Jeff Cotten, owner of Masters Auto Body, tells how 3M Automotive Aftermarket took him to Las Vegas as part of its "Your Ticket to the Track" sweepstakes VIP grand…

While some people in our industry make disparaging statements about the use of email as a marketing tool, more than 89% of organizations still use email as their primary tool for lead generation. 

E-mail generates its best results when used as part of a marketing automation platform. What is…

One thing that we see all the time at MAYFIELD COLLISION CENTERS are child safety seats in our customer’s vehicles. Should you replace that safety seat after your vehicle has been involved in an accident? The answer is maybe, depending on the severity of the accident and the damage to your vehicle.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that child safety seats be replaced following a moderate or severe crash “in order to ensure a continued high level of…

I’m asked frequently as I consult around the industry about adding texting or SMS campaigns to a repairers marketing plan. Many are surprised when my response is a resounding NO. 

To many it seems like I’m making a mistake to not capitalize on the benefits of texting. After all, studies show…

As I’m hunkering down to write my blog today, I can’t help but to think of the many ways that social media marketing and Thanksgiving dinner are alike. Don’t see it? Think about this….

You start with a plan. For dinner this week, you’re probably planning your courses, shopping for groceries, trying to create some expected results. Just like your social media plan should be a well thought out strategy with measurable results.

You go the extra mile. You’re…

Review of a seminar designed for collision repairers who interact with insurers on a regular basis: http://bit.ly/Te0uQ1

It’s that time when we sit down with companies across the industry and help shape marketing and communication plans for the coming year.

Over the course of 2012 a growing number of “wolves” began approaching repairers and vendors within the Collision Repair industry with their latest can’t miss, solve all your problems, reap loads of leads and sales marketing pitch. As I sat in meeting after meeting over this last quarter and had these sales pitches repeated to me I was reminded of a…

Three Sizes of New 5000-Grit Discs and Hand Sheets Reduce Compounding Time for Detailers

ST. PAUL, Minn. (October 30, 2012) – Time is money in the automotive collision repair industry, and the new 3M™ Trizact™ 5000 Sanding Discs and Hand Sheets from 3M Automotive Aftermarket can help reduce the amount of labor devoted to paint finishing. The 3M Trizact 5000 Sanding Discs and Hand Sheets are an innovation that will change the process for paint…

Fine-Edge Precision Masking Tape Cuts Time, Improves Quality for Collision Repair

ST. PAUL, Minn. (October 30, 2012) – Every painter needs a tape that delivers excellent performance and clean paint lines.  The 3M Automotive Aftermarket division has an innovative new masking solution that is designed specifically for this task.  …

Technicians Can Now Improve Efficiency and Results When Bonding Materials,

Matching Body Seams and Sanding Parts

ST. PAUL, Minn. (October 30, 2012) – In today’s hyper-competitive shop industry, efficient repair methods mean shorter cycle times, better resource management and better margins. Two years ago, 3M revolutionized the application of filler and glaze with the 3M™ Dynamic Mixing System and now is expanding…

ST. PAUL, Minn., (October 30, 2012) – As America’s troops are returning home they are facing unprecedented unemployment rates. Their challenge is to match their military skills and training with career opportunities here at home. 3M recognizes the need for qualified technicians in the collision repair industry and is creating an opportunity for returning veterans to find rewarding careers with the right education and support.…

Video 1: Dry fitting the rear lip body kit.

Video 2: Inspecting the front M5 Bumper cover…

What Causes Orange Peel?

Hopefully you’ve already watched the video above. If not, I’ll try my best to quote it below…

There are 3 main reasons or a combination of…

How To Repair Plastic Bumpers From Home.

Let’s quickly talk about plastic bumper repair. In the video above we show you the basics of how to properly heat up and push out a large dent that was caused by backing into a fire hydrant. Their are 4…

How To Mix Automotive Paint in simple detail…

When a lot of newbie enthusiasts get into automotive painting there is something that usually confuses them.

Automotive paint mixing ratios.…

What Size Air Compressor To Paint a Car?

Hey,

We got a new question from a loyal subscriber of learnautobdyandpaint.com

 …

In this short video we’ll show you how easy it really is… How to smoke tai lights yourself.…

Don’t miss the chance to have a little fun with your audience around the holidays! Holiday posts are a great opportunity to create engaging posts that are SHARED and commented on by your audience. Even if the holiday isn’t a big deal to you personally, you have to remember that your audience may feel differently. Holiday posts are also a great way to promote your shop’s culture and values. Here’s some quick tips to help you maximize on holiday posts:

1. Look for a fun…

Let’s face it, if you’re in charge of your body shop’s social media campaign, you’re not doin g it to connect with people and feel all warm and fuzzy inside. You want to tell them about your business, get them into your shop, and capitalize on referrals. You have so much to TELL, but you have to remember to ENGAGE…

Whether you’re promoting your brand, informing your audience, or trying to entertain and get a laugh – you have to keep it short. The average social media user is scanning their news feed looking for quick headlines that jump out to them. They want nuggets of information, or a quick laugh. You can always link to…