The Walk Around

S02E34 - Maximize Digital Ads with a Localized Approach

The Walk Around

Show Notes

Technology enables dealers to reach their customers in a targeted and personalized way. Social media, websites and email are all important ways to market your business, but if you really want to attract and engage future customers, local listing solutions like Google and Apple Maps can significantly optimize your digital presence. Learn from an expert – and former Googler – how you can adapt your dealership to modern advertising techniques as privacy laws change, what map platforms people prefer and more ways to help you attract new customers. In this episode you’ll hear: The best ways for dealers to reach local consumers How new privacy laws make branding more important than ever How technology is helping the dealership of the future evolve How auto dealers can make their presence known on consumer platforms like maps Where dealers should place their bets among the increasing number of apps and platforms Chris Lydle is CEO at dbaPlatform, a SaaS suite of tools for local advertising and listing solutions led by former Googlers. The company partners with Google, Apple and Microsoft to provide management of local placements that help business chains, agencies and brands strengthen and optimize their local presence. Chris brings more than 25 years of digital experience at companies of all stages of growth. Before joining dbaPlatform as CEO, Chris was at Google for almost 10 years, leading go-to-market efforts across several products. He joined Google through the acquisition of RightsFlow, where he served as SVP of Sales & Marketing. At Google, he had a strong focus on retail and restaurants as Global Lead of Digital Signage and then Global Lead of Local Shopping. Before joining RightsFlow, Chris was an executive leader at four startups and a founder of one. For more about Chris, visit his LinkedIn.

Liked this episode? Find our full episode library here.

More from The Walk Around

Apr 1, 2026

Jonathan Banks, VP of Product Retailing for JD Power’s Retailing Portfolio, breaks down macro trends across the industry, used-car profit strategies, and how dealer principals can optimize performance in the next 12–18 months.

Mar 27, 2026

Eve Knudtsen, President of Knudtsen Auto Group, is a third-generation dealer leading three stores across the Pacific Northwest. She shares insights on leadership, technology, culture and her experience as a woman in automotive.

Mar 20, 2026

Tyson Jominy, SVP OEM Solutions at JD Power, discusses affordability pressures, interest rates, lease returns, and why stable demand and mid-cycle conditions will shape dealer planning for the 2026 auto market.

Mar 13, 2026

Christian Crain, VP of Crain Automotive Holdings, discusses leading a 23-store dealer group, their focus on seamless operations and how they are addressing the affordability challenges their guests are facing now.

Mar 11, 2026

John Fitzpatrick, President & CEO of Force Marketing, joins the podcast to share insights on marketing trends in 2026, the future of AI and technology, customer engagement opportunities and strategies for dealership growth.

See all episodes →