Why Every Auto Dealership Needs to Monitor its Online Reputation
There’s no question that social media has changed the auto buying process dramatically. Ten years ago, one might ask a neighbor or a friend where they bought their car. Now they can ask hundreds or even thousands of people for recommendations via Facebook, Twitter, Yelp or dozens of others of sites. And the advice
The Importance of Employment Branding
Employment branding: a company’s reputation as an employer, or how great a place it is to work — a must for today’s prospective employees. Dealerships have always placed a heavy emphasis on attracting consumers and cultivating a company brand for them, but with Millennials now making up the majority of the workforce and consumer base,
Tech-Savvy Dealership Enjoying Social Media Lead Success
Third-generation car dealers and brothers Doug and Andrew MacIver own and operate Ride Time, an independent auto dealership in Winnipeg, Canada. Their grandfather, uncles, father and now they have operated dealerships in the area and they have a track record of success. Ride Time specializes in custom trucks, but retails vehicles in every category. They
Freebie Love
I read an article recently in USA TODAY with the headline, “Expect Some Freebie Love when Buying a New Car.” The article mentioned the things dealers give away to reward customers, such as a free tank of gas, a second set of keys, floor mats and so on. The article also pointed out special perks,
It’ Complicated: Understanding Your Love-Hate Relationship With Data
You’ve heard all the arguments. You’ve probably even joined in at times. Customer data is too overwhelming. It’s complicated. It’s too confusing, time-consuming and expensive. If you’ve been a little hesitant to dive headfirst into piles of data, you’re not alone. Many dealership professionals see data as a frenemy — both friend and enemy. It
Dealerships Have Some of the Best Leaders — and Some of the Worst
In today’s market, to be a successful dealership, you have to have every single person in every single department willing and able to be a leader.
Fixing Your Fixed Ops: Three Marketing Strategies to Rise to the Top
“Hey Siri, where can I get an oil change?” This type of search takes place more than a million times per month. In fact, according to Google Automotive Insights, service- and parts-related searches have increased by more than 400 percent over the past five years and now account for 28 percent of the total automotive
Three Things to Do Now So You Can Start Using Data Like a Boss
How do you think Wal-Mart decides to build a new store? They don’t just toss a dart at the map. They use data to analyze population projections, proximity to existing stores, property value, competition and a laundry list of other data points that make sure each store is successful.
Don’t Fear the Future
When AutoSuccess published its first issue back in 2001, it was a different world than the one dealers face today. Thanks to the Internet and other technology, dealers and GMs have more opportunities than ever before to reach current and potential customers. While they’re commonplace terms now, concepts such as “texting,” “social media,” “online reputation
How to Master the Art of Online Conversation
Much like the printing press during the European Renaissance, the Internet has transformed the way we interact forever. “Googling” is now a verb synonymous with getting answers, we can communicate with people across the world in a matter of seconds and we can buy things without leaving the house. It’s a fast-moving, interactive digital world,
