Preparing for September’s Marketing [E163] - The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast

About this episode

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledYou know that feeling when summer’s barely over, kids are back in school, and suddenly you’re staring down September, wondering what the heck to post on social media? Yeah, that’s where this episode comes in. Brian is back with Caroline Legrand for their monthly marketing prep session, your go-to podcast for staying ahead with smart, simple ideas that actually matter.They’re covering everything from prepping your fall events, tying in national awareness months (like National Preparedness Month), and even having some fun with off-the-wall days like “Talk Like a Pirate Day” and “Bald is Beautiful.” But it’s not just fluff, this episode is packed with real ways to build trust, showcase your shop’s personality, and create content that positions your brand as the go-to in your community.Whether it’s using DVI photos the right way, setting up educational posts, or just being more intentional with your calendar, this episode is all about showing up prepared before your slow season hits.This episode is sponsored by Shop Boss. Shop Management software that works the way you need it to right out of the box. Want to revolutionize your marketing? AppFueled does it all email, text, app notifications, and even call center integration. Stop guessing and start connecting with AppFueled.comLagniappe (Books, Links, Other Podcasts, etc)Preparing for August’s MarketingDays of the YearNational Calendar Show Notes with TimestampsIntroduction and Sponsor Acknowledgement (00:00:10): Brian introduces the episode, guest Caroline, and thanks the sponsor. Sets up the September marketing theme.Overview of September Marketing and Industry Events (00:01:09): Discussion about September being packed with causes and events, and how shops can leverage industry events and conferences.Smoothing Out Workload for the Holidays (00:03:59): Advice on scheduling regular clients during slower holiday months to balance shop workload.Monthly Themes: Save Your Photos & National Preparedness Month (00:05:44): Encouragement to take and use shop photos, and tie in National Preparedness Month with vehicle safety and maintenance.Preparedness Content and Giveaways (00:07:20): Ideas for preparedness videos, EDC (Everyday Carry) for vehicles, and preparedness kit giveaways.Community Sponsorships: Little League & Baby Safety (00:11:23): Promoting shop involvement in Little League sponsorships and baby safety events, including car seat checks.Read a New Book Month (00:13:20): Encouraging team reading and sharing book recommendations as part of shop culture.Weekly Themes: Child Passenger Safety & Compassionate Leadership (00:13:37): Highlighting Child Passenger Safety Week and Compassionate Leadership Week, and their relevance to shop training and culture.Other September Weeks: Fall Foliage, Security Officer, Truck Driver Appreciation (00:15:30): Ideas for pre-trip checks, security officer discounts, and truck driver/fleet customer appreciation.Fun September Days: Beards, Bacon, Labor Day, Pizza, Beer (00:18:09): Creative content ideas for World Beard Day, International Bacon Day, Labor Day, Cheese Pizza Day, and Beer Lovers Day.Boss and Employee Exchange Day (00:19:42): Suggestions for role-swapping or fun team activities to celebrate Boss and Employee Exchange Day.Patriot Day and National Day of Service (00:21:16): Ways to honor September 11th with acts of service and patriotism.Bald is Beautiful & Redhead Day (00:22:12): Fun social media trends involving bald or redheaded team members, tying in tire safety.National Tattoo Story Day & Tradesman Day (00:23:26): Encouraging sharing of tattoo stories and celebrating skilled trades in the shop.Talk Like a Pirate Day (00:24:12): Challenge to answer phones like a pirate and share on social media for engagement.National Tune Up Day & Go With Your Gut Day (00:25:11): Ideas for tune-up promotions and diagnostic guessing games for Go With Your Gut Day.One Hit Wonder Day & Ask a Stupid Question Day (00:26:03): Engagement ideas around favorite one-hit wonders and inviting customer questions.Good Neighbor Day (00:26:43): Shouting out neighboring businesses and community partners.International Podcast Day (00:27:12): Promoting the podcast and sharing favorite podcasts among the team.General September/Fall Topics: Back to School, Football, Fairs (00:27:47): Suggestions for fall maintenance, back-to-school, football season, and local fairs/festivals marketing.Conclusion and Resources (00:30:49): Encouragement to keep posting, check national day calendars, and listen to more episodes.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 Book Email Us Podcast Questions or Topics 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.”Aftermarket Radio NetworkRemarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open DiscussionDiagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.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...