Although the iPhone app was intended to let users stay connected with their Facebook friends while on the go, auto dealers can also take advantage of this technology to make their automotive mobile marketing campaigns more interactive and more in-tune with the social media. With the release of Facebook for iPhone’s newest version (version 3.4), one added feature is particularly useful for business owners: the ability to check-in at actual events.

Checking-In to Events

Along with bug fixes and other new features, Facebook for iPhone now allows users to check-in to events, rather than just locations as was previously the case. To check-in, users must first accept the invitation by saying “Yes” to the RSVP then they must also be present at the same time and venue that is indicated in the event invitation. Once they are checked-in, users can see the other guests who are also at the event. For example, now a user can check in at XYZ Dealership’s “Car Show For Charity” event; and by doing so spread the word to all their friends that not only are they at XYZ Dealership, but also that there is an event going on, and the user is there.

Organize Automotive Marketing Events
Event check-in can bring auto advertising to a whole new level by utilizing connectability and social interaction to connect to your potential customers and promote your dealership. You can easily organize an event- sales, car-related, or philanthropy- send out invitations on Facebook and dcreate a buzz leading up to it as people accept invitations as well as the day of the event as those same people check in to the event.

Also, with  Facebook for iPhone, you can plan activities throughout the event and post them to engage your guests, encourage audience participation and create a call to action to a checked in users network. You can also keep tabs on how the event is being perceived by seeing what people are saying on Facebook, running opinion polls or surveys and obtaining real time responses, and interacting directly with attendees

Although the iPhone app was intended to let users stay connected with their Facebook friends while on the go, auto dealers can also take advantage of this technology to make their automotive mobile marketing campaigns more interactive and more in-tune with the social media. With the release of Facebook for iPhone’s newest version (version 3.4), one added feature is particularly useful for business owners: the ability to check-in at actual events.

Checking-In to Events

Along with bug fixes and other new features, Facebook for iPhone now allows users to check-in to events, rather than just locations as was previously the case. To check-in, users must first accept the invitation by saying “Yes” to the RSVP then they must also be present at the same time and venue that is indicated in the event invitation. Once they are checked-in, users can see the other guests who are also at the event. For example, now a user can check in at XYZ Dealership’s “Car Show For Charity” event; and by doing so spread the word to all their friends that not only are they at XYZ Dealership, but also that there is an event going on, and the user is there.

Organize Automotive Marketing Events
Event check-in can bring auto advertising to a whole new level by utilizing connectability and social interaction to connect to your potential customers and promote your dealership. You can easily organize an event- sales, car-related, or philanthropy- send out invitations on Facebook and dcreate a buzz leading up to it as people accept invitations as well as the day of the event as those same people check in to the event.

Also, with  Facebook for iPhone, you can plan activities throughout the event and post them to engage your guests, encourage audience participation and create a call to action to a checked in users network. You can also keep tabs on how the event is being perceived by seeing what people are saying on Facebook, running opinion polls or surveys and obtaining real time responses, and interacting directly with attendees

Among the many methods of digital automotive advertising, mobile phones are emerging as one of the most effective devices to promote your dealership. But not all mobile phones are created equal.

While SMS marketing capitalizes on text messages to propel its campaigns, another platform for mobile marketing is gaining popularity. I’m talking about smartphones. IDC’s 49.2% market growth prediction for 2011 shows that smartphones such as the iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, etc, are definitely on the rise in today’s era of portable internet and mobile web browsing.

But with the advent of mobile web, does it mean that SMS marketing will soon become an obsolete method of advertising? It’s not likely so. Millions of people still send text messages everyday, and SMS messaging remains a low-cost, easy and fast way to directly reach out to a number of people through mobile. And because SMS is a standard feature in practically all mobile phones today (including smart phones), SMS marketing conveniently extends to both smartphones and “dumbphones” users.

Luckily for the automotive industry, both SMS marketing and mobile web can work together to drive an efficient marketing campaign for your auto dealership. SMS marketing provides a faster, more personalized way to send information to a targeted group of potential customers. Mobile web, on the other hand, offers richer multimedia experience and a new level of interactivity through the integration of customized smartphone apps in your mobile ads.

But while mobile web marketing is still dealing with a few hurdles, such as OS segmentation making it difficult for mobile apps to display correctly across different devices, SMS marketing enjoys a seamless operation. Through text message marketing, your dealership can target a broader scope of the market beyond just the smartphone users.

Among the many methods of digital automotive advertising, mobile phones are emerging as one of the most effective devices to promote your dealership. But not all mobile phones are created equal.

While SMS marketing capitalizes on text messages to propel its campaigns, another platform for mobile marketing is gaining popularity. I’m talking about smartphones. IDC’s 49.2% market growth prediction for 2011 shows that smartphones such as the iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, etc, are definitely on the rise in today’s era of portable internet and mobile web browsing.

But with the advent of mobile web, does it mean that SMS marketing will soon become an obsolete method of advertising? It’s not likely so. Millions of people still send text messages everyday, and SMS messaging remains a low-cost, easy and fast way to directly reach out to a number of people through mobile. And because SMS is a standard feature in practically all mobile phones today (including smart phones), SMS marketing conveniently extends to both smartphones and “dumbphones” users.

Luckily for the automotive industry, both SMS marketing and mobile web can work together to drive an efficient marketing campaign for your auto dealership. SMS marketing provides a faster, more personalized way to send information to a targeted group of potential customers. Mobile web, on the other hand, offers richer multimedia experience and a new level of interactivity through the integration of customized smartphone apps in your mobile ads.

But while mobile web marketing is still dealing with a few hurdles, such as OS segmentation making it difficult for mobile apps to display correctly across different devices, SMS marketing enjoys a seamless operation. Through text message marketing, your dealership can target a broader scope of the market beyond just the smartphone users.

Print classified ads are one of the main tools auto dealers use to advertise their vehicles and service but as more and more people are turning to the internet for information, online classifieds are significantly and steadily outperforming newspapers and periodicals in providing ad spaces and lead generation.

Craigslist alone, as an established leader among local online classifieds, boasts over 20 billion page views each month, besting online retail giant Amazon and multimedia empire Disney. The 50 million new ads created on the site each month clearly indicates how successful online classifieds have become, showing why you, as an auto dealer, should consider this tool in your automotive advertising campaign.

Online classifieds, unlike traditional print classifieds, offer more flexibility and more space. Instead of just a few lines of abbreviated text you can utilize the full page, making it possible to provide complete information about the product being sold. However, be sure to break the text in concise, readable paragraphs and include the basic as well as the technical specs when describing a vehicle.

Pictures are a must; the ability to post images is definitely a big improvement over traditional automotive classified advertising. One tip in posting images is to include as many pictures as possible, showing the exterior and interior parts of the car at different angles. Pictures can often be a deciding factor for a prospective car buyers thinking about driving to your dealership to check out the vehicle.

As most online classifieds are localized, you can achieve maximum exposure to your target location. If the site allows it, you can post your ads to as many relevant locations as possible. But make sure when your posting your not “spamming;” most internet classified sites impose penalties on accounts that are spamming the system.

Establishing a concrete business image can also win the trust and confidence of potential buyers. This can be achieved by simply offering detailed business information such as name, contact info and address. Add your web address to link back to other related information and show that you are a legitimate auto dealer. In fact, you can design your online ads to advertise not just a single vehicle but your dealership as a whole.

Print classified ads are one of the main tools auto dealers use to advertise their vehicles and service but as more and more people are turning to the internet for information, online classifieds are significantly and steadily outperforming newspapers and periodicals in providing ad spaces and lead generation.

Craigslist alone, as an established leader among local online classifieds, boasts over 20 billion page views each month, besting online retail giant Amazon and multimedia empire Disney. The 50 million new ads created on the site each month clearly indicates how successful online classifieds have become, showing why you, as an auto dealer, should consider this tool in your automotive advertising campaign.

Online classifieds, unlike traditional print classifieds, offer more flexibility and more space. Instead of just a few lines of abbreviated text you can utilize the full page, making it possible to provide complete information about the product being sold. However, be sure to break the text in concise, readable paragraphs and include the basic as well as the technical specs when describing a vehicle.

Pictures are a must; the ability to post images is definitely a big improvement over traditional automotive classified advertising. One tip in posting images is to include as many pictures as possible, showing the exterior and interior parts of the car at different angles. Pictures can often be a deciding factor for a prospective car buyers thinking about driving to your dealership to check out the vehicle.

As most online classifieds are localized, you can achieve maximum exposure to your target location. If the site allows it, you can post your ads to as many relevant locations as possible. But make sure when your posting your not “spamming;” most internet classified sites impose penalties on accounts that are spamming the system.

Establishing a concrete business image can also win the trust and confidence of potential buyers. This can be achieved by simply offering detailed business information such as name, contact info and address. Add your web address to link back to other related information and show that you are a legitimate auto dealer. In fact, you can design your online ads to advertise not just a single vehicle but your dealership as a whole.

Five years ago Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, sent out the first tweet launching a new form of communication that became a revolution in 140 characters or less. This year, Twitter posted a blog reporting that it only takes about one week for users to send 1 billion tweets and last February an average of 460,000 accounts were opened per day. In the automotive industry, we should all ask ourselves, are we utilizing the fundamentals of Twitter to best engage current and potential buyers on this social network?

Create some personality on your Twitter page. Instead of using the generic templates Twitter provides, invest some time to brand your profile. Make sure to maintain the brand consistency but have some fun with it in order to distinguish yourself from other dealerships. Go beyond just displaying your manufacturer’s logo and make the page reflect the dealership as a whole.

Use Twitter to strengthen your traditional marketing efforts. This does not mean to fill your Twitter feed with constant inventory updates (trust me, people won’t want to follow you if you spam them this way!) but using it to mention new service specials, newsletters, blog posts, vehicle launches etc. Don’t forget to add some fun and humor occasionally to your Twitter Feed as well to keep people engaged. Use content that creates a call to action, for example ask a question that entices people to read your tweet, respond to your tweet and possibly find it interesting enough to re-tweet.

Use Twitter to monitor how people feel about your dealership. Twitter is where more and more customers go to leave a tweet about their negative experiences. Especially with more and more people using Twitter on their mobile and smartphones, if someone is upset it is easy for them to immediately Tweet about their negative experience. By immediately responding to these tweets (as well as to the positive ones) your letting the customer know you are not only listening but that you care about their experience at the dealership. If done correctly chances are you might be able to win the trust back of the disgruntled customer or increase the loyalty of current customer. It’s faster and easier to respond to angry customers via Twitter if you have a daily monitoring process in place.

Five years ago Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, sent out the first tweet launching a new form of communication that became a revolution in 140 characters or less. This year, Twitter posted a blog reporting that it only takes about one week for users to send 1 billion tweets and last February an average of 460,000 accounts were opened per day. In the automotive industry, we should all ask ourselves, are we utilizing the fundamentals of Twitter to best engage current and potential buyers on this social network?

Create some personality on your Twitter page. Instead of using the generic templates Twitter provides, invest some time to brand your profile. Make sure to maintain the brand consistency but have some fun with it in order to distinguish yourself from other dealerships. Go beyond just displaying your manufacturer’s logo and make the page reflect the dealership as a whole.

Use Twitter to strengthen your traditional marketing efforts. This does not mean to fill your Twitter feed with constant inventory updates (trust me, people won’t want to follow you if you spam them this way!) but using it to mention new service specials, newsletters, blog posts, vehicle launches etc. Don’t forget to add some fun and humor occasionally to your Twitter Feed as well to keep people engaged. Use content that creates a call to action, for example ask a question that entices people to read your tweet, respond to your tweet and possibly find it interesting enough to re-tweet.

Use Twitter to monitor how people feel about your dealership. Twitter is where more and more customers go to leave a tweet about their negative experiences. Especially with more and more people using Twitter on their mobile and smartphones, if someone is upset it is easy for them to immediately Tweet about their negative experience. By immediately responding to these tweets (as well as to the positive ones) your letting the customer know you are not only listening but that you care about their experience at the dealership. If done correctly chances are you might be able to win the trust back of the disgruntled customer or increase the loyalty of current customer. It’s faster and easier to respond to angry customers via Twitter if you have a daily monitoring process in place.

Facebook has recently launched a new application that could change the way you interact with current and potential customers. Facebook Questions, which operates similarly to Quora, Aardvark, LinkedIn Answers and other Q&A sites on the internet, can be a valuable tool for dealerships looking to find out more about their target market. With Facebook Questions you are able to ask a question then either set up specific poll answers for people to vote on, keep the question open-ended allowing them to add and vote on their own answers, or even do both adding specific poll options and still leaving the option for them to add to the list.

Utilizing Facebook Questions is as easy as asking your fans a question. But you should exert some effort in crafting your questions. Essentially, they must have a goal and inquire on a specific area in your business that you think would benefit from customers’ input and suggestions.

For example, ask them what their dream car is and what’s stopping them from buying it, if they haven’t bought it already. You can also pit vehicle models against each other, luxury vehicles against economical cars for example, to know which model you might want to feature in your next campaign. Have you had a lot of different promotions lately? Ask people which ones they liked best and learn from their answers.

Be creative in your questions as well as in choices that you provide them. When a Facebook user participates by answering your question, that question is also posted to his or her profile page; a compelling question could spread to many people very quickly this way.

Facebook has recently launched a new application that could change the way you interact with current and potential customers. Facebook Questions, which operates similarly to Quora, Aardvark, LinkedIn Answers and other Q&A sites on the internet, can be a valuable tool for dealerships looking to find out more about their target market. With Facebook Questions you are able to ask a question then either set up specific poll answers for people to vote on, keep the question open-ended allowing them to add and vote on their own answers, or even do both adding specific poll options and still leaving the option for them to add to the list.

Utilizing Facebook Questions is as easy as asking your fans a question. But you should exert some effort in crafting your questions. Essentially, they must have a goal and inquire on a specific area in your business that you think would benefit from customers’ input and suggestions.

For example, ask them what their dream car is and what’s stopping them from buying it, if they haven’t bought it already. You can also pit vehicle models against each other, luxury vehicles against economical cars for example, to know which model you might want to feature in your next campaign. Have you had a lot of different promotions lately? Ask people which ones they liked best and learn from their answers.

Be creative in your questions as well as in choices that you provide them. When a Facebook user participates by answering your question, that question is also posted to his or her profile page; a compelling question could spread to many people very quickly this way.