In addition to serving as a showcase for the style, products and innovation of the specialty-equipment industry, the annual SEMA Show also serves as the backdrop for SEMA council and committee special events, membership meetings, seminars and more. Check out the photo galleries below—posted on Facebook—of several of SEMA council and committee members in action during the 2012 SEMA Show.

Several of SEMA's council and committees hold meetings, receptions, seminars and special events in conjunction with the annual SEMA Show. Photo galleries are currently available on Facebook covering the special events and meetings for SEMA's Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN) committee, Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) and SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN).

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
The HRIA is dedicated to ensuring the future prosperity of the hot-rod industry and advancing and promoting the awareness of the hobby. The council develops strategies and programs to address industry-specific issues in the effort to improve business practices and procedures. Membership in the HRIA is open to all entities serving the hot-rod market, including manufacturers, builders/fabricators, dealers, car clubs or enthusiast publications. More information on the HRIA is available online at www.sema.org/HRIA or by contacting Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.

Facebook Gallery: Here is a look at HRIA members in action at the 2012 SEMA Show. 

Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN)
Formerly known as the Manufacturers Rep Council, the newly re-named Manufacturers Representative Network provides a forum for manufacturers' representatives to increase their impact as an industry. Members of the committee work to explore issue of common interest and concern, increase their collective knowledge and elevate the overall image of the profession. All automotive aftermarket manufacturers' representatives and agents are encouraged to get involved with the MRN. More information on the MRN is available online at www.sema.org/MRN or by contacting Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.

Facebook Gallery: Here are photos of MRN members during several committee events at the 2012 SEMA Show.

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
The PRO is dedicated to addressing the challenges facing the restyling segment of the automotive aftermarket and to developing effective strategies for dealing with industry-specific issues. PRO represents the collective interests of all SEMA-member companies serving the restyling and accessory market—be they manufacturers, warehouse distributors, manufacturers' reps or restylers and installers. More information on PRO is available at www.sema.org/pro by contacting Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.

Facebook Gallery: Members of the PRO council from the SEMA Show.

SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)
SBN's mission is to create an avenue for women in the specialty-equipment industry by providing a circuit to enhance their professional growth and networking opportunities and communication that will enrich the growth of the entire automotive aftermarket.

• Facebook Gallery: Photos from the unveiling of the SBN Mustang Build—Powered by Women.

• Facebook Gallery: Photos from the SBN's annual Speed Networking Breakfast.

• Facebook Gallery: A look at images from the SBN Gear Up Girl event.

Information about the annual SEMA Show is available online at www.SEMAShow.com.

	In addition to serving as a showcase for the style, products and innovation of the specialty-equipment industry, the annual SEMA Show also serves as the backdrop for SEMA council and committee special events, membership meetings, seminars and more. Check out the photo galleries below—posted on Facebook—of several of SEMA council and committee members in action during the 2012 SEMA Show.

Several of SEMA's council and committees hold meetings, receptions, seminars and special events in conjunction with the annual SEMA Show. Photo galleries are currently available on Facebook covering the special events and meetings for SEMA's Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN) committee, Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) and SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN).

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
The HRIA is dedicated to ensuring the future prosperity of the hot-rod industry and advancing and promoting the awareness of the hobby. The council develops strategies and programs to address industry-specific issues in the effort to improve business practices and procedures. Membership in the HRIA is open to all entities serving the hot-rod market, including manufacturers, builders/fabricators, dealers, car clubs or enthusiast publications. More information on the HRIA is available online at www.sema.org/HRIA or by contacting Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.

Facebook Gallery: Here is a look at HRIA members in action at the 2012 SEMA Show. 

Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN)
Formerly known as the Manufacturers Rep Council, the newly re-named Manufacturers Representative Network provides a forum for manufacturers' representatives to increase their impact as an industry. Members of the committee work to explore issue of common interest and concern, increase their collective knowledge and elevate the overall image of the profession. All automotive aftermarket manufacturers' representatives and agents are encouraged to get involved with the MRN. More information on the MRN is available online at www.sema.org/MRN or by contacting Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.

Facebook Gallery: Here are photos of MRN members during several committee events at the 2012 SEMA Show.

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
The PRO is dedicated to addressing the challenges facing the restyling segment of the automotive aftermarket and to developing effective strategies for dealing with industry-specific issues. PRO represents the collective interests of all SEMA-member companies serving the restyling and accessory market—be they manufacturers, warehouse distributors, manufacturers' reps or restylers and installers. More information on PRO is available at www.sema.org/pro by contacting Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.

Facebook Gallery: Members of the PRO council from the SEMA Show.

SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)
SBN's mission is to create an avenue for women in the specialty-equipment industry by providing a circuit to enhance their professional growth and networking opportunities and communication that will enrich the growth of the entire automotive aftermarket.

• Facebook Gallery: Photos from the unveiling of the SBN Mustang Build—Powered by Women.

• Facebook Gallery: Photos from the SBN's annual Speed Networking Breakfast.

• Facebook Gallery: A look at images from the SBN Gear Up Girl event.

Information about the annual SEMA Show is available online at www.SEMAShow.com.

	In addition to serving as a showcase for the style, products and innovation of the specialty-equipment industry, the annual SEMA Show also serves as the backdrop for SEMA council and committee special events, membership meetings, seminars and more. Check out the photo galleries below—posted on Facebook—of several of SEMA council and committee members in action during the 2012 SEMA Show.

Several of SEMA's council and committees hold meetings, receptions, seminars and special events in conjunction with the annual SEMA Show. Photo galleries are currently available on Facebook covering the special events and meetings for SEMA's Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN) committee, Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) and SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN).

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
The HRIA is dedicated to ensuring the future prosperity of the hot-rod industry and advancing and promoting the awareness of the hobby. The council develops strategies and programs to address industry-specific issues in the effort to improve business practices and procedures. Membership in the HRIA is open to all entities serving the hot-rod market, including manufacturers, builders/fabricators, dealers, car clubs or enthusiast publications. More information on the HRIA is available online at www.sema.org/HRIA or by contacting Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.

Facebook Gallery: Here is a look at HRIA members in action at the 2012 SEMA Show. 

Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN)
Formerly known as the Manufacturers Rep Council, the newly re-named Manufacturers Representative Network provides a forum for manufacturers' representatives to increase their impact as an industry. Members of the committee work to explore issue of common interest and concern, increase their collective knowledge and elevate the overall image of the profession. All automotive aftermarket manufacturers' representatives and agents are encouraged to get involved with the MRN. More information on the MRN is available online at www.sema.org/MRN or by contacting Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.

Facebook Gallery: Here are photos of MRN members during several committee events at the 2012 SEMA Show.

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
The PRO is dedicated to addressing the challenges facing the restyling segment of the automotive aftermarket and to developing effective strategies for dealing with industry-specific issues. PRO represents the collective interests of all SEMA-member companies serving the restyling and accessory market—be they manufacturers, warehouse distributors, manufacturers' reps or restylers and installers. More information on PRO is available at www.sema.org/pro by contacting Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.

Facebook Gallery: Members of the PRO council from the SEMA Show.

SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)
SBN's mission is to create an avenue for women in the specialty-equipment industry by providing a circuit to enhance their professional growth and networking opportunities and communication that will enrich the growth of the entire automotive aftermarket.

• Facebook Gallery: Photos from the unveiling of the SBN Mustang Build—Powered by Women.

• Facebook Gallery: Photos from the SBN's annual Speed Networking Breakfast.

• Facebook Gallery: A look at images from the SBN Gear Up Girl event.

Information about the annual SEMA Show is available online at www.SEMAShow.com.

	In addition to serving as a showcase for the style, products and innovation of the specialty-equipment industry, the annual SEMA Show also serves as the backdrop for SEMA council and committee special events, membership meetings, seminars and more. Check out the photo galleries below—posted on Facebook—of several of SEMA council and committee members in action during the 2012 SEMA Show.

Several of SEMA's council and committees hold meetings, receptions, seminars and special events in conjunction with the annual SEMA Show. Photo galleries are currently available on Facebook covering the special events and meetings for SEMA's Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN) committee, Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) and SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN).

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
The HRIA is dedicated to ensuring the future prosperity of the hot-rod industry and advancing and promoting the awareness of the hobby. The council develops strategies and programs to address industry-specific issues in the effort to improve business practices and procedures. Membership in the HRIA is open to all entities serving the hot-rod market, including manufacturers, builders/fabricators, dealers, car clubs or enthusiast publications. More information on the HRIA is available online at www.sema.org/HRIA or by contacting Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.

Facebook Gallery: Here is a look at HRIA members in action at the 2012 SEMA Show. 

Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN)
Formerly known as the Manufacturers Rep Council, the newly re-named Manufacturers Representative Network provides a forum for manufacturers' representatives to increase their impact as an industry. Members of the committee work to explore issue of common interest and concern, increase their collective knowledge and elevate the overall image of the profession. All automotive aftermarket manufacturers' representatives and agents are encouraged to get involved with the MRN. More information on the MRN is available online at www.sema.org/MRN or by contacting Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.

Facebook Gallery: Here are photos of MRN members during several committee events at the 2012 SEMA Show.

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
The PRO is dedicated to addressing the challenges facing the restyling segment of the automotive aftermarket and to developing effective strategies for dealing with industry-specific issues. PRO represents the collective interests of all SEMA-member companies serving the restyling and accessory market—be they manufacturers, warehouse distributors, manufacturers' reps or restylers and installers. More information on PRO is available at www.sema.org/pro by contacting Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.

Facebook Gallery: Members of the PRO council from the SEMA Show.

SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)
SBN's mission is to create an avenue for women in the specialty-equipment industry by providing a circuit to enhance their professional growth and networking opportunities and communication that will enrich the growth of the entire automotive aftermarket.

• Facebook Gallery: Photos from the unveiling of the SBN Mustang Build—Powered by Women.

• Facebook Gallery: Photos from the SBN's annual Speed Networking Breakfast.

• Facebook Gallery: A look at images from the SBN Gear Up Girl event.

Information about the annual SEMA Show is available online at www.SEMAShow.com.

	In addition to serving as a showcase for the style, products and innovation of the specialty-equipment industry, the annual SEMA Show also serves as the backdrop for SEMA council and committee special events, membership meetings, seminars and more. Check out the photo galleries below—posted on Facebook—of several of SEMA council and committee members in action during the 2012 SEMA Show.

Several of SEMA's council and committees hold meetings, receptions, seminars and special events in conjunction with the annual SEMA Show. Photo galleries are currently available on Facebook covering the special events and meetings for SEMA's Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN) committee, Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) and SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN).

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)
The HRIA is dedicated to ensuring the future prosperity of the hot-rod industry and advancing and promoting the awareness of the hobby. The council develops strategies and programs to address industry-specific issues in the effort to improve business practices and procedures. Membership in the HRIA is open to all entities serving the hot-rod market, including manufacturers, builders/fabricators, dealers, car clubs or enthusiast publications. More information on the HRIA is available online at www.sema.org/HRIA or by contacting Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.

Facebook Gallery: Here is a look at HRIA members in action at the 2012 SEMA Show. 

Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN)
Formerly known as the Manufacturers Rep Council, the newly re-named Manufacturers Representative Network provides a forum for manufacturers' representatives to increase their impact as an industry. Members of the committee work to explore issue of common interest and concern, increase their collective knowledge and elevate the overall image of the profession. All automotive aftermarket manufacturers' representatives and agents are encouraged to get involved with the MRN. More information on the MRN is available online at www.sema.org/MRN or by contacting Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.

Facebook Gallery: Here are photos of MRN members during several committee events at the 2012 SEMA Show.

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)
The PRO is dedicated to addressing the challenges facing the restyling segment of the automotive aftermarket and to developing effective strategies for dealing with industry-specific issues. PRO represents the collective interests of all SEMA-member companies serving the restyling and accessory market—be they manufacturers, warehouse distributors, manufacturers' reps or restylers and installers. More information on PRO is available at www.sema.org/pro by contacting Zane Clark at zanec@sema.org.

Facebook Gallery: Members of the PRO council from the SEMA Show.

SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)
SBN's mission is to create an avenue for women in the specialty-equipment industry by providing a circuit to enhance their professional growth and networking opportunities and communication that will enrich the growth of the entire automotive aftermarket.

• Facebook Gallery: Photos from the unveiling of the SBN Mustang Build—Powered by Women.

• Facebook Gallery: Photos from the SBN's annual Speed Networking Breakfast.

• Facebook Gallery: A look at images from the SBN Gear Up Girl event.

Information about the annual SEMA Show is available online at www.SEMAShow.com.

The 2013 SEMA News rate card and editorial calendar is now available. SEMA News is a monthly magazine published by SEMA that reaches more than 18,000 key automotive specialty-equipment businesses. Here's what's coming up in the February 2013 issue:

Market Trends in Tires and Wheels

Highlighting the newest products introduced at the SEMA Show in the Wheel and Tire categories, plus commentary from experts about what they are experiencing in the field.

Selling Your Business?

Experts talk about how to get full value for your business and the steps that business owners need to take long before it’s time to sell.

Los Angeles Auto Show

OEM manufacturers reveal their newest cars and trucks, and unveil concept cars that point to the future.

To advertise in SEMA News, contact:

Brian Paik
Industry Sales Director
brianp@sema.org
909-978-6677

Check out the 2013 rate card and editorial calendar now!

The 2013 SEMA News rate card and editorial calendar is now available. SEMA News is a monthly magazine published by SEMA that reaches more than 18,000 key automotive specialty-equipment businesses. Here's what's coming up in the February 2013 issue:

Market Trends in Tires and Wheels

Highlighting the newest products introduced at the SEMA Show in the Wheel and Tire categories, plus commentary from experts about what they are experiencing in the field.

Selling Your Business?

Experts talk about how to get full value for your business and the steps that business owners need to take long before it’s time to sell.

Los Angeles Auto Show

OEM manufacturers reveal their newest cars and trucks, and unveil concept cars that point to the future.

To advertise in SEMA News, contact:

Brian Paik
Industry Sales Director
brianp@sema.org
909-978-6677

Check out the 2013 rate card and editorial calendar now!

The 2013 SEMA News rate card and editorial calendar is now available. SEMA News is a monthly magazine published by SEMA that reaches more than 18,000 key automotive specialty-equipment businesses. Here's what's coming up in the February 2013 issue:

Market Trends in Tires and Wheels

Highlighting the newest products introduced at the SEMA Show in the Wheel and Tire categories, plus commentary from experts about what they are experiencing in the field.

Selling Your Business?

Experts talk about how to get full value for your business and the steps that business owners need to take long before it’s time to sell.

Los Angeles Auto Show

OEM manufacturers reveal their newest cars and trucks, and unveil concept cars that point to the future.

To advertise in SEMA News, contact:

Brian Paik
Industry Sales Director
brianp@sema.org
909-978-6677

Check out the 2013 rate card and editorial calendar now!

SEMA Member News—November/December 2012

Marketing for Small Businesses, Part II

Internet Presence on the Cheap

By Regis Finn

Popular social media sites include Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. To collect an audience—post cool pictures, informative articles, press releases and controversial questions.

We discussed the importance of attending consumer-based shows and events in the May/June 2012 issue of SEMA Member News. In this issue, we’ll look at inexpensive ways to promote your business on the web.

Website Option 1: Build a business website using a free template from a company such as www.sites.google.com or www.intuit.com. The templates supplied by these companies are easy to use and great for those wanting to save some cash.

Website Option 2: Design a site yourself. Designing your own site will require at the very least some knowledge of HTML or PHP along with graphics-design programs, such as Adobe PhotoShop and Illustrator. Other Adobe products such as Frontpage might be helpful, too.

E-Commerce Store: If you have a retail store, you will most definitely want e-commerce on your website. There are some great sources that offer free basic packages, such as Magento.

Forums: There are forums specific to just about every automotive year, make and model. You can be a major forum sponsor with your logo on every page, or you may choose to sponsor a specific category of a forum, such as a brake or suspension segment. You may just want to display your ads on a per-click or per-impression basis. Either way, be sure to build a landing page that caters to your segment of the market.

Negotiate the price of getting involved with a forum, even providing products or services in exchange for the right to advertise. There are also great services, such as PostRelease, that can put your message across a range of sites for the cost of advertising on a single one.

PPC: The idea behind pay-per-click (PPC) advertising is to pay for ads using searchable keywords. When customers enter terms in the search box, they receive a list of related links along with ads at the top and right-hand side of the page. Paid ads and search-engine marketing drive these search results. Google, Amazon, Bing, Yahoo and others offer such programs.

When picking keywords to drive traffic to your business, take the time to look for words and terms that the other guys aren’t using, and keep costs down by constantly reviewing and updating your keywords. Google Analytics is an excellent tool to see what is working and what is not. When the price gets too high for a particular keyword, drop it and find another. Over time, the new word will go up in cost and the other one will likely fall. That’s when you switch back to the original keyword.

Search-Engine Optimization (SEO): Google and other companies rank websites and pages based on links and relevant content. To optimize your site’s chances of appearing in keyword searches, have quality links to pages with pertinent information, articles and blogs with words that match those on your site. You also need good content on each and every page of your own site.

eBay: Customers often turn to eBay to find good deals, and I recommend that you put as many products as possible there. Include a customer-service number in each ad so that customers may call to order other items. (Regular sales phone numbers are prohibited on eBay.) Use a rotating banner within your eBay ad featuring other items you make or sell. List expensive items with a $1 starting price but set the reserve price high. Include a “more information” link to send customers to your website.

Amazon: Using Amazon is a great way to let people know about your products and bring brand awareness to your company. Amazon is the number-one threat to Google because its internal search engine bypasses Google. Amazon also offers a service similar to Google Adwords to help drive traffic to your products.

Blogs: These stories or discussions posted on the web can provide information relevant to your products or services and can be linked back to your site.

Social Media: Popular social media sites include Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. While free, social media require work. To collect an audience—post cool pictures, informative articles, press releases and controversial questions. Have contests, and give away items or services to drive traffic to your site.

The ideas above are only the tip of the iceberg. There is no reason to spend a ton of marketing dollars to have a decent Internet presence. It just takes a little time and patience.

SEMA Member News—November/December 2012

Marketing for Small Businesses, Part II

Internet Presence on the Cheap

By Regis Finn

Popular social media sites include Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. To collect an audience—post cool pictures, informative articles, press releases and controversial questions.

We discussed the importance of attending consumer-based shows and events in the May/June 2012 issue of SEMA Member News. In this issue, we’ll look at inexpensive ways to promote your business on the web.

Website Option 1: Build a business website using a free template from a company such as www.sites.google.com or www.intuit.com. The templates supplied by these companies are easy to use and great for those wanting to save some cash.

Website Option 2: Design a site yourself. Designing your own site will require at the very least some knowledge of HTML or PHP along with graphics-design programs, such as Adobe PhotoShop and Illustrator. Other Adobe products such as Frontpage might be helpful, too.

E-Commerce Store: If you have a retail store, you will most definitely want e-commerce on your website. There are some great sources that offer free basic packages, such as Magento.

Forums: There are forums specific to just about every automotive year, make and model. You can be a major forum sponsor with your logo on every page, or you may choose to sponsor a specific category of a forum, such as a brake or suspension segment. You may just want to display your ads on a per-click or per-impression basis. Either way, be sure to build a landing page that caters to your segment of the market.

Negotiate the price of getting involved with a forum, even providing products or services in exchange for the right to advertise. There are also great services, such as PostRelease, that can put your message across a range of sites for the cost of advertising on a single one.

PPC: The idea behind pay-per-click (PPC) advertising is to pay for ads using searchable keywords. When customers enter terms in the search box, they receive a list of related links along with ads at the top and right-hand side of the page. Paid ads and search-engine marketing drive these search results. Google, Amazon, Bing, Yahoo and others offer such programs.

When picking keywords to drive traffic to your business, take the time to look for words and terms that the other guys aren’t using, and keep costs down by constantly reviewing and updating your keywords. Google Analytics is an excellent tool to see what is working and what is not. When the price gets too high for a particular keyword, drop it and find another. Over time, the new word will go up in cost and the other one will likely fall. That’s when you switch back to the original keyword.

Search-Engine Optimization (SEO): Google and other companies rank websites and pages based on links and relevant content. To optimize your site’s chances of appearing in keyword searches, have quality links to pages with pertinent information, articles and blogs with words that match those on your site. You also need good content on each and every page of your own site.

eBay: Customers often turn to eBay to find good deals, and I recommend that you put as many products as possible there. Include a customer-service number in each ad so that customers may call to order other items. (Regular sales phone numbers are prohibited on eBay.) Use a rotating banner within your eBay ad featuring other items you make or sell. List expensive items with a $1 starting price but set the reserve price high. Include a “more information” link to send customers to your website.

Amazon: Using Amazon is a great way to let people know about your products and bring brand awareness to your company. Amazon is the number-one threat to Google because its internal search engine bypasses Google. Amazon also offers a service similar to Google Adwords to help drive traffic to your products.

Blogs: These stories or discussions posted on the web can provide information relevant to your products or services and can be linked back to your site.

Social Media: Popular social media sites include Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. While free, social media require work. To collect an audience—post cool pictures, informative articles, press releases and controversial questions. Have contests, and give away items or services to drive traffic to your site.

The ideas above are only the tip of the iceberg. There is no reason to spend a ton of marketing dollars to have a decent Internet presence. It just takes a little time and patience.