Digital Air Strike has unveiled two technology enhancements to help businesses better nurture consumers using data, analytics and multimedia technology. The new features were released at the National Automobile Dealers Association’s virtual convention concurrently as Digital Air Strike announced its 2021 BIG Innovation Award win from the Business Intelligence Group. The award is in recognition of the company’s Virtual Retailing Solutions designed to enable businesses to stay connected with consumers online during COVID-19. 

Digital Air Strike’s patented Response Logix lead response and consumer-centric marketplace technology now include new advanced targeting capabilities enabling, even more, consumer engagement during the online shopping process. The Response Logix platform empowers auto dealerships to more effectively respond to prospects who previously requested vehicle information with an AI-powered dynamic quote, creating a micro-website for every prospect with additional vehicle details, payment options, and alternate new and pre-owned vehicle options similar to the original vehicle requested. The new Power Smart Follow enhancement follows the consumer by triggering customizable follow communications to prospects for up to 180 days allowing car buyers to indicate with one click if they’re still interested in a vehicle or would like more information. With the technology, dealers reactivate a greater percentage of their pipeline which previously was considered out-of-market, and offer a non-threatening way to follow up with consumers.  

The lead re-engagement enhancement is being used by dealerships nationwide with great success. Al Piemonte Buick GMC saw a 23% increase in car buyers re-engaging with the dealership to purchase a vehicle. Dealerships can customize messages to each customer. They are alerted when a consumer is looking at the quotes and emails which allows them to personalize phone call follow-up. 

“I can’t run a profitable dealership without Digital Air Strike’s lead response technology,” said Rob Link, director of internet development/sales manager, Al Piemonte Buick GMC and Al Piemonte Nissan. “Anytime you can enhance productivity with the efficiency you’ll find increased value. Considering this, Response Logix is invaluable and has paid for itself time and time again. I can confidently say it has boosted traffic, increased retention, and most importantly, decreased stress. It’s also the perfect complement to any employee.”  

Digital Air Strike also released its consumer text marketing solution Response Path 2.0, which now features advanced targeting capabilities for multimedia messages (MMS), with the ability to include images, videos, and GIFs. The solution enables the delivery of timely messages and updates to customers in targeted groups based on prior preferences and demographics. Through multimedia texting, businesses can communicate COVID safety protocols, make special announcements, and/or send valuable updates, such as new incentives from vehicle manufacturers or the ability to test-drive vehicles at home. The solution now offers integration with social media content, such as YouTube walkaround videos, that can now be sent directly to a group of customers all at once. This also has the option to engage via text, email, or video for more information, all without the need to call or visit a dealership.  

The new products and enhancements give automotive retailers more ability to combat companies, such as Carvana and Vroom, that directly market the benefit of their pre-owned vehicles as the ability to avoid going to dealerships. Since implementing the targeting capabilities of Response Path, Muller Auto Group in the Chicago, Illinois area, has increased unit sales directly attributed to just one text message sent to customers.  

“Our dealership receives great responses from our text messages,” said Gray Scott, marketing director, Muller Auto Group. “The process was easy. The setup was easy. Everything was easy. Texting is the fastest way to communicate to our consumers and be guaranteed a view while offering at-home test drive and delivery options.”  

“Digital Air Strike develops consumer engagement solutions that deliver a higher ROI for businesses,” said Jason Barrie, SVP, product strategy and market development, Digital Air Strike. “We support a multi-channel delivery strategy through streaming ads, texting, and other digital marketing platforms to create a one-to-one communication solution between dealers and their customers. We’re here to help businesses drive higher levels of engagement and improve the experience for shoppers and retailers.” 

Because of Digital Air Strike’s continued innovation, the company won a BIG Innovation Award for its Virtual Retailing Technology suite of solutions that were launched within weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic to provide solutions that allow businesses to better interact and more easily transact online with customers using multiple mediums, including video, AI, social media, SMS messaging and automation. This has been especially important and a lifeline for businesses during the pandemic as companies need new ways to engage and assist customers shopping and researching from home. As part of Digital Air Strike’s Virtual Retailing program, the company partnered with GoDaddy and its #OpenWeStand initiative to offer businesses free video technology, free bulk text messaging, and a free budget review.  

“When our technology is recognized among some of the most innovative automotive, technology, and financial companies in the world, including Polestar, WebPT, and BMO Financial Group, it only reinforces how our solutions fill a needed gap for businesses,” said Alexi Venneri, co-founder and CEO, Digital Air Strike. “We are proud to continue to deliver new technology that creates a better experience for our thousands of business clients nationwide and their customers.”  

Rice Toyota in Greensboro, NC, leveraged Digital Air Strike’s Virtual Retailing program when the showroom was closed due to the pandemic and was able to sell 10 cars in record time. Andy Slaughter, general sales manager of Rice Toyota, said, “Digital Air Strike has been a tremendous help and has been the most successful thing I’ve used to keep moving forward during COVID-19.”