: Marion Miller from Complete Marketing Resources

Have You Ever Wondered If Your Website Is Keeping Pace with The Needs Of Your Customer?

Marion Miller from Complete Marketing Resources is a website expert. Her company has received Top 10 Automotive Website honors in 2015 & 2016. She is keeping pace with changing technologies and especially with what works for consumers.

Among ten top talking points we talk about the power of your home page, the evolution of web-based search (will you be ready for this change), the value of blogging, and the top three ingredients to an award winning website.