Video marketing isn’t just another trend—it’s one of the most effective ways to engage your customers and build your shop’s online presence. If the idea of creating video content makes you feel a little uncomfortable, you’re not alone. I’ve been talking about marketing for years, but even for me, video didn’t come naturally at first. The good news? It doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.
What is VEDA?
VEDA, or “Video Every Day in August” (or April), is a challenge designed to help people get comfortable with creating video content. Though it’s not as widely talked about as it once was, its value hasn’t diminished, especially for shop owners. And here’s a tip: you don’t need to wait until August. You can start anytime—whether it’s October, December, or whenever you’re ready to take the leap.
When I first committed to doing VEDA, I figured it wouldn’t be that tough—I talk about video all the time, after all. But once I started, I quickly realized how different it is to actually hit record every single day. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to create a daily rhythm. For shop owners, that kind of consistency isn’t just helpful—it’s the key to becoming the go-to expert in your community.
Why Video Is a Must for Auto Repair Shop Marketing
Traditional marketing—flyers, ads, and even social media posts—can only take you so far. Video takes things to the next level because it allows people to actually see you, your team, and how your shop works. More importantly, video lets them see why they should trust you with their vehicle. That trust is the cornerstone of every successful auto repair shop.
Think about it: when a customer watches a video of you explaining a repair or showing what goes on behind the scenes, they get to know you in a way that a simple post or ad can’t convey. They start to see you as a real person, someone who’s passionate about their work and invested in their community. And when people feel connected to you, they’re more likely to choose your shop over the competition.
Overcoming the Discomfort
Let’s be honest: nobody likes the way they look or sound on camera at first. I’ve been there too. Even after years of talking about marketing, I found myself hesitating, especially when it came to filming in public. But here’s the thing—you’ve just got to push through it. The more you do it, the more natural it becomes.
During VEDA, I had to get comfortable with filming around other people. I’d be out in public, phone in hand, and people would stare. At first, it was distracting. I’m a little ADD, so I’d lose my train of thought if someone walked by or looked at me. But by the end of the challenge, I barely noticed. That’s the power of repetition—it helps you move past the awkwardness and get better with every video.
Personal Experiences: Lessons From a Month of Video
VEDA wasn’t just a marketing exercise for me—it was a personal challenge. Every day, I had to come up with something new to say, push past the discomfort, and hit “post.” The hardest part was just getting started. But once I did, it got easier every day. And that’s the thing about video—it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be you.
One of the biggest surprises during VEDA was the accountability. People were watching—even when I didn’t realize it. On a few occasions, I didn’t post my video at the usual time, and I’d get messages asking, “Hey, where’s today’s video?” These were people who hadn’t commented or liked a single post, but they were paying attention. It really drove home the point that consistency matters, and you never know who’s watching.
Another memorable moment was when my son mentioned that he had been watching my videos. He’s not even on Facebook, but he was seeing my content through Instagram. He told me how much he enjoyed them and how they had made an impact on him. This made me realize that these videos were more than just marketing—they were a legacy. They were reaching people I hadn’t even considered, and they were making a difference.
Consistency and the Power of Accountability
If there’s one thing I learned from doing VEDA, it’s that consistency is everything. By the end of the month, creating videos felt like second nature. I didn’t have to think about it—I just did it. And that’s the key to video marketing. When you show up regularly, your customers start to expect it. They start looking for your videos, and that’s when you know you’ve built real trust.
Video and SEO: How They Work Together
Let’s not forget about SEO. Video is not just a great way to connect with your audience—it’s a powerful tool for boosting your shop’s search rankings. Google loves video content, especially when it’s hosted on YouTube and embedded on your website. The more videos you create, the more opportunities you have to show up in search results.
Take a look at shops like Dave’s Auto Center, Royalty Auto Service, or Enright Automotive. These guys are putting out video content regularly, and it’s paying off. Their videos are boosting their SEO, bringing in new customers, and keeping their shops top of mind in their communities. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel—just follow their lead, and you’ll start seeing results.
Setting Yourself Up for Success
Here’s a tip: plan ahead. During VEDA, I set an alarm on my phone to remind me to shoot my daily video. There were days when it was late in the evening, and I still hadn’t done my video, but that alarm kept me accountable. And don’t worry about having everything perfectly scripted or polished. Some of the best videos are the ones where you’re just being yourself. The key is to show up, be consistent, and keep going.
Video as a Long-Term Investment in Your Shop’s Success
At the end of the day, doing video marketing is about building trust. When you show up consistently and share valuable, authentic content, people start to see you as the expert. Whether you’re offering car care tips, showing a behind-the-scenes look at the shop, or talking about local events, video is a great way to connect with your community on a personal level.
And here’s the thing: the videos you create today don’t disappear. They stick around, and they keep working for you long after you’ve posted them. I’ve had people, including my own son, watch videos I posted weeks or months ago, and they’re still learning from them. That’s the power of video—it’s an investment that keeps paying off.
Ready to Start Creating Video?
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to jump into video marketing, now’s the time. Whether it’s VEDA or your own version of it, the key is to start creating consistent content and see how it transforms your shop. Video is one of the most powerful tools for building trust, engaging your community, and growing your business. So don’t wait—start today.
I’d love to see what you create! If you take on the VEDA challenge or start your own video journey, tag me on Facebook or send your videos to podcast@shopmarketingpros.com. Let’s make video a key part of your shop’s success—one day at a time.
Let’s talk—schedule a discovery call with no pressure, and we’ll work together to see how video and other strategies can bring real results to your shop. At Shop Marketing Pros, we’re ready to help you fill those bays and grow your business.
