What does it really take to create a dealership website that performs in 2025? In this episode of Automotive Alchemy, Dealer Alchemist’s Chief Revenue Officer, John McAdams, unpacks the essential components of a high-converting digital showroom—rooted in decades of hands-on retail and e-commerce experience.

Listeners will gain clear, actionable insights into what separates top-performing websites from those that simply look good. From the non-negotiables of mobile-first design to the strategic use of AI, dynamic inventory tools, and behavioral lead generation, McAdams emphasizes the importance of simplicity, speed, and user intent. He also challenges outdated design trends and discusses how dealerships can align digital marketing with real operational goals.

This episode covers:

• Why mobile-first is no longer a trend—it's a requirement
  
  
• The dangers of website friction and how to eliminate it
  
  
• Smart strategies for real-time inventory and ad targeting
  
  
• How behavioral intelligence can enhance lead generation
  
  
• The ROI pitfalls of outdated digital practices
  
  
• Conversion benchmarks and what success really looks like
  
  

Whether you're rethinking your current site or planning a full redesign, this episode delivers practical guidance for turning website visits into revenue—backed by one of the most experienced voices in automotive digital strategy.

Subscribe for more real-world insights from experts helping dealers grow smarter every day. Learn more at www.dealeralchemist.com

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Podcast Directed and Produced by: www.hiredgunsagency.com

While tariffs dominate the headlines and stir anxiety across the automotive industry, the best operators know that real growth comes from mastering the controllables. In this high-impact episode of Automotive Alchemy, automotive veteran and Dealer Alchemist CRO, John McAdams, brings three decades of front-line experience to the table to talk about what dealers can still control—regardless of market disruptions.

With the spotlight on resilience and strategy, this episode dives deep into the profit centers that remain fully within a dealership's command: used inventory, fixed operations, and website conversion. The conversation covers tactical insights into sourcing vehicles smarter and faster, improving service retention, preventing customer defection, and converting more of the traffic dealerships are already earning—organically and through paid efforts.

Beyond best practices, the episode also delivers perspective. John discusses the dealer sentiment he's hearing on the ground—fatigue, frustration, and determination—and offers grounded advice on how to stay focused, sharpen your operations, and avoid overreacting when the industry throws its next punch.

Whether you're trying to adapt your go-to-market strategy or just need a reminder of what really drives sustainable growth, this episode is packed with clarity, confidence, and dealer-tested wisdom. Because when chaos is loud, control becomes your competitive edge.

Subscribe for more real-world insights from experts helping dealers grow smarter every day. Learn more at www.dealeralchemist.com

Follow Us:

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Podcast Directed and Produced by: www.hiredgunsagency.com

In this episode of Automotive Alchemy, John McAdams, Chief Revenue Officer at Dealer Alchemist and a 30-year automotive industry veteran, dives into one of the most powerful (and often overlooked) drivers of consumer behavior—online reviews. Whether you’re a single-point store or a publicly traded dealer group, your online reputation is no longer a side note—it’s a make-or-break factor in dealership growth.

John shares practical, battle-tested insights from both retail and vendor perspectives, including:

• Why reviews now rival personal recommendations in consumer trust.
• How a few bad reviews (or a lack of new ones) can derail sales and service retention.
• The Four Seasons approach to responding to feedback—what to say, what NOT to say, and how to elevate every customer touchpoint.
• The three metrics every dealer should track: response rate, review growth rate, and sentiment analysis.
• How AI is helping (and sometimes hurting) reputation efforts.
• Why Fixed Ops is your biggest untapped opportunity for positive reviews.

If your online reputation feels more dumpster fire than five-star, this episode offers a clear starting point and a strategic path forward. With John’s sharp advice and deep experience, you’ll walk away with actionable ideas to turn customer reviews into a true growth engine for your dealership.

Subscribe for more real-world insights from experts helping dealers grow smarter every day. Learn more at www.dealeralchemist.com

Follow Us:

www.LinkedIn.com/company/dealer-alchemist/

www.youtube.com/@dealeralchemist7330

www.facebook.com/dealeralchemist/

Podcast Directed and Produced by: www.hiredgunsagency.com