Give Dealership Professionals the Tools They Need to Succeed ​

You’ve worked hard to ensure you have the best professionals in the business working at your dealership, so it makes sense that you’ll continue working hard to give them the edge they need when it comes to connecting with shoppers, creating relationships, and boosting sales.  But things move quickly in today’s marketplace, and tools are continuously being updated.  Consumers are in a rush to complete transactions, they show up at your dealership more informed than ever, and your professionals are under pressure to stay up-to-date and informed, as well as find new ways to engage and level with shoppers. As we kick off this month, we’re focusing on ways you can help level the playing field for every professional at your dealership, and first and foremost, that involves building solid relationships and interacting with consumers in a way that allows you to gauge and meet specific needs.  Today’s shoppers are looking for seamless transactions throughout their automotive buyer journeys, and by striving to provide positive experiences, you’ll earn a reputation for being a dealership that’s easy to work with and cares about shopper needs.  Solid consumer relationships built on trust will be the cornerstone for success in today’s busy and ever-changing marketplace.

Building Relationships to Build Sales 

Today’s shoppers want to build relationships with the brands they select.  Shoppers are finding their online voices and speaking out regarding what they’re looking for, how they want to shop, and what types of businesses appeal to them.  This is great news for your dealership, because now you have access to consumer insights that can help guide you toward enhancing the shopper experience in a meaningful way.  By building relationships and having social conversations with potential shoppers, your dealership will be able to thrive and grow in the marketplace.

Removing Shopper Pain Points

Successful dealerships strive to remove shopper pain points and understand consumer motivators, and with the insights and connections that are now available, this is more achievable than ever.  This month, we’ll take a closer look at the tools, tricks, and behaviors that will help your dealership pros level the playing field and shine in the eyes of shoppers.  No matter how dealerships arrive at the goal, the mission stays the same: create meaningful consumer relationships that result in trust, shopper loyalty, and increased business:

• Get to know your demographic.  By being able to identify specific consumer groups and deliver what they’re asking for in a car-buying experience, you’ll gain credibility and a reputation for being a dealership that’s in tune with shopper needs.  Take an in-depth look at various shopper groups like millennials, Gen X, Gen Z, Hispanic shoppers, and more—and you’ll be able to determine marketplace needs, as well as deliver a top-notch shopping experience.

• Stay up to date with technology.  Like all shoppers, auto shoppers are on the lookout for the latest technology, both in-vehicle and with regard to the way your dealership does business.  When you stay abreast of the latest updates, gadgets, and apps available to shoppers, you’ll be able to share more; and when you’re in-the-know and on top of tech, shoppers will continue to look to you for the latest insights.

• Utilize the technology that’s available to you.  Shoppers arrive at your dealership with more information than ever about vehicles, and often they feel like they already know what they want.  When you arm your dealership pros with technology that helps them meet consumers where they are in their buying journeys, you’ll be giving your employees a valuable edge that will help them boost the dealership’s bottom line.

• Identify your super-advocates and enlist their help.  Your advocates are consumers who are excited about sharing your dealership with others.  They are your biggest fans and your loudest proponents, and they want to spread positive news about what’s going on with your dealership.  When you interact with them and give them your time, they’ll be more than willing to share your updates with their social circles.

• Tell great stories with micro-moments that resonate.  Storytelling sticks with consumers because, more than straightforward advertising, it strives for a personal connection.  By creating meaningful micro-moments, you’ll be infusing personality into your brand, making it memorable and more appealing.  Much more than sales pitches, stories allow consumers to connect with who you are and what you do.

It won’t take long for consumers to notice your dedication, and they’ll come to see your dealership as a reliable partner and a great place to do business.  By utilizing all the tools in your arsenal to help build stronger relationships, you’ll win shopper trust and succeed in leveling the playing field as your professionals work to make sales.  It’s important to keep in mind shoppers are looking to build connections with your dealership.  When you remain focused on creating meaningful consumer interactions, you’ll see your dealership propelled toward success in the marketplace.

Give Dealership Professionals the Tools They Need to Succeed ​

You’ve worked hard to ensure you have the best professionals in the business working at your dealership, so it makes sense that you’ll continue working hard to give them the edge they need when it comes to connecting with shoppers, creating relationships, and boosting sales.  But things move quickly in today’s marketplace, and tools are continuously being updated.  Consumers are in a rush to complete transactions, they show up at your dealership more informed than ever, and your professionals are under pressure to stay up-to-date and informed, as well as find new ways to engage and level with shoppers. As we kick off this month, we’re focusing on ways you can help level the playing field for every professional at your dealership, and first and foremost, that involves building solid relationships and interacting with consumers in a way that allows you to gauge and meet specific needs.  Today’s shoppers are looking for seamless transactions throughout their automotive buyer journeys, and by striving to provide positive experiences, you’ll earn a reputation for being a dealership that’s easy to work with and cares about shopper needs.  Solid consumer relationships built on trust will be the cornerstone for success in today’s busy and ever-changing marketplace.

Building Relationships to Build Sales 

Today’s shoppers want to build relationships with the brands they select.  Shoppers are finding their online voices and speaking out regarding what they’re looking for, how they want to shop, and what types of businesses appeal to them.  This is great news for your dealership, because now you have access to consumer insights that can help guide you toward enhancing the shopper experience in a meaningful way.  By building relationships and having social conversations with potential shoppers, your dealership will be able to thrive and grow in the marketplace.

Removing Shopper Pain Points

Successful dealerships strive to remove shopper pain points and understand consumer motivators, and with the insights and connections that are now available, this is more achievable than ever.  This month, we’ll take a closer look at the tools, tricks, and behaviors that will help your dealership pros level the playing field and shine in the eyes of shoppers.  No matter how dealerships arrive at the goal, the mission stays the same: create meaningful consumer relationships that result in trust, shopper loyalty, and increased business:

• Get to know your demographic.  By being able to identify specific consumer groups and deliver what they’re asking for in a car-buying experience, you’ll gain credibility and a reputation for being a dealership that’s in tune with shopper needs.  Take an in-depth look at various shopper groups like millennials, Gen X, Gen Z, Hispanic shoppers, and more—and you’ll be able to determine marketplace needs, as well as deliver a top-notch shopping experience.

• Stay up to date with technology.  Like all shoppers, auto shoppers are on the lookout for the latest technology, both in-vehicle and with regard to the way your dealership does business.  When you stay abreast of the latest updates, gadgets, and apps available to shoppers, you’ll be able to share more; and when you’re in-the-know and on top of tech, shoppers will continue to look to you for the latest insights.

• Utilize the technology that’s available to you.  Shoppers arrive at your dealership with more information than ever about vehicles, and often they feel like they already know what they want.  When you arm your dealership pros with technology that helps them meet consumers where they are in their buying journeys, you’ll be giving your employees a valuable edge that will help them boost the dealership’s bottom line.

• Identify your super-advocates and enlist their help.  Your advocates are consumers who are excited about sharing your dealership with others.  They are your biggest fans and your loudest proponents, and they want to spread positive news about what’s going on with your dealership.  When you interact with them and give them your time, they’ll be more than willing to share your updates with their social circles.

• Tell great stories with micro-moments that resonate.  Storytelling sticks with consumers because, more than straightforward advertising, it strives for a personal connection.  By creating meaningful micro-moments, you’ll be infusing personality into your brand, making it memorable and more appealing.  Much more than sales pitches, stories allow consumers to connect with who you are and what you do.

It won’t take long for consumers to notice your dedication, and they’ll come to see your dealership as a reliable partner and a great place to do business.  By utilizing all the tools in your arsenal to help build stronger relationships, you’ll win shopper trust and succeed in leveling the playing field as your professionals work to make sales.  It’s important to keep in mind shoppers are looking to build connections with your dealership.  When you remain focused on creating meaningful consumer interactions, you’ll see your dealership propelled toward success in the marketplace.

We’re millennials, and we have the world at our fingertips, quite literally. We’re not great at waiting for anything, and if we don’t have to, we won’t. We like to keep our options open, and we’re not afraid to explore new brands, updated styles, and fresh trends; and we’ll always find what works best for us.  We love to be involved, and we love to be connected.  And just as important is the fact that we really, really appreciate businesses that make us feel like we’re part of the process, like we’ve done our research (because we have!), and like we’re getting the best deal in a marketplace that’s full of pitches and over-the-top offers.

Car shopping is an experience for us, so when we’re ready to buy, we’re on the lookout for a dealership that’s not only got our best interests at heart, but is also able to meet a whole list of criteria we consider pretty important.  Millennials make up 27% of new car sales, so we’re definitely in the market, and our demand for vehicles is growing.

There are several opportunities for dealerships when it comes to selling to millennials, and by pinpointing exactly what drives this target market, sales professionals will be better able to provide solutions that meet shopper needs while boosting sales in the process.

So, What Exactly Are Millennials Looking For?

Millennials are interested in experiences, rather than simply buying things.  That’s not to say millennials aren’t buying; they are.  However, businesses that invest more of their time and make an effort to get to know millennials are more likely to be able to provide a better overall brand experience.  When you guide your dealership toward maximizing the consumer experience for a specific demographic—in this instance, millennials—you’ll be better able to create lasting relationships and drive sales.  To capture the attention of your millennial market, focus on these tips:

Respond quickly. Millennials are a fast-moving demographic, and waiting simply isn’t a favorite activity.  The more quickly you are able to respond to calls, emails, or posts on social media, the more likely it is you’ll gain our attention.  We love to do online research, and we’re likely to reach out to several businesses before purchasing, so those who respond in a timely manner with reliable information are, more often than not, the ones who will gain our business.

Give your best offer. Millennials are researchers and comparison shoppers by nature.  We like to know we’re getting the best deal available, so if you’re able to top a competitor’s offer or throw in perks, you’re on the way to winning us over.  Be sure we know about dealership specials and offers that make you stand out above the crowd, and be sure to keep your online information updated with what’s going on—because that’s likely where we’ll check.

Be available and accessible. We’re technologically adept, and we love our mobile devices—which means we’ll look for your dealership online and on social platforms.  If we can’t find you online, on Facebook, Twitter, or otherwise, you’re running the risk we’ll discover your competitors instead.  When you empower us to answer our own questions by providing an easily accessible website and great online content, you’re creating a valuable connection with us.  And by posting and interacting on social media, you’re be sharing your brand personality, which allows us to feel more connected and secure when purchasing from you.

Show character. We gravitate toward businesses that are unique and original, so when your dealership finds a creative way to stand out and get our attention, it will pay off.  Businesses that are authentic, as well as adept at getting to the point in inventive ways will both earn our trust and spark our interest.  Show your dealership’s true colors and let us get to know your brand personality.  We’ll feel more connected, and we’ll be more willing to form a relationship and purchase from you.

Get to know us. It’s the same for every generation: the little things end up being the BIG things.  When you let us know you recognize us and you’re interested in what we’re really looking for, it goes a long way toward earning our trust.  Do your best to remember names, learn about our past purchases, and show an interest in why we’re looking to purchase whatever vehicle we’re currently looking at.  When we stand out in your eyes, we’ll feel like you’re truly invested in helping us though our buyer journey.

In the end, appealing to millennials isn’t too tough. We may seem like a complex generation, but when you get to know us, you’ll see we appreciate a lot of the same things every consumer wants.  We’re on the lookout for authenticity and uniqueness, and we love businesses that empower us to utilize our online skills to enhance our consumer experience.  When dealerships partner with us and facilitate the purchasing or lease process, they’ll gain our trust and loyalty!

Sincerely,

​The Millennials

We’re millennials, and we have the world at our fingertips, quite literally. We’re not great at waiting for anything, and if we don’t have to, we won’t. We like to keep our options open, and we’re not afraid to explore new brands, updated styles, and fresh trends; and we’ll always find what works best for us.  We love to be involved, and we love to be connected.  And just as important is the fact that we really, really appreciate businesses that make us feel like we’re part of the process, like we’ve done our research (because we have!), and like we’re getting the best deal in a marketplace that’s full of pitches and over-the-top offers.

Car shopping is an experience for us, so when we’re ready to buy, we’re on the lookout for a dealership that’s not only got our best interests at heart, but is also able to meet a whole list of criteria we consider pretty important.  Millennials make up 27% of new car sales, so we’re definitely in the market, and our demand for vehicles is growing.

There are several opportunities for dealerships when it comes to selling to millennials, and by pinpointing exactly what drives this target market, sales professionals will be better able to provide solutions that meet shopper needs while boosting sales in the process.

So, What Exactly Are Millennials Looking For?

Millennials are interested in experiences, rather than simply buying things.  That’s not to say millennials aren’t buying; they are.  However, businesses that invest more of their time and make an effort to get to know millennials are more likely to be able to provide a better overall brand experience.  When you guide your dealership toward maximizing the consumer experience for a specific demographic—in this instance, millennials—you’ll be better able to create lasting relationships and drive sales.  To capture the attention of your millennial market, focus on these tips:

Respond quickly. Millennials are a fast-moving demographic, and waiting simply isn’t a favorite activity.  The more quickly you are able to respond to calls, emails, or posts on social media, the more likely it is you’ll gain our attention.  We love to do online research, and we’re likely to reach out to several businesses before purchasing, so those who respond in a timely manner with reliable information are, more often than not, the ones who will gain our business.

Give your best offer. Millennials are researchers and comparison shoppers by nature.  We like to know we’re getting the best deal available, so if you’re able to top a competitor’s offer or throw in perks, you’re on the way to winning us over.  Be sure we know about dealership specials and offers that make you stand out above the crowd, and be sure to keep your online information updated with what’s going on—because that’s likely where we’ll check.

Be available and accessible. We’re technologically adept, and we love our mobile devices—which means we’ll look for your dealership online and on social platforms.  If we can’t find you online, on Facebook, Twitter, or otherwise, you’re running the risk we’ll discover your competitors instead.  When you empower us to answer our own questions by providing an easily accessible website and great online content, you’re creating a valuable connection with us.  And by posting and interacting on social media, you’re be sharing your brand personality, which allows us to feel more connected and secure when purchasing from you.

Show character. We gravitate toward businesses that are unique and original, so when your dealership finds a creative way to stand out and get our attention, it will pay off.  Businesses that are authentic, as well as adept at getting to the point in inventive ways will both earn our trust and spark our interest.  Show your dealership’s true colors and let us get to know your brand personality.  We’ll feel more connected, and we’ll be more willing to form a relationship and purchase from you.

Get to know us. It’s the same for every generation: the little things end up being the BIG things.  When you let us know you recognize us and you’re interested in what we’re really looking for, it goes a long way toward earning our trust.  Do your best to remember names, learn about our past purchases, and show an interest in why we’re looking to purchase whatever vehicle we’re currently looking at.  When we stand out in your eyes, we’ll feel like you’re truly invested in helping us though our buyer journey.

In the end, appealing to millennials isn’t too tough. We may seem like a complex generation, but when you get to know us, you’ll see we appreciate a lot of the same things every consumer wants.  We’re on the lookout for authenticity and uniqueness, and we love businesses that empower us to utilize our online skills to enhance our consumer experience.  When dealerships partner with us and facilitate the purchasing or lease process, they’ll gain our trust and loyalty!

Sincerely,

​The Millennials

What’s the Difference for Your Dealership? ​

Ever wonder about the difference between your CEM and CRM?  What are the specifics of each, and how do they benefit your dealership—both individually and when strategically positioned to work together?  At first glance, it’s easy to think they’re synonymous, and while they have overlapping features, there are definitive differences that make each ideally suited for individual aspects of your dealership’s business.  Respectively, they are powerful tools, however, when your dealership uses them together to their full potential, they can be the catalyst that drives you toward a healthier bottom line and a broader and more loyal customer base.

According to Gartner, Customer Experience Management (CEM) is “the practice of designing and reacting to customer interactions to meet or exceed customer expectations and, thus, increase customer satisfaction, loyalty, and advocacy.”  Successful Customer Experience Management is a strategy that requires both process change and powerful technology.  In short, CEM is about getting to know your customers and collecting data and information from various touchpoints and, in turn, analyzing that data to get greater levels of engagement.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is a database of customer information that allows a company to easily access and view interactions such as conversations, emails, requests, products purchased, and specific customer solutions.  Used as a tool to manage and analyze consumer actions and interactions, the goal of a CRM is to improve business, drive incremental sales, and retain customers by continuously tracking and compiling pertinent shopper information.

Who Benefits From CEM and CRM?

It can be argued that Customer Experience Management (CEM) is a relationship-building tool that functions highly effectively on the marketing side of your business, while the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool functions effectively for your sales professionals.  While the CEM seeks to build well-rounded customer relationships and provide personalized experiences throughout every buyer journey, the CRM remains focused on collecting and organizing useful data and serving it up to your sales professionals in a way that will help them successfully leverage consumer insights and gain valuable sales leads.  With both a strong CEM tool, as well as a CRM that’s capable of housing and organizing up-to-the minute shopper data, your dealership can be a sales and marketing powerhouse, leading the marketplace in consumer insights and shopper intelligence.

Just like you want everyone in your dealership to work together as a team, that’s what you want from your CEM and your CRM as well.  When you are able to provide the best in Customer Experience Management, coupled with a CRM that gives you the most insightful views of your consumers, you’ll win in the marketplace every time.

What CEM Technology Can Do

With the right CEM technology, your dealership can leverage the reach of your entire organization and engage consumers like never before.  By using the power of social media to create and build authentic relationships with your audience, you’ll be able to broaden your reach and effectively impact your dealership’s bottom line.  While traditional selling techniques may be less effective—with the average cold call appointment rate sitting at approximately 2.5%—digitally-driven sales are skyrocketing.  In fact, a recent study shows 72.6% of salespeople who used social selling outperformed their peers.

Additionally, powerful and well-rounded CEM technology will enable you to engage your audience throughout the buyer journey, stay up-to-date with customer feedback and reviews, as well as tune in to potential shoppers entering the market.  When you interact with your audience by providing quality content, interaction, and feedback of your own, you’ll create lasting relationships that position your dealership as a marketplace leader, and in turn, a top choice when it’s time to lease, purchase, or find a quality repair and maintenance destination.

By getting your employees in on the action and encouraging their engagement, you’ll not only see an improvement in workplace morale and participation, but you’ll enjoy their extended online reach as well.  Your employees are an extension of your brand, and when you empower them—and even incentivize them—to engage and interact with consumers on your behalf, you’ll create even more visibility for your dealership.

What CRM Technology Can Do

By utilizing a great CRM tool, you’ll be giving your sales team the power they need to fire up their numbers and reach the right customers at right time—with valuable information that gives them an edge in the marketplace.  Your CRM is full of useful information, and when your professionals are armed with knowledge that includes things like past sales, current online shopper searches, in-market customers, price ranges searched, and even shopper equity status, they’ll be able to conquest even more customers.  When you implement powerful tracking and tagging tools, you’ll have up-to-date consumer insights, allowing you to manage leads and opportunities and drive impressive sales numbers.

CRM and CEM Working Together

When your dealership allows the information in your CRM to fuel its driven sales professionals to dig deeper and utilize the valuable information that’s available, you’ll realize you’re able to provide a more individualized level of customer care.  Combined with an excellent CEM tool, you’ll be able to overlay a more personalized experience and build consumer relationships, leading to increased satisfaction, brand loyalty, and increased sales.

While the CRM and the CEM provide different results for your dealership, you can benefit from what each has to offer.  Utilize the sheer volume of data available via the CRM to delve into customer interactions and experiences, thus enabling your sales team to have an inside track when it comes to shopper preferences; and leverage the relationship-building power of a quality CEM tool to help you create meaningful connections.  By utilizing the best of both tools, your dealership will come out on top with leads, sales, and loyal customers.

What’s the Difference for Your Dealership? ​

Ever wonder about the difference between your CEM and CRM?  What are the specifics of each, and how do they benefit your dealership—both individually and when strategically positioned to work together?  At first glance, it’s easy to think they’re synonymous, and while they have overlapping features, there are definitive differences that make each ideally suited for individual aspects of your dealership’s business.  Respectively, they are powerful tools, however, when your dealership uses them together to their full potential, they can be the catalyst that drives you toward a healthier bottom line and a broader and more loyal customer base.

According to Gartner, Customer Experience Management (CEM) is “the practice of designing and reacting to customer interactions to meet or exceed customer expectations and, thus, increase customer satisfaction, loyalty, and advocacy.”  Successful Customer Experience Management is a strategy that requires both process change and powerful technology.  In short, CEM is about getting to know your customers and collecting data and information from various touchpoints and, in turn, analyzing that data to get greater levels of engagement.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is a database of customer information that allows a company to easily access and view interactions such as conversations, emails, requests, products purchased, and specific customer solutions.  Used as a tool to manage and analyze consumer actions and interactions, the goal of a CRM is to improve business, drive incremental sales, and retain customers by continuously tracking and compiling pertinent shopper information.

Who Benefits From CEM and CRM?

It can be argued that Customer Experience Management (CEM) is a relationship-building tool that functions highly effectively on the marketing side of your business, while the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool functions effectively for your sales professionals.  While the CEM seeks to build well-rounded customer relationships and provide personalized experiences throughout every buyer journey, the CRM remains focused on collecting and organizing useful data and serving it up to your sales professionals in a way that will help them successfully leverage consumer insights and gain valuable sales leads.  With both a strong CEM tool, as well as a CRM that’s capable of housing and organizing up-to-the minute shopper data, your dealership can be a sales and marketing powerhouse, leading the marketplace in consumer insights and shopper intelligence.

Just like you want everyone in your dealership to work together as a team, that’s what you want from your CEM and your CRM as well.  When you are able to provide the best in Customer Experience Management, coupled with a CRM that gives you the most insightful views of your consumers, you’ll win in the marketplace every time.

What CEM Technology Can Do

With the right CEM technology, your dealership can leverage the reach of your entire organization and engage consumers like never before.  By using the power of social media to create and build authentic relationships with your audience, you’ll be able to broaden your reach and effectively impact your dealership’s bottom line.  While traditional selling techniques may be less effective—with the average cold call appointment rate sitting at approximately 2.5%—digitally-driven sales are skyrocketing.  In fact, a recent study shows 72.6% of salespeople who used social selling outperformed their peers.

Additionally, powerful and well-rounded CEM technology will enable you to engage your audience throughout the buyer journey, stay up-to-date with customer feedback and reviews, as well as tune in to potential shoppers entering the market.  When you interact with your audience by providing quality content, interaction, and feedback of your own, you’ll create lasting relationships that position your dealership as a marketplace leader, and in turn, a top choice when it’s time to lease, purchase, or find a quality repair and maintenance destination.

By getting your employees in on the action and encouraging their engagement, you’ll not only see an improvement in workplace morale and participation, but you’ll enjoy their extended online reach as well.  Your employees are an extension of your brand, and when you empower them—and even incentivize them—to engage and interact with consumers on your behalf, you’ll create even more visibility for your dealership.

What CRM Technology Can Do

By utilizing a great CRM tool, you’ll be giving your sales team the power they need to fire up their numbers and reach the right customers at right time—with valuable information that gives them an edge in the marketplace.  Your CRM is full of useful information, and when your professionals are armed with knowledge that includes things like past sales, current online shopper searches, in-market customers, price ranges searched, and even shopper equity status, they’ll be able to conquest even more customers.  When you implement powerful tracking and tagging tools, you’ll have up-to-date consumer insights, allowing you to manage leads and opportunities and drive impressive sales numbers.

CRM and CEM Working Together

When your dealership allows the information in your CRM to fuel its driven sales professionals to dig deeper and utilize the valuable information that’s available, you’ll realize you’re able to provide a more individualized level of customer care.  Combined with an excellent CEM tool, you’ll be able to overlay a more personalized experience and build consumer relationships, leading to increased satisfaction, brand loyalty, and increased sales.

While the CRM and the CEM provide different results for your dealership, you can benefit from what each has to offer.  Utilize the sheer volume of data available via the CRM to delve into customer interactions and experiences, thus enabling your sales team to have an inside track when it comes to shopper preferences; and leverage the relationship-building power of a quality CEM tool to help you create meaningful connections.  By utilizing the best of both tools, your dealership will come out on top with leads, sales, and loyal customers.

December is here, which means the holidays are right around the corner. When we think of ​Christmas, several things come to mind, one of them being good ol’ Saint Nicholas—or Santa for short. 

The holidays are the perfect time to appeal to consumers and find innovative ways to bring in-market shoppers into your dealership. A simple way to attract more business is to employ some fun and festive ideas throughout the season to show shoppers you appreciate them and are working hard to earn their business.  There are several ways your dealership can spread the joy of the season—much like the jolly old elf himself—without packing on holiday pounds or wrangling a herd of reindeer.  Check out our best tips below:

1. Be jolly. The holidays are a bustling and happy time, and shoppers are likely more upbeat. Be sure to encourage your dealership’s employees to get in the holiday spirit and spread the joy.
2. Play Christmas tunes. A survey done by LifeWay Research shows 70% of Americans find Christmas music enjoyable, and other research backs this up, confirming shoppers prefer listening to holiday tunes while shopping.
3. Provide snacks. Santa generally enjoys a nice glass of milk and some cookies at each stop, and although that may not be the snack you want to provide, offering food of some sort is always a good incentive.
4. Give gifts. Probably the strongest pointer you can take from Santa is that of gift giving. If your dealership offers giveaways or small gifts to those who visit, you’re providing consumers with a major reason to come see you instead of your competitors.
5. Deck the halls. Make sure your dealership reflects the holiday season by decorating your showroom floor and even your lot. This creates a sense of holiday spirit and makes your dealership more noticeable to those passing by, which can catch the eye of new customers in the market for vehicles.
6. Provide an experience. Santa offers a fun, upbeat Christmas experience for children during the holiday season. By creating an overall holiday experience in your dealership, you’ll create a festive environment for your consumers and their families, offering them more incentive to stay and shop.
7. Hire Santa. Parents and families are always looking for great places to visit Santa. When he’s at your dealership ready to receive kids’ holiday wishlists, it could be the reason your dealership is chosen for a visit—as well as a shopping trip for the parents.
8. Offer sales. Santa is sure to get some of his toy-making supplies and gifts during some of the best sales of the year, and if you want more customers to end up buying their holiday gifts off your lot, you’ll need to provide awesome deals, too.
9. Get involved. Santa is someone you always see out in the community during Christmastime. A great way to get noticed and to show consumers you care about your community is by getting involved, helping out local charities and families, or even holding an event that people can participate in to give back to the community.
10. Make a list and check it twice. The holidays are busy, and the best way to make sure things continue smoothly is to stay organized and plan ahead. Schedule posts, use a marketing calendar, communicate with employees, and utilize the organizational systems that work best for your dealership.

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year and being more like Santa can drastically benefit your dealership this season. If you give back a little, create a festive atmosphere, offer some great sales, and overall, provide a happy holiday to your shoppers, your dealership will be looking forward to a great New Year.

December is here, which means the holidays are right around the corner. When we think of ​Christmas, several things come to mind, one of them being good ol’ Saint Nicholas—or Santa for short. 

The holidays are the perfect time to appeal to consumers and find innovative ways to bring in-market shoppers into your dealership. A simple way to attract more business is to employ some fun and festive ideas throughout the season to show shoppers you appreciate them and are working hard to earn their business.  There are several ways your dealership can spread the joy of the season—much like the jolly old elf himself—without packing on holiday pounds or wrangling a herd of reindeer.  Check out our best tips below:

1. Be jolly. The holidays are a bustling and happy time, and shoppers are likely more upbeat. Be sure to encourage your dealership’s employees to get in the holiday spirit and spread the joy.
2. Play Christmas tunes. A survey done by LifeWay Research shows 70% of Americans find Christmas music enjoyable, and other research backs this up, confirming shoppers prefer listening to holiday tunes while shopping.
3. Provide snacks. Santa generally enjoys a nice glass of milk and some cookies at each stop, and although that may not be the snack you want to provide, offering food of some sort is always a good incentive.
4. Give gifts. Probably the strongest pointer you can take from Santa is that of gift giving. If your dealership offers giveaways or small gifts to those who visit, you’re providing consumers with a major reason to come see you instead of your competitors.
5. Deck the halls. Make sure your dealership reflects the holiday season by decorating your showroom floor and even your lot. This creates a sense of holiday spirit and makes your dealership more noticeable to those passing by, which can catch the eye of new customers in the market for vehicles.
6. Provide an experience. Santa offers a fun, upbeat Christmas experience for children during the holiday season. By creating an overall holiday experience in your dealership, you’ll create a festive environment for your consumers and their families, offering them more incentive to stay and shop.
7. Hire Santa. Parents and families are always looking for great places to visit Santa. When he’s at your dealership ready to receive kids’ holiday wishlists, it could be the reason your dealership is chosen for a visit—as well as a shopping trip for the parents.
8. Offer sales. Santa is sure to get some of his toy-making supplies and gifts during some of the best sales of the year, and if you want more customers to end up buying their holiday gifts off your lot, you’ll need to provide awesome deals, too.
9. Get involved. Santa is someone you always see out in the community during Christmastime. A great way to get noticed and to show consumers you care about your community is by getting involved, helping out local charities and families, or even holding an event that people can participate in to give back to the community.
10. Make a list and check it twice. The holidays are busy, and the best way to make sure things continue smoothly is to stay organized and plan ahead. Schedule posts, use a marketing calendar, communicate with employees, and utilize the organizational systems that work best for your dealership.

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year and being more like Santa can drastically benefit your dealership this season. If you give back a little, create a festive atmosphere, offer some great sales, and overall, provide a happy holiday to your shoppers, your dealership will be looking forward to a great New Year.

News for the Week of November 30

Snapchat Story Explorer

Snapchat introduced Story Explorer, a unique way for users to share experiences through the eyes of the community.  With Story Explorer’s technology, after viewing a Snap, users can see more of the story simply by swiping.  Snaps of the same moment have been curated by Snapchat into easily-accessible moments, viewable from a variety of perspectives, allowing users to feel like they are in the middle of the scenes they truly enjoy.  Stories are themed based on events, such as sports, holidays, and awards shows, with Live Stories expiring after 24 hours.  Dealerships can benefit from this newest Snapchat feature by introducing stories of their own, especially when it comes to highlighting special events and promotions.  Interact with followers and engage your audience to encourage even more viewing and sharing of your stories.

Native Video Support for Twitter Kit

Twitter recently announced its latest update, native video support, which is now live for iOS and soon to follow for Android.  Users are now able to watch full-screen videos and GIFs without opening a webview or leaving their app.  Even better for users is the fact they won’t have to do any additional work in order to get this feature; apps that are running the latest Twitter Kit for iOS8+ will support this functionality automatically, making updated video viewing instantly accessible.  Continue using Twitter to post engaging videos, and think of new and creative ways to engage your audience.  Successful dealerships are not only getting creative with their posts, but they’re also getting back to basics by reminding customers of important things like dealership opening and closing times.

Vine Discovery Tool

Vine recently added a new discovery tool for iOS, offering users a brand-new way to find and watch Vines.  When watching a Vine, users can now simply swipe left to see more, offering an easy way to access new material.  Additionally, Vine is being introduced to the Apple Watch in an app that offers two feeds: Favorites and Featured.  With the Apple Watch, just like with other apps, users are able to like and Revine.  As social video sharing becomes more widespread, it’s important for dealerships to get involved by continuing to explore new and exciting ways to interact with consumers via this format.  The quick and appealing visual nature of video make it a natural way for your customers to share and interact, both with each other and with your brand.

Facebook Work Chat Messenger

Facebook at Work recently introduced its Work Chat app for Android, an app for users on Facebook at Work.  Allowing users to chat either one-on-one, in groups, send photos and videos, and call colleagues across the globe at no extra charge, this app is available for Android users via Google Play.  Functionality for iOS is upcoming and will likely be available soon.  Work Chat is only available for select companies currently, and users must have a work account in order to access the app.  Dealerships, continue to stay tuned to the latest and greatest from Facebook, as it remains the giant in the room when it comes to connecting with and engaging your consumers.  Focus on providing relevant and educational content, and shoppers will continue to seek you out via online platforms as you emerge as a thought leader.

Snapchat Chat Prompt

Snapchat recently added a chat prompt feature, allowing users to send a direct message when viewing a story.  Simply by swiping up while viewing a snap, users can send a private message to the original snap poster.  Once a message is sent, the original poster receives a notification and can jump into the private message thread.  This latest update makes communicating and starting a conversation based on individual snaps much easier.  Although the chat feature has existed for a while, the ability to tie the chat directly to a specific snap clears up any conversation confusion.  Dealerships, if you haven’t experimented with Snapchat as a way to create and share original content that’s appealing to modern consumers, there’s no time better than now!  Try sharing holiday events or promotions with this popular app.

Tip of the Week—Go Back to the Basics

There’s a lot to remember when it comes to marketing your dealership and interacting with consumers via social media, and it can be overwhelming.  There are rules and content and keywords…and the list goes on.  But it doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when you just want to get started and go in the right direction.  The following are good mile markers along your social media journey, and it’s helpful to check them every so often:

• Get to know your customers.  Don’t assume you’re talking to an audience that has all the same marketing and purchasing needs.  When you take the time to get to know your consumer base, you’ll do a better job of providing the communication and content they need to make informed marketplace decisions.

• Get to know your platforms.  There are several social media outlets, and it’s nearly impossible to keep up with all of them.  Choose wisely based upon the amount of time you have to spend and where your target market is spending the majority of their time.

• Communication is important.  It’s a two-way street, and when you interact with consumers via social media, be sure to be there to react, respond, and answer questions that may arise.  You’ll be seen as responsive and trustworthy, and you’ll build your credibility in the process.

• Ask questions.  We are in the habit of disseminating quite a bit of information to our consumers—and that’s a good thing.  But every so often it’s a nice change of pace to shake things up and ask a question.  It will help you get a read on your consumers and see things from their perspective.  Consider a fun consumer poll to cook up some interaction amongst your followers.

• Stay up to date.  Seek out posts that update you on the newest trends in social media so you’re able to connect and share alongside your consumers.  When you’re using the same apps, features, and platforms, you’ll be more relevant and interesting to those who follow you.

• Know your brand.  This may seem simple, but unfortunately there are dealerships and businesses that forge their way on social media without a plan and without a cohesive understanding of their own brand.  When you know your message and exactly how you want to portray it to consumers, you’ll succeed in earning recognition in the marketplace.

Instead of becoming overwhelmed by the thought of spending hours dedicated to boosting your dealership’s social media presence, take matters into your own hands by getting back to the basics first.  Fewer things are more important than truly knowing your own brand and understanding your customers, so begin there.  Use the tools that are at your disposal and present your dealership’s genuine personality in order to gain loyalty and trust among your online followers.  It’s time to get out there and get social!

The image used in this post was provided by freedigitalphotos.net.

News for the Week of November 30

Snapchat Story Explorer

Snapchat introduced Story Explorer, a unique way for users to share experiences through the eyes of the community.  With Story Explorer’s technology, after viewing a Snap, users can see more of the story simply by swiping.  Snaps of the same moment have been curated by Snapchat into easily-accessible moments, viewable from a variety of perspectives, allowing users to feel like they are in the middle of the scenes they truly enjoy.  Stories are themed based on events, such as sports, holidays, and awards shows, with Live Stories expiring after 24 hours.  Dealerships can benefit from this newest Snapchat feature by introducing stories of their own, especially when it comes to highlighting special events and promotions.  Interact with followers and engage your audience to encourage even more viewing and sharing of your stories.

Native Video Support for Twitter Kit

Twitter recently announced its latest update, native video support, which is now live for iOS and soon to follow for Android.  Users are now able to watch full-screen videos and GIFs without opening a webview or leaving their app.  Even better for users is the fact they won’t have to do any additional work in order to get this feature; apps that are running the latest Twitter Kit for iOS8+ will support this functionality automatically, making updated video viewing instantly accessible.  Continue using Twitter to post engaging videos, and think of new and creative ways to engage your audience.  Successful dealerships are not only getting creative with their posts, but they’re also getting back to basics by reminding customers of important things like dealership opening and closing times.

Vine Discovery Tool

Vine recently added a new discovery tool for iOS, offering users a brand-new way to find and watch Vines.  When watching a Vine, users can now simply swipe left to see more, offering an easy way to access new material.  Additionally, Vine is being introduced to the Apple Watch in an app that offers two feeds: Favorites and Featured.  With the Apple Watch, just like with other apps, users are able to like and Revine.  As social video sharing becomes more widespread, it’s important for dealerships to get involved by continuing to explore new and exciting ways to interact with consumers via this format.  The quick and appealing visual nature of video make it a natural way for your customers to share and interact, both with each other and with your brand.

Facebook Work Chat Messenger

Facebook at Work recently introduced its Work Chat app for Android, an app for users on Facebook at Work.  Allowing users to chat either one-on-one, in groups, send photos and videos, and call colleagues across the globe at no extra charge, this app is available for Android users via Google Play.  Functionality for iOS is upcoming and will likely be available soon.  Work Chat is only available for select companies currently, and users must have a work account in order to access the app.  Dealerships, continue to stay tuned to the latest and greatest from Facebook, as it remains the giant in the room when it comes to connecting with and engaging your consumers.  Focus on providing relevant and educational content, and shoppers will continue to seek you out via online platforms as you emerge as a thought leader.

Snapchat Chat Prompt

Snapchat recently added a chat prompt feature, allowing users to send a direct message when viewing a story.  Simply by swiping up while viewing a snap, users can send a private message to the original snap poster.  Once a message is sent, the original poster receives a notification and can jump into the private message thread.  This latest update makes communicating and starting a conversation based on individual snaps much easier.  Although the chat feature has existed for a while, the ability to tie the chat directly to a specific snap clears up any conversation confusion.  Dealerships, if you haven’t experimented with Snapchat as a way to create and share original content that’s appealing to modern consumers, there’s no time better than now!  Try sharing holiday events or promotions with this popular app.

Tip of the Week—Go Back to the Basics

There’s a lot to remember when it comes to marketing your dealership and interacting with consumers via social media, and it can be overwhelming.  There are rules and content and keywords…and the list goes on.  But it doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when you just want to get started and go in the right direction.  The following are good mile markers along your social media journey, and it’s helpful to check them every so often:

• Get to know your customers.  Don’t assume you’re talking to an audience that has all the same marketing and purchasing needs.  When you take the time to get to know your consumer base, you’ll do a better job of providing the communication and content they need to make informed marketplace decisions.

• Get to know your platforms.  There are several social media outlets, and it’s nearly impossible to keep up with all of them.  Choose wisely based upon the amount of time you have to spend and where your target market is spending the majority of their time.

• Communication is important.  It’s a two-way street, and when you interact with consumers via social media, be sure to be there to react, respond, and answer questions that may arise.  You’ll be seen as responsive and trustworthy, and you’ll build your credibility in the process.

• Ask questions.  We are in the habit of disseminating quite a bit of information to our consumers—and that’s a good thing.  But every so often it’s a nice change of pace to shake things up and ask a question.  It will help you get a read on your consumers and see things from their perspective.  Consider a fun consumer poll to cook up some interaction amongst your followers.

• Stay up to date.  Seek out posts that update you on the newest trends in social media so you’re able to connect and share alongside your consumers.  When you’re using the same apps, features, and platforms, you’ll be more relevant and interesting to those who follow you.

• Know your brand.  This may seem simple, but unfortunately there are dealerships and businesses that forge their way on social media without a plan and without a cohesive understanding of their own brand.  When you know your message and exactly how you want to portray it to consumers, you’ll succeed in earning recognition in the marketplace.

Instead of becoming overwhelmed by the thought of spending hours dedicated to boosting your dealership’s social media presence, take matters into your own hands by getting back to the basics first.  Fewer things are more important than truly knowing your own brand and understanding your customers, so begin there.  Use the tools that are at your disposal and present your dealership’s genuine personality in order to gain loyalty and trust among your online followers.  It’s time to get out there and get social!

The image used in this post was provided by freedigitalphotos.net.