Social media isn’t just for users to expand their social reach online. While individuals use social media to connect with friends and family, social media also has become an important tool for networking and an integral marketing resource for businesses. However, for car dealerships without a dedicated marketing team, social
A marketing plan outlines the initiatives and tactics for a business related to social media, advertising, events, sales promotions and online content (including website copy). Marketing campaigns help businesses reach their targeted customer demographics to boost potential leads and increase sales, too. While marketing tactics often are aimed to appeal
In December, Cox Automotive released its Forward Thinking Dealership Study that revealed how dealerships that embrace technology and digital transformations for the car buying process are faring in the industry. The results showed that these forward-thinking dealerships were surpassing dealerships that remain stuck in their old habits. Digital transformations in
Moving inventory off the lots wasn’t difficult when the supply was crunched and demand was high. While many dealerships had fewer cars to sell, many were able to sell their inventory at a higher price tag. Some vehicle models were so popular that dealerships sold out in a blink. Now,
Vehicle manufacturers wire advanced tech features into mechanical systems and infotainment centers to transform the drive into a digitized and high-tech journey. As smartphones serve as necessary devices in daily life, the auto industry evolved to integrate advanced technology systems that were compatible with mobile devices and assisted the driving
In business, a great reputation for customer service and satisfaction can be the difference between financial success and lackluster sales figures. Automotive dealerships often are located within a few miles of their competition; when competitors exist in close proximity, the reputation of a dealership can give it a decisive edge,
YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and other social media apps gave rise to influencer culture. An influencer is a digital celebrity whose popularity has the power to influence consumers. There are beauty influencers, fashion influencers, parenting influencers, theme park influencers and even automotive influencers. Every industry has its own list of popular
Making a sale is the ultimate goal for car dealerships, and one way to increase the odds of a sale is to follow up on leads. Many businesses zero in on online or website leads. When marketers talk about ‘conversion rates,’ they are typically referring to online traffic or interactions
Car dealerships and their sales force want to move inventory and sell cars. Profit is the end goal for all businesses, and while many dealerships offer a service department for repairs and maintenance, selling inventory generates the most profit for the dealership. Foot traffic and repeat customers account for a
Facebook is the most popular social media platform and counts more than 2.9 billion monthly active users. While individuals use the platform to stay connected and communicate with friends and family, businesses utilize Facebook as another tool for connecting to the public and marketing their products, too. While car dealerships
Digital marketing utilizes online tactics and campaigns to promote a business and expand its reach to core audiences. Social media platforms are designed for engagement and outreach, but for businesses these platforms are an integral medium to reach vast consumer demographics and increase visibility in the digital realm. Social media
Search engine optimization (SEO) is a digital marketing term that describes creating content (including website pages) that is written to rank high on Google and other search engines. To improve the ranking, marketing professionals utilize a number of tactics including choosing keywords that represent popular search queries on the engines.
Before Covid, shopping for a new car was fairly standardized. Buyers researched vehicle options online, then they visited the dealership to complete the deal and drive off in their dream car. There were steps between browsing and buying, but, ultimately, the path to buying a car was well tread and
Automotive marketing for dealerships used to encompass standard advertising opportunities via radio, television and print. The internet changed how advertisements reached consumers, and now digital media rules many automotive marketing plans. As new social media platforms launched, additional opportunities opened up for businesses for advertisements, engagement and communication with consumers.
The social media app TikTok debuted in 2017 and since that time has grown rapidly in popularity among younger audiences. Reuters reported that the platform now counts 150 million monthly active users in the U.S. alone. Gen Z and younger Millennials account for the majority of TikTok’s users—more than half
Automotive internet marketing also is known as digital marketing. These campaigns encompass all online outreach that is designed to appeal to potential buyers. This type of marketing is crucial for businesses to connect with and stay in front of customers searching the internet for goods and services. Every dealership might
Each buyer demographic correlates to different preferences and habits when shopping or deciding on a purchase. Cultural demographics are important for businesses to understand as each culture might have specific preferences, unique considerations and generational traditions that could influence not just how they shop but what they buy, too. Dealer
Digital marketing encompasses outreach activities within the online (or digital) space. Online ads, blogs, social media, and optimization efforts all are part of digital marketing strategies for dealerships. When utilizing digital marketing, dealerships on a tighter budget can take advantage of a few free strategies to expand outreach and visibility.
ChatGPT is becoming the new technology that businesses want to use. ChatGPT was designed by OpenAI, and the technology operates a bit like an AI virtual assistant. Users can ask a question and ChatGPT provides a detailed answer. However, OpenAI has already explained that the tech isn’t perfect. Sometimes it’s
Car shopping was once a predominantly in-person experience, and exploring a car model required buyers to visit dealerships. Buyers now have the power of the internet to aid their search for a new or used vehicle, and some companies or dealerships allow customers to complete the entire car purchase online
From drugstores to local restaurants, businesses are embracing rewards programs. In fact, QueueIt explains that the vast majority of businesses offer these programs. Car dealerships should consider jumping on this trend, if they haven’t done so already. Loyalty or rewards programs not only enhance customer satisfaction, but they also can
A successful website draws visitors to its content. It allows and invites exploration and immerses visitors into the features, pages and content. While buyers have been using the internet for car research for years, buying a car online wasn’t the norm until the pandemic (with the exception of companies like
Marketing tactics and activities are often designed to reach a broad audience and connect on a macro level. Businesses want to maximize the impact of their messaging and connect with as many potential customers as possible. What about repeat customers or customers that the dealership hopes will be repeat customers?
Marketing new vehicle models across multiple digital channels allows dealerships to reach a wider audience of potential buyers. To effectively capture the attention of buyers, dealerships need to provide visual resources that can encourage them to take the next step in the shopping process. Car photography is an integral part
There are a number of factors that you should consider when determining which car you should purchase, including the cost, manufacturer, engine, interior, and safety features. But if you tend to travel with a big group of passengers in the backseat or need room to carry a lot of stuff
Technology has transformed the automobile and the driving experience. Each year, in-car technology seems to offer something better, cooler and perhaps even hands-free to aid drivers on their trips. Through the years, technology has evolved from simple radios to cassette players to CD players and now to touchscreen infotainment centers
TikTok is the rising star of social media platforms. CNBC reports that as of February 2023, TikTok counts one billion monthly active users. According to Statista, nearly 40 percent of users are between the ages of 18 to 24. This age bracket correlates to Generation Z, which is the demographic
High school students who are new to driving or college students who have only been driving a few years might be looking for their own car so they don’t have to rely on driving the family car(s). Parents might help pay for this new purchase or teens/young adults might save
Millennials focus on price, fuel efficiency, and safety when shopping for a vehicle, and they research their purchase via a mobile device. Gen X researches from home (on an old-school computer), and the site Credit Acceptance explains that the Baby Boomers prefer their own wisdom related to their purchase versus
Successful pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns lead to prominent online ads and more visibility for the business. These campaigns are influenced by a number of factors, though. While a high bid for keywords can help the business secure a top placement, offering more money per click might not always lead to the