Quantcast
Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Posted

Are web pages worth the money? How much is the average cost? I'm currently spending $40 per month with MotoRev. Are there other reliable options? My site is www.lakesidetireandlude.com.

Posted

I use sitebuilder.com, $77 prepaid for one full year. The templates you can use to choose from are sweet and really easy to use. I buy all my domain names from go-daddy. I own almost 40 names that are all forwarded to our site. It's still under development here:

 

http://www.nealeyauto.com

 

AJ

  • Like 2
Posted

Quick Answer: They are crucial and well worth it.

 

Long Answer: Websites are vital in this day and age. However, just having one is not enough. I used to think, "I'm paying $50 / month (I used to have motorev too), for this website. Why would I do that if I can make my own for $150 / year?"

 

Now, don't get me wrong, if you love SEO, building your own site, keeping up with it weekly, if not daily and have all of that time on you hands then by all means go for it. I don't.

 

That being said, a website is USELESS if it doesn't do anything for you. You have to treat your website as a marketing piece. You have to know that your website is working for you. My problem with motorev was that I didn't know what it was doing for me. How do you know how many calls your website is bringing in? Out of those calls, how many people came in? What did they bring in terms of revenue?

 

A website, you have to track just like any other marketing piece. Right now I'm paying about $190 / month for my website. But I have a tracking number on it, I know how many calls I get from it, how many of those come in, and that my INVESTMENT is well worth it, so I have no issues paying that much.

  • Like 4
Posted

Thanks an for the info. I can't get the page to pull up on my iPhone.

 

Huh, just tried it on mine and came up. I'd like to see if others are having trouble viewing it?

 

We use the service due to the fact that they are mobile optimized.

 

Let me know if you have troubles viewing it - http://www.nealeyauto.com

 

Thanks!

AJ

  • 2 months later...
Posted

Quick Answer: They are crucial and well worth it.

 

Long Answer: Websites are vital in this day and age. However, just having one is not enough. I used to think, "I'm paying $50 / month (I used to have motorev too), for this website. Why would I do that if I can make my own for $150 / year?"

 

Now, don't get me wrong, if you love SEO, building your own site, keeping up with it weekly, if not daily and have all of that time on you hands then by all means go for it. I don't.

 

That being said, a website is USELESS if it doesn't do anything for you. You have to treat your website as a marketing piece. You have to know that your website is working for you. My problem with motorev was that I didn't know what it was doing for me. How do you know how many calls your website is bringing in? Out of those calls, how many people came in? What did they bring in terms of revenue?

 

A website, you have to track just like any other marketing piece. Right now I'm paying about $190 / month for my website. But I have a tracking number on it, I know how many calls I get from it, how many of those come in, and that my INVESTMENT is well worth it, so I have no issues paying that much.

CarER

 

This is a great insight. A website is essentially the new phonebook. Many customers find shops through services like Yelp and Google searches/reviews. So if your site is dialed in to reach your preferred customer it will be well worth the investment.

 

I would also add that social media can be a benefit as well- although it should be part of a long-term plan because it will take some time to see results. Maintaining a social media presence can contribute to your image as a business and boost your reputation. You can post special offers but otherwise just reposting existing content such as car care tips can educate your customers, add value, and give them the feeling that you care which, in turn, will increase the amount of repeat business and customer referrals.

Posted

I use sitebuilder.com, $77 prepaid for one full year. The templates you can use to choose from are sweet and really easy to use. I buy all my domain names from go-daddy. I own almost 40 names that are all forwarded to our site. It's still under development here:

 

http://www.nealeyauto.com

 

AJ

Checked out your web page, and it looks good overall but I would consider removing some of the text over your main image on the home page. It is a bit overwhelming and it is also all information that could be on your about page. If you simplify it will resonate more effectively with a customer. You can sum up everything there with your second paragraph...

 

"We are a purpose driven, professional and full service auto repair facility. We pursue excellence in everything we do. From the moment you make that phone call or arrive at our business all the way through picking up your vehicle and follow up phone calls, you'll know you have made the right choice when it comes to your automotive service needs!"

 

If you change the first sentence to read "We are a purpose driven, professional and full service auto repair facility located in beautiful Edgewater, MD." You can effectively reduce your text, it will be more visually interesting because the image will not be completely covered and your message is still the same.

Posted

Your website is extremely important this day in age. But not only the site, you need to be easily found while searching for service in your area. It is worth it to spend a little extra to have a company that can handle it all effectively for you. We use net driven and have been very happy. Www.autodrx.com

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Available Subscriptions

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         0 comments
      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.
  • Similar Topics

    • By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive.
      End-of-year tax planning is in full swing, and retirement accounts are a key piece of the puzzle. In this episode of Business by the Numbers, Hunt Demarest breaks down IRAs, Simple IRAs, and 401(k)s to help you understand how to maximize savings and minimize taxes. Get actionable tips and insights to make the most of your retirement planning before the year ends.
      -The differences between Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, Simple IRAs, and 401(k)s.
      -Tax-saving benefits of contributing to retirement accounts before the end of the year.
      Insights into contribution limits for 2024 and strategies for funding accounts.
      -Key considerations for business owners when choosing between retirement plans.
      -Why starting small and consistent contributions outweigh one-time large deposits.
      Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS
      Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?
      It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.
      Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com
      Thanks to our partner, Promotive
      It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.
      Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
      Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com
      Email Hunt: [email protected]
      Download a Copy of My Books Here:
      Wrenches to Write-Offs Your Perfect Shop 
      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 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/
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS, and Promotive
      A critical topic for business owners: how much you should pay yourself as an S-corporation owner. This episode clears up common misconceptions around payroll, distributions, and tax savings strategies. Whether you're a small business owner or a shop manager, understanding these financial nuances is crucial for maintaining profitability and compliance.
      Key Points:
      - Clarification of the S-corporation owner's dual roles as an employee and business owner, and their impact on financial strategy.
      - Differences between payroll and distributions and how they affect tax liabilities.
      - Why overpaying yourself in wages does not save on taxes and the financial consequences of excessive payroll tax burdens.
      - The IRS's guidelines on "fair and reasonable salary" for S-corp owners and how to meet this requirement effectively.
      - Social Security contributions: strategies for maximizing benefits while minimizing unnecessary tax burdens.
      Thanks to our partner, NAPA TRACS
      Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?
      It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.
      Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com
      Thanks to our partner, Promotive
      It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.
      Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
      Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com
      Email Hunt: [email protected]
      Download a Copy of My Books Here:
      Wrenches to Write-Offs Your Perfect Shop 
      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 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/
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Recorded at the 2024 Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO) Business Management and Lindertech Training Tradeshow, discover how simply attending meetings can significantly improve net profit, the impact of cost management, and tips on leveraging technology for business efficiency. Murray Voth, RPM Training. Listen to Murray’s previous episodes HERE. [email protected] Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO): https://www.aaro.ca/ Importance of Attendance (00:02:04) Discussion on how missing educational events can lead to lost opportunities and profits. Value of Showing Up (00:03:05) Murray emphasizes the connection between attendance and improved business performance. Networking and Community (00:04:39) The significance of in-person meetings for building relationships and sharing knowledge. Learning from Group Sessions (00:05:23) Murray shares insights on the benefits of participating in group coaching sessions. Addressing Intimidation in Coaching (00:07:50) Discussion on how some individuals feel intimidated and hesitant to participate in coaching. The Need for Continuous Learning (00:10:59) Carm stresses the importance of seeking expert guidance and accountability in business. Coaching Styles and Techniques (00:11:53) Murray contrasts different coaching approaches and their effectiveness in the industry. Utilizing Technology for Coaching (00:13:28) Murray discusses the transition to online coaching and the importance of Google Business Profile. Engagement in Virtual Meetings (00:14:17) The effectiveness of screen sharing and virtual meetings in enhancing learning experiences. Introduction to Collaboration Tools (00:15:54) Discussion on using screen sharing and collaboration tools for knowledge sharing among automotive shop owners. Resources for Business Improvement (00:18:58) Introduction to automotive management network resources such as SOPs and checklists for business advancement. Note-Taking and Organization (00:20:00) Personal experiences with note-taking and strategies for managing notes effectively in a business context. Using Google Docs for Accountability (00:23:22) How Google Docs can facilitate accountability by allowing team members to log and review action plans collaboratively. Networking and Community Support (00:27:02) Encouragement for members to utilize networking tools like Slack for better communication and support among peers. Understanding Employment Law (00:30:33) Insights into Canadian employment law regarding severance and the importance of having employment contracts to protect business owners. Understanding Severance Costs (00:32:12) Discussion on the financial impact of severance costs and the importance of understanding net income. Calculating Impact on Sales (00:33:13) Exploration of how to calculate necessary sales to cover losses in the automotive industry. Networking and Sharing Solutions (00:34:11) Importance of sharing experiences and solutions among peers in overcoming business challenges. Expense Management Insights (00:35:09) Discussion on the need for better focus on expense management in business operations. Insurance and Expense Comparisons (00:36:02) Sharing strategies for managing insurance and other recurring expenses effectively. Planning Expense Discussions (00:37:35) Proposal to plan discussions on key expenses in future meetings for better financial management. Setting Budgets and KPIs (00:38:27) Discussion on the importance of setting budgets and KPIs for various business expenses. Normalizing Income Statements (00:39:18) Explanation of how to clean up income statements for accurate financial analysis.
      Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Set 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/WEBINAR NAPA 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/ Get ready to grow your business with the Automotive Management Network: Find on the Web at http://AftermarketManagementNetwork.com for information that can help you move your business ahead and for the free and informative http://LaborRateTracker.com Connect with the Podcast: -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on X: 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 -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections             Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio


  • Similar Tagged Content

  • Our Sponsors

×
×
  • Create New...