We are all using abbreveations. SEO, SEM, SERP, PPC, CTR, yes even my entire name is now known as an abbreveation - VJ. Therefore I am sticking to the plate and wanted to share this Infographic of "The History of Search", and how this niche of PPC and SEM is a money making and generating machine.



Infographic by the PPC Blog.com

Day in - Day out. Like clockwork - tic, tac, tic, tac. Little voices already in your brain whispering "hey......hey.....do not forget to check in....and it has been already 12 minutes that you have had changed your status on Facebook......hey......hey.....and don't forget see that you finally hit the 1000 followers mark on Twitter....hey....." -Okay, when you are reading these lines here and you feel like "hmmm, sounds familiar, and you got by they was sweaty hands and a nervous twitch in your eyes - Houston we have a problem. It appears to be you are definitive a candidate for the next show intervention, where we are trying to cure your addiction. YOU ARE INDEED ADDICTED TO SOCIAL MEDIA. Because I do not want you to suffer longer and questioning yourself, I have created my first 10 rules which are showing indicators you are in danger being hopelessness addicted to Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare and other drugs provided to us at no charge. This phenomenon discribed above almost appea...

We, the automotive industry professionals have learned by now that Social Media – The New Media – is becoming more and more a Toddler and is no longer an infant. When in early 2007 a few automotive dealerships started out to put their dealerships on MySpace and later on became friends with Facebook, nobody really had at this time in mind that Social Media will become an essential Marketing Tool, which would create Buzz, WOM and invite potential customers into our Social-Living room also known as “Facebook Dealer Page”. Even though the economy suffered around the world in 2009, one market showed resistance during the recession: The Online Advertising Market. With a drop in total media advertising spending, the online ad spending increased by 2% which resulted into $55.2 billion. Okay, these numbers are promising – for marketers and ad agencies, but what should you do when you are a recession rattled dealer or dealer group, which is NOT looking to increa...

Too often do I get the question during my seminars "VJ, what is the ROI - what can I expect to make on money and how many cars will I be selling at my dealerships, when I am "signing up" for Social media?"....here we go again. I am not complaining that I receive this question but I am foremost dazzled that question is still comparing Social Media Marketing with the "old" way to do Marketing and Advertising. What was in past (and of course still is) known as Monologue Marketing strategy - the shouting out of Marketers messages to the "may be listening" audience via T.V., Radio and other traditional marketing media has by far nothing to do with the Social Media approach and the possibilities to integrate into your existing marketing mix. Because we are now trying to communicate with potential clients and hope for a response to us, we are pretty much sure that we are now hoping to convert into a Dialogue with our new friend. We want to find ou...

Similar to the fairy tale of the Princess and the Frog, there is another phenomenon in the real marketing and advertising world what pretty much reminds me on this tale. You know it is something new out there, you are not really certain what it does, if it works – and most likely you only will find out when you try it. Just like giving the Frog a kiss and see if it turns into a prince. We all have by now heard (I guess and hope for you) about Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Flickr and other social media networking websites and networks. One of the newer kids on the blocks are social hubs like Gowalla, Where, Loopt and Foursquare. These three named social engagement tools are considered Geo-location based services which have only one goal in mind: To lure Users, Advertisers and Investors into their fangs. When in 2009 the Mobile Advertising segment scratched the $320 million mark, according to researchers at BIA/Kelsey, the year 2013 is expected to soar to $3.1 billion in the U.S. May ...

"Okay Mr. Jaeckel, it is time for your yearly check-up. You know blood and lab work, heart-function, lungs and ahmmmm you know what else– well the whole nine yard.”

“Well I am really not prepared for “all that”, ahmmm you know what I mean Doctor….do we have to do this…I mean….really? -- “Don’t worry Mr. Jaeckel the “not so nicest part” takes really only 10 seconds. Ready?”

Well I can imagine how almost everybody of my peers right now is clinching together when reading this, but we all know that it is necessary task to avoid later implications in life or a possible never ending story of pain to come. And exactly this “yearly routine”, like the yearly physical at your doctor, should be an implemented process at your dealership and your dealer operations. I know, I know – it is not really the thing we are looking forward to, but when we want to stay healthy – physically and professionally – we need to bite this bullet.

I am not aware exactly a...

When in late 1989 the Canadian Alannah Myles made her debut in the music world with the sultry and bluesy song "Black Velvet" the "experts" were sure - here comes a new Mega-Star for the 90's. The song was a number one hit in the States in 1990 and took over the airwaves. Miss Myles even won a Grammy that year for “Best Rock Female Performance.” But as fast as it had happened - as quickly it was over and her career ended even before it had really begun.

How can we now - the progressive "Stars" of the automotive retail world - the eCommerce Directors, Internet Sales Managers, Dealer Marketing Managers and even Dealer Principles avoid to relive the same destiny? No, I am not talking about singing and marketing your jingle or melody on the local radio commercial or TV ads, but most likely refer to use proper promotion in what we are "tweeting" and posting about our business.

I came up with my Top-Ten list of Twitter topics and original posts, which can make you NOT a Grammy nom...

What is your New Year’s resolution? “Stop Smoking”, “More Family-Time”, “Losing the 15 pounds you added on your weight since Thanks-Giving”? It doesn’t matter what you try to achieve to get these things done – we are all clear hear. You have to start somewhere and follow the Motto of the Oregon based Sport’s authority – “Just Do It”.

So why not as a Dealer Principle, e-Commerce Director, Internet Manager, etc. make your dealership a part of these New Year’s resolutions and tackle what needs to be done – The 3 easy ways to get your dealership start with the Social Media phenomenon.

A recent study, compiled by Ad-ology reveiled that small business owners are still very hesitant to invest time, people and money into Social Media. Good things first: Social Media should actually cost not one dime, when getting started and set-up right. The study further conducted a survey of 1,000 Small Business Owners (small businesses defined in the survey as having...

Written by Volker Jaeckel (a.k.a. VJ)

Who has recently heard from their peers, friends, colleagues one of the following statements, and if so please raise your hand:
“We need to get on Facebook” or “What are you tweeting?”
And? Do I see a hand? C’mon, don’t be shy now. You are a car sales guy, and I guess you have had chosen this brilliant career, because you a) want to make a good living, and b) YOU LOVE TO DEAL WITH PEOPLE, right?!

So why is it then that you are still trying to figure out why and if “YOU” should join the buzz around the Facebook and Twitter phenomenon? May be the list below will make some impact and can convince you that it is never too late.

I have listed the Top 10 Great Opportunities you and your dealership will have, when joining the Social Networking Circle. Let the party begin – Let’s join the circle of trust:

1. Branding Opportunity: Here you have the opportunity to be consistent in the face with your logo, pictures, name; s...