Laurie Halter's Posts - DealerELITE.net2024-03-28T10:25:23ZLaurie Halterhttps://www.dealerelite.net/profile/LaurieHalterhttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/5144185297?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://www.dealerelite.net/profiles/blog/feed?user=3k18oltyhstmf&xn_auth=noMarcom Technologies Announces Newest Solution, Total Call Results, Powered by InteractiveTeltag:www.dealerelite.net,2020-08-10:5283893:BlogPost:13443592020-08-10T17:49:42.000ZLaurie Halterhttps://www.dealerelite.net/profile/LaurieHalter
<p><strong>Detroit, MI– August 10, 2020</strong> - Marcom Technologies Inc., the only phone training company to listen to, critique and score every incoming sales and service opportunity call in automotive, is excited to announce their newest telephony solution, Total Call Results, powered by InteractiveTel.</p>
<p>By combining Marcom’s award-winning training and process with InteractiveTel’s real time business intelligence, Marcom Total Call Results users will have access to the only solution…</p>
<p><strong>Detroit, MI– August 10, 2020</strong> - Marcom Technologies Inc., the only phone training company to listen to, critique and score every incoming sales and service opportunity call in automotive, is excited to announce their newest telephony solution, Total Call Results, powered by InteractiveTel.</p>
<p>By combining Marcom’s award-winning training and process with InteractiveTel’s real time business intelligence, Marcom Total Call Results users will have access to the only solution that combines leading technology with real-time training to increase client engagement across the board.</p>
<p>“This business partnership with InteractiveTel is one both Jack and I have been excited to announce for quite a while now. InteractiveTel’s platform gives us the data we need to effectively coach on all aspects of the phone, from the receptionist to the parts counter and all departments in between,” said Chuck McGraw, Marcom’s CEO. “With Marcom Total Call Results, we can analyze inbound and outbound calls to drive performance change. That’s why we call it Total Call Results - a hybrid, the best of both worlds!”</p>
<p>Using Total Call Results, dealership management will have access to all recorded inbound and outbound calls across every department. Fully tracked lines will measure the effectiveness of a dealership’s advertising, as well as sales and service opportunities, with each call listened to, analyzed and reported upon for performance. Afterward, coaching notes for employees and on-site dealership coaching will be made available to capitalize on every call coming in or out of the dealership.</p>
<p> “Imagine accurate data in the hands of people who can make a difference and drive true, long-term behavior change of employees. That’s a formula that can’t help but drive ROI for the business,” says Jack Behar, CEO of InteractiveTel. “We have had clients using this solution for over a year now to ensure we got everything right, and let me tell you, it was worth the wait. We are extremely excited with the results and we know our future clients will be as well.”</p>
<p>“For data to be useful you need to act on it. InteractiveTel provides us the information on what is happening during our calls, while Marcom assists us with the process and training support needed to sell more cars and write more service,” said Bryan Koser, director of marketing at Germain Florida BMW, Lexus, Honda. “The Total Call Results solution has had a tremendous impact on our business.”</p>
<p>For more information on Marcom Total Call Results and how it can help your dealership sell more cars and write more service business, please visit <span><a href="https://marcomtechnologies.com/">https://marcomtechnologies.com/</a></span>.</p>
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<p><strong>About InteractiveTel:</strong></p>
<p> InteractiveTel offers custom communication applications that provides dealers an end-to-end telephony solution. Total Track is the only telephony system in the automotive space that provides full accountability of every phone call and text traversing the dealership. Through the use of the system, managers have a bird's eye view of what campaigns are working, how their customers are treated, and how their employee interactions are impacting their bottom line. For more information, please visit <u><a href="http://interactivetel.com/">InteractiveTel.com</a></u>.\</p>
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<p><strong>About Marcom:</strong></p>
<p>Marcom, founded originally in 1986 and then again in 2014, is a 33-year-old company that focuses on changing the behavior of sales and service teams. Marcom's training approach is an adult learning model that focuses each training event on the best way people learn. Calls are scored from baseline each and every day to track performance increases. Daily coaching notes are sent to front line dealership employees and regular in-house training is provided by Marcom’s experienced team from around the country. The “Club” is provided to clients so they may listen to their own calls, as well as access a library of best practices. For more information on Marcom Technologies please visit <u><a href="http://marcomtechnologies.com/">marcomtechnologies.com</a></u></p>
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<p><strong>Media Inquiries:</strong></p>
<p>Laurie Halter</p>
<p>Charisma! <br/> 503-816-2474</p>
<p> </p>1Click Auto Auction App Debuts, Disrupts Auction Model with Flat-Fee Pricing and Ratingstag:www.dealerelite.net,2020-06-01:5283893:BlogPost:11497382020-06-01T19:55:44.000ZLaurie Halterhttps://www.dealerelite.net/profile/LaurieHalter
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<p><em>1 Click Auto Auction’s new business model can save dealer groups tens of thousands of dollars in auction fees by introducing a flat monthly fee for all vehicles listed.</em></p>
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<p>Austin, TX – (June 1, 2020) 1 Click Auto Auction (1 Click ) debuts today with an industry-disrupting application and fee structure designed to change the way dealers buy and sell cars at auctions. Created by car guys tired of paying exorbitant auction fees, 1 Click enables dealers to buy and…</p>
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<p><em>1 Click Auto Auction’s new business model can save dealer groups tens of thousands of dollars in auction fees by introducing a flat monthly fee for all vehicles listed.</em></p>
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<p>Austin, TX – (June 1, 2020) 1 Click Auto Auction (1 Click ) debuts today with an industry-disrupting application and fee structure designed to change the way dealers buy and sell cars at auctions. Created by car guys tired of paying exorbitant auction fees, 1 Click enables dealers to buy and sell their vehicles within the application within minutes.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In addition to a flat fee structure and easy to use app, 1 Click gives dealers more opportunity and flexibility than other auction solutions on the market. The app offers one minute easy to list auctions, exacting filtering tools that enable searches for the exact vehicles the dealership is looking to find, robust valuation tools using pricing guides and vehicle condition, and finally a five star buyer and seller rating system.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“1 Click was built by car guys, for car guys” said Mark Gibson, co-Founder of 1 Click Auto Auctions. “My co-founder Brian and I have been the ones standing in the rain waiting for auction, arguing over the valuation after an incorrect condition report, paying exorbitant fees just to buy or sell vehicles. We knew there had to be a better way, and when we didn’t find one in the market, we made one.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1 Click Auto Auction launches today in Central Texas, with plans to expand into the rest of the state quickly, and nationwide within the next few months. The fee structure and easy-to-use application has been making waves with local dealers eager to cut auction fees that can run into the tens of thousands monthly. 1 Click gives dealers the choice of three flat monthly price plans, depending on users accessing the system, and runs from $599 to $899 monthly, regardless of the amount of cars bought and sold.</p>
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<p>“Many of the dealers we’re talking to tell us they are paying in the range of $300-$600 in fees per car at auction. When they do the math buying or selling even 10 cars through traditional auctions, they understand very quickly how much money can be made and saved using 1 Click. It’s a game changer,” said 1 Click co-Founder Brian Bruce.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1 Click also protects both buyers and sellers with its 5-star rating system. After a transaction, both parties are able to rate their experience on a five-star scale. If a buyer or seller falls under a 2.5 star rating, they are removed from the app. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>1 Click is running a launch promotion for the first 100 dealer sign-ups, offering the system at just a dollar for the first month. A free appraisal tool is included with the length of the term. Interested Texas dealers, can sign up here: <span><a href="https://1clickautoauction.com/quick-sign-up">https://1clickautoauction.com/quick-sign-up</a></span>.</p>
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<p><strong>About 1 Click Auto Auction:</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p>1 Click Auto Auction was founded by Car Guys who wanted a better outcome than to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in auction fees. With over 60 years of combined experience in the automotive world, the team has developed an auction application that will save dealers time and money. The 1 Click App brings auction buyers and sellers together immediately. Buy and sell inventory anytime, anywhere with no auction fees. While at the golf course, home, lunch, or at work, take control of your inventory using the 1 Click Auto Auction Phone App. Interested dealers can visit : <span><a href="https://1clickautoauction.com/quick-sign-up">https://1clickautoauction.com/quick-sign-up</a></span> to sign up.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Media Contact:</strong></p>
<p>Laurie Halter</p>
<p>Laurie@charismacommunications.com</p>
<p>503-816-2474</p>InteractiveTel Hires Car Wars Alum David Malone as VP of Salestag:www.dealerelite.net,2020-05-18:5283893:BlogPost:11145572020-05-18T21:00:00.000ZLaurie Halterhttps://www.dealerelite.net/profile/LaurieHalter
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<p>Houston, TX — (May 18, 2020) InteractiveTel (<span><a href="https://interactivetel.com/">https://interactivetel.com/</a><a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.interactivetel.com%2F&data=02%7C01%7Clvanhulle%40crain.com%7Caa2c750f6b6c4a30686408d7fb4b3c74%7C2c6dce2dd43a4e78905e80e15b0a4b44%7C0%7C0%7C637254172865565677&sdata=2KS3X2l3H8HP2Iohq3F5TOmdRH7G0agTZZUWYpA%2FC3s%3D&reserved=0"></a></span>), the leading company…</p>
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<p>Houston, TX — (May 18, 2020) InteractiveTel (<span><a href="https://interactivetel.com/">https://interactivetel.com/</a><a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.interactivetel.com%2F&data=02%7C01%7Clvanhulle%40crain.com%7Caa2c750f6b6c4a30686408d7fb4b3c74%7C2c6dce2dd43a4e78905e80e15b0a4b44%7C0%7C0%7C637254172865565677&sdata=2KS3X2l3H8HP2Iohq3F5TOmdRH7G0agTZZUWYpA%2FC3s%3D&reserved=0"></a></span>), the leading company that delivers telecommunication solutions to dealerships nationwide, today announced industry veteran David Malone has joined the company as Vice President of Sales. The move comes after InteractiveTel founder, Jack Behar, and Malone met and discovered their mutual admiration of the automotive industry’s family-first and hard work mentality.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In the Vice President of Sales role, Malone will use his passion and dedication for automotive as a springboard to explore and develop new business relationships between InteractiveTel and OEMs, dealer groups, and partner companies. He comes to InteractiveTel with automotive sales expertise honed from a variety of technology positions, his most influential being the years he spent helping DealerSocket and Car Wars beat sales projections and win in the market as Sales Director.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Working at both DealerSocket and Car Wars was such an important time for me. Both leadership teams represent the qualities I want to instill in my sons. I learned so much and had so many amazing teammates at both companies,” said Malone. “I love the people in Automotive. They’re genuine, relatable and work their tails off. I love who they are and what they represent. I feel strongly that InteractiveTel is powerfully positioned at the right time, and with the right technology, to help bring dealerships back to profitability and end the year strong.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Malone comes to the space as a successful entrepreneur in several ventures outside of Automotive, including coaching high school football and having a few of his players make it to the NFL, including Sam Darnold, Kyle Murphy and Sean Harlow. He has owned a clothing store and fitness gym, and can even claim the title of professional arm wrestler. But his love of the automotive industry is what keeps him coming back for more.</p>
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<p>“David is a rare find in that he has the drive, dedication and enthusiasm that propels great leaders,” said Behar. “’We are ecstatic to welcome David to the team. He will be instrumental in rolling out the next evolution of our technology platform for the automotive industry.” </p>
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<p>InteractiveTel offers custom communication applications that provides dealers and CRM partners an end-to-end telephony solution, including: the phone system, call recording, sentiment analysis with real time alerts and full transcription of all calls. The result is a turn-key solution for capturing and analyzing the customer’s journey almost instantly.</p>
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<p>For more information on InteractiveTel, please visit <a href="https://interactivetel.com/">https://interactivetel.com/</a></p>
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<p><strong>About InterActiveTel</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>InteractiveTel is the only telephony system in the automotive space that provides full accountability of every phone call and text coming into the dealership. Through use of the system, managers have a bird’s eye view of what campaigns are working, how their customers are being treated, and how their employee interactions are impacting their bottom line. For more information, please visit <a href="https://interactivetel.com/">https://interactivetel.com/</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Media Contact:</strong></p>
<p>Laurie Halter</p>
<p>Charisma!</p>
<p>503-816-2474</p>
<p><a href="mailto:Laurie@charismacommunications.com">Laurie@charismacommunications.com</a></p>
<p> </p>Binary Automotive Solutions Sends Hand Sanitizer Care Packages as California Dealer Clients Reopentag:www.dealerelite.net,2020-05-11:5283893:BlogPost:10912962020-05-11T17:25:04.000ZLaurie Halterhttps://www.dealerelite.net/profile/LaurieHalter
<p>Bedford, TX — May 11, 2020 — Binary Automotive Solutions, a leading provider of customized programs designed to help dealerships sell more vehicles, continues its aid programs into May by extending their free marketing program through May 31, 2020, for any dealership nationally and by delivering shipments of hand sanitizer to its California area dealership clients who are reopening.</p>
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<p>Following up their free dealership marketing support in April, Binary wanted to extend their…</p>
<p>Bedford, TX — May 11, 2020 — Binary Automotive Solutions, a leading provider of customized programs designed to help dealerships sell more vehicles, continues its aid programs into May by extending their free marketing program through May 31, 2020, for any dealership nationally and by delivering shipments of hand sanitizer to its California area dealership clients who are reopening.</p>
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<p>Following up their free dealership marketing support in April, Binary wanted to extend their aid programs during this unprecedented time by extending their free marketing offer until the end of May. Additionally, hand sanitizer bottles were shipped this week to Binary Auto dealership clients in California set to re-open amid the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>
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<p>Through the marketing support campaign, dealerships can call upon Binary Auto to help with design support for marketing or advertising campaigns at no cost to the dealership. Binary sees the program as a way to give back to the automotive industry during a time when many dealerships are looking for ways to bring expenses in line with customer demand.</p>
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<p> “Dealerships have been here to support us through more than two decades of business and this is our way of returning the favor,” said James E Binkley, Founder of Binary Auto Solutions. “We are proud to help dealerships reopen in this way.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Using Binary’s Lifetime Warranty Program as an additional customer benefit helps dealerships throughout the United States bring value to discerning customers, an important distinction in today’s competitive landscape. Binary provides the dealerships they serve with all the marketing and merchandising needed, items like point-of-sale promotions, window stickers, banners and digital marketing content, to help communicate the benefits of a warranty across the dealership.</p>
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<p>To find out more about Binary Automotive Solutions and how their Lifetime Warranty program can differentiate your dealership from the competition, please visit <span><a href="http://www.binaryauto.com">www.binaryauto.com</a></span>. If you are a dealership interested in complimentary marketing support, please contact Chief Marketing Officer Troy Scheer at <span><a href="mailto:tscheer@binarymktg.com">tscheer@binarymktg.com</a></span>.</p>
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<p><strong>About Binary Automotive Solutions</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p>Binary Automotive Solutions is committed to providing an integrated, customized package of programs to help dealerships sell more vehicles, hold more gross and retain more customers. It doesn’t matter the size of your dealership or the location, we’re confident that our warranty, certification and maintenance programs combined with our industry leading marketing and merchandising programs can boost sales, increase retention and help you maximize profits you didn’t even know were available. At our core, we strive every day to honor the beliefs of our founder, James E. Binkley, by never taking advantage of a client or offering a program to a dealership that takes advantage of a customer. As James is fond of saying, “Money is not more important than doing the right thing.”</p>Binary Automotive Solutions Offers Free Marketing Resources to Support Dealerships during COVID-19tag:www.dealerelite.net,2020-04-16:5283893:BlogPost:10124152020-04-16T17:00:00.000ZLaurie Halterhttps://www.dealerelite.net/profile/LaurieHalter
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Offer extends beyond Binary’s client base and is open to any dealership as a way to provide support and needed resources during COVID-19 pandemic.</em></p>
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<p>Bedford, TX — April 16, 2020 — Binary Automotive Solutions, a leading provider of customized programs designed to help dealerships sell more vehicles, today announced they are offering free marketing campaign development, creation and support to any…</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Offer extends beyond Binary’s client base and is open to any dealership as a way to provide support and needed resources during COVID-19 pandemic.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p>Bedford, TX — April 16, 2020 — Binary Automotive Solutions, a leading provider of customized programs designed to help dealerships sell more vehicles, today announced they are offering free marketing campaign development, creation and support to any dealership, client or not, through the end of April to help during this tumultuous time in automotive.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Under the terms of the new program, any dealership in the United States can call upon Binary Auto to help with design support for marketing or advertising campaigns at no cost to the dealership. The company sees the program as a way to give back to the automotive industry during a time when many dealerships are looking for ways to bring expenses in line with customer demand.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“I’ve been in automotive more than two decades and think of this industry as family,” said James E. Binkley, Binary’s CEO. “Of all the ways we can support dealerships during this time, we concluded free marketing planning, development and support is one way we can really help dealers cut expenses when they need it the most. We heartily encourage any dealership in need to reach out to us to take advantage of this offer.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Those dealerships interested in taking advantage of the free marketing and advertising support program are encouraged to reach out to Troy Scheer, Binary’s Chief Marketing Officer, directly at tscheer@binarymktg.com. This program is valid until April 30, 2020.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>To find out more about Binary Automotive Solutions and how their Lifetime Warranty program can differentiate your dealership from the competition, please visit <a href="http://www.binaryauto.com">www.binaryauto.com</a></p>
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<p> </p>
<p><strong>About Binary Automotive Solutions</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p>Binary Automotive Solutions is committed to providing an integrated, customized package of programs to help dealerships sell more vehicles, hold more gross and retain more customers. It doesn’t matter the size of your dealership or the location, we’re confident that our warranty, certification and maintenance programs combined with our industry leading marketing and merchandising programs can boost sales, increase retention and help you maximize profits you didn’t even know were available. At our core, we strive every day to honor the beliefs of our founder, James E. Binkley, by never taking advantage of a client or offering a program to a dealership that takes advantage of a customer. As James is fond of saying, “Money is not more important than doing the right thing.”</p>Bud Brown Volkswagen Provides Value during Recession with Binary Automotive Solutions Lifetime Warrantiestag:www.dealerelite.net,2020-04-06:5283893:BlogPost:9829722020-04-06T17:26:03.000ZLaurie Halterhttps://www.dealerelite.net/profile/LaurieHalter
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<p>Bedford, TX — April 6, 2020 — Binary Automotive Solutions, a leading provider of customized programs designed to help dealerships sell more vehicles, announces Bud Brown Volkswagen is now offering Binary’s Lifetime Warranty program as an additional benefit to its customers during the economic downturn.</p>
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<p>Using Binary’s Lifetime Warranty Program as an additional customer benefit helps Bud Brown bring value to discerning customers, an important distinction in today’s…</p>
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<p>Bedford, TX — April 6, 2020 — Binary Automotive Solutions, a leading provider of customized programs designed to help dealerships sell more vehicles, announces Bud Brown Volkswagen is now offering Binary’s Lifetime Warranty program as an additional benefit to its customers during the economic downturn.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Using Binary’s Lifetime Warranty Program as an additional customer benefit helps Bud Brown bring value to discerning customers, an important distinction in today’s competitive landscape. Through the partnership, Binary will provide Bud Brown all of the marketing and merchandising needed to promote the benefit to customers across the dealership. Point-of-sale promotions, window stickers and marketing materials help the dealership communicate the benefits of their new offering to customers.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Bud Brown epitomizes the values we train our dealer partners on – focusing on relationships, not sales,” said James E. Binkley, Binary’s CEO. “Customers are looking for more than just a vehicle, they’re looking for any extras the dealership can provide. The stores bringing more to the table, are the winners with today’s buyers.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>With over 70 years of experience serving local residents with their vehicle purchasing needs, Bud Brown helps residents of Olathe, Kansas find the vehicle of their dreams. The dealership strives to provide every customer with a simple, easy and stress-free experience, including their newly introduced warranty benefit through Binary.</p>
<p>To find out more about Binary Automotive Solutions and how their Lifetime Warranty program can differentiate your dealership from the competition, please visit <a href="http://www.binaryauto.com">www.binaryauto.com</a></p>
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<p> </p>
<p><strong>About Binary Automotive Solutions</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p>Binary Automotive Solutions is committed to providing an integrated, customized package of programs to help dealerships sell more vehicles, hold more and retain more customers. It doesn’t matter the size of your dealership or the location, we’re confident that our warranty, certification and maintenance programs combined with our industry leading marketing and merchandising programs can boost sales, increase retention and help you maximize profits you didn’t even know were available. At our core, we strive every day to honor the beliefs of our founder, James E. Binkley, by never taking advantage of a client or offering a program to a dealership that takes advantage of a customer. As James is fond of saying, “Money is not more important than doing the right thing.”</p>
<p> </p>Handling Manufacturer Communications as We Head into NADAtag:www.dealerelite.net,2013-01-30:5283893:BlogPost:3510942013-01-30T20:03:40.000ZLaurie Halterhttps://www.dealerelite.net/profile/LaurieHalter
<p><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Handling Manufacturer Communications</span></b></p>
<p>Mike Charapp, Author, Auto Dealer Law</p>
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<p>With NADA quickly approaching and franchise meetings on the horizon with OEMs, the time is now for dealerships to familiarize themselves with how to respond to factory communications. Some dealers feel that it is not important to respond to communications from a franchisor. “What good will it do?” they reason. This is dangerous thinking. While you…</p>
<p><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Handling Manufacturer Communications</span></b></p>
<p>Mike Charapp, Author, Auto Dealer Law</p>
<p> </p>
<p>With NADA quickly approaching and franchise meetings on the horizon with OEMs, the time is now for dealerships to familiarize themselves with how to respond to factory communications. Some dealers feel that it is not important to respond to communications from a franchisor. “What good will it do?” they reason. This is dangerous thinking. While you should not be overly concerned about normal marketing communications, it is important to respond to factory correspondence that potentially affects your franchise or criticizes your dealership’s performance.</p>
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<p>Here are some recommendations:</p>
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<p><b>Read every communication from your franchisor</b>. Normal marketing and product communications and those that pertain to service or parts operations should be routed to managers in charge of those departments. Those that may affect the franchise or that contain warnings about the dealership’s performance must be handled by the dealer.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Get help.</b> Is the letter that was sent to you one that is being sent to other dealers, or have you been singled out for the action? Your state association may be able to determine whether it is a mass communication or it was sent just to you. An attorney knowledgeable about dealership law will be able to help.</p>
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<p><b>Know your state law rights</b>. The most important protections that a dealer has come from state franchise laws. Understand those protections. If you have questions, ask the experts – your state association executives or an attorney knowledgeable in state dealer law.</p>
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<p><b>Answer all communications that are potentially prejudicial to your dealership or are a threat.</b></p>
<p>Read the correspondence thoroughly. Understand each point being made. Sometimes the manufacturer’s complaint will simply be overblown. Sometimes it will be a complaint about an issue that is not required by your franchise agreement. Sometimes it will be a serious issue, but the information may be outdated by changes you have already put in place. Answer every point. Tell your story.</p>
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<p><b>Request detailed calculations</b>, if the claims are based on measurements that appear to be wrong,</p>
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<p><b>Don’t be afraid to shift the ball back into the franchisor’s court</b>. If the franchisor is complaining about your performance despite difficult market conditions generally or in your area, invite the manufacturer to provide assistance to show how your employees can improve their performance. Franchisors like to criticize; they do not want to actually be responsible to assist in improvements. The fact that the factory ignored your invitation to help can be useful in any legal proceeding.</p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The above tips are excerpted from Chapter 9: Handling Manufacturer Communications in Auto Dealer Law. Auto Dealer Law is available now and can be purchased at NADA booth # 3226 or the guide and subscription service can be purchased at <a href="http://www.autodealerlaw.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.autodealerlaw.com</span></a>. </span></p>What do you think of these spoof spots from ClearMechanic?tag:www.dealerelite.net,2012-06-05:5283893:BlogPost:3017582012-06-05T18:43:28.000ZLaurie Halterhttps://www.dealerelite.net/profile/LaurieHalter
<p>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<h5 align="left">Media Contact: Laurie Halter</h5>
<p>Charisma! Communications</p>
<p>Ph (503) 245-3140</p>
<p><a href="mailto:laurie@charismacommunications.com" title="mailto:laurie@charismacommunications.com">Laurie@charismacommunications.com</a></p>
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<p align="center"><b> </b></p>
<p align="center"><b>ClearMechanic Releases <a href="http://youtu.be/GgE2BfTNScs">Spoof Commercials</a> to Promote Online Scheduling Service for Car…</b></p>
<p>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<h5 align="left">Media Contact: Laurie Halter</h5>
<p>Charisma! Communications</p>
<p>Ph (503) 245-3140</p>
<p><a title="mailto:laurie@charismacommunications.com" href="mailto:laurie@charismacommunications.com">Laurie@charismacommunications.com</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><b> </b></p>
<p align="center"><b>ClearMechanic Releases <a href="http://youtu.be/GgE2BfTNScs">Spoof Commercials</a> to Promote Online Scheduling Service for Car Repairs</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p align="center"><i><a href="http://youtu.be/GgE2BfTNScs">YouTube spots</a> jump on humorous video trends to bring new product to market.</i></p>
<p class="12">San Francisco, CA -- (June 6, 2012) ClearMechanic, provider of technology to improve the auto repair experience, today released the first in a variety of <a href="http://youtu.be/GgE2BfTNScs">spoof infomercials</a> to promote their new service, an online scheduling solution that works like an “OpenTable” for car repairs.</p>
<p class="12">The commercials, produced by a comedy team that has had videos featured on FunnyorDie.com, are meant to highlight how difficult it is to connect with repair centers on the consumer’s own schedule. In each clip, an overly-amped spokesperson introduces the viewers to a variety of situations where a product like ClearMechanic’s scheduling solution would come in handy.</p>
<p class="12">Launching this summer at select repair centers in the San Francisco Bay Area, customers looking for a service center can visit <a href="http://www.clearmechanic.com/">ClearMechanic.com</a>, search for appointment availability at multiple dealerships and repair shops and instantly book an appointment with their provider of choice. Customers will no longer need to make time-consuming phone calls or fill out elaborate online scheduling forms.</p>
<p class="12">“We used the spoof <a href="http://youtu.be/GgE2BfTNScs">YouTube commercials</a> in our marketing campaign because it directly targets those we’re serving – enthusiasts of online services,” said Brad Simmons, CEO of ClearMechanic. “Our aim is to make scheduling car repairs as easy and convenient for consumers as companies like ZocDoc and OpenTable have made making doctor’s appointments and restaurant reservations. The YouTube commercials directly reach this demographic and hopefully poke some fun at the frustration we all feel with the current process.”</p>
<p class="12">Studies show the average age of loyal dealership service customers is now over 50 years old. ClearMechanic’s new solution aims to bridge the gap between service centers and young consumers by making it more convenient to schedule vehicle services online.</p>
<p>ClearMechanic has assembled select, highly rated Bay Area service centers to participate in the pilot program, with a consumer roll-out planned for this summer.</p>
<p>To see the first ClearMechanic YouTube commercial, <a href="http://youtu.be/GgE2BfTNScs">click here</a>.</p>
<p><b>About ClearMechanic, Inc:</b></p>
<p>Founded in 2009, ClearMechanic has proven experience creating award-winning applications for the automotive repair industry. Their existing mobile and web applications have delivered more than 200,000 repair recommendations and bring transparency and ease to repair center customers. ClearMechanic’s goal is to create a win-win for service centers and their customers and bring today’s Internet customers back to the service bay.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.clearmechanic.com">www.clearmechanic.com</a>.</p>
<p> </p>Dealers United Reveals June Deal: Haystak Marketingtag:www.dealerelite.net,2012-06-05:5283893:BlogPost:3018482012-06-05T18:42:45.000ZLaurie Halterhttps://www.dealerelite.net/profile/LaurieHalter
<p>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<a href="http://dealersunited.com/index.cfm"></a> <a href="http://dealersunited.com/index.cfm"><br clear="all"></br></a></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p align="center"><b> </b></p>
<p align="center"><b>Dealers United Helps Dealers with Digital Marketing through June Member Deal</b></p>
<p align="center"><i> </i></p>
<p align="center"><i>Haystak Digital Marketing was chosen from a field of over 45 SEM/PPC providers in the space based on their comprehensive…</i></p>
<p>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<a href="http://dealersunited.com/index.cfm"></a> <a href="http://dealersunited.com/index.cfm"><br clear="all"/></a></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p align="center"><b> </b></p>
<p align="center"><b>Dealers United Helps Dealers with Digital Marketing through June Member Deal</b></p>
<p align="center"><i> </i></p>
<p align="center"><i>Haystak Digital Marketing was chosen from a field of over 45 SEM/PPC providers in the space based on their comprehensive offering and Premier Google status.</i></p>
<p align="center"><i> </i></p>
<p>Sarasota, FL – June 5, 2012 - Dealers United, the first service to truly leverage the buying power of individual dealerships, introduced their June deal to members today: search engine marketing (SEM) and pay per click (PPC) advertising from Haystak Digital Marketing. Based on the negotiated terms, members of Dealers United will save more than 40 percent over the regular pricing.</p>
<p>The Dealers United members-only package offered by Haystak Digital Marketing is one of the most comprehensive in the industry and includes dynamic inventory advertising, retargeting, mobile optimized campaigns and keyword level call tracking, among others. This suite of services means Dealers United members who choose to buy the service will be able to create and send mobile campaigns, use inventory to put the right vehicle in front of a buyer at the time they’re ready to buy, and research what is converting leads down to as granular a level as the keyword that prompted a phone call.</p>
<p>“There were a few good candidates in this area, but Haystak Digital Marketing really impressed us with the innovative ways they’re using digital marketing campaigns to pull in buyers,” said Dealers United co-Founder Jesse Biter. “For instance, we’re finding that dealerships that are not using mobile campaigns are missing out on low-funnel visitors. Haystak is the leader in maximizing the effectiveness of these mobile search campaigns.”</p>
<p>In addition to the varied offerings, Haystak Digital Marketing also holds the distinction of being one of only 15 companies in North America to be named a Google Adwords Premier SMB Partner.</p>
<p>“We’re thrilled to be chosen as the digital marketing provider for Dealers United members,” said Duncan Scarry, CEO of Haystak Digital Marketing. ”Members who purchase this package will see an immediate uptick in visitors, leads and conversions. We’re excited to show the Dealers United members how Haystak’s platform can get them to the next level in digital marketing to today’s buyers.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In many ways, Dealers United acts as the business development arm for private dealerships and dealer groups by researching vendors and negotiating their services at a substantial discount. Members cast their votes for the categories to be presented and receive monthly offerings at highly discounted prices from fully-vetted vendors.</p>
<p>If you are an automotive dealer and would like to become a member of Dealers United, please visit: <a href="http://DealersUnited.com">http://DealersUnited.com</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you are an exceptional automotive industry vendor and interested in being considered for a future members-only deal, please complete the vendor registration process here: <a href="http://dealersunited.com/signup_vendor.cfm">http://dealersunited.com/signup_vendor.cfm</a>. Dealers United thoroughly vets all suppliers and categories well before negotiations with a provider for a given product or service.</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"># # #</p>
<p><b>About Dealers United:</b></p>
<p><b>Dealers United</b> is the first service to truly leverage the buying power of individual dealerships. By acting as a dealer advocate, Dealers United vets vendors, negotiates great deals and levels the playing field against very large dealer groups. Our goal is to ensure that every dealer, regardless of its size, has an equal opportunity to grow and succeed in this industry. As individual dealerships are increasingly challenged to allocate expensive resources to select the right vendors, Dealers United aim is to build strong relationships, negotiate terms and pricing with vendors and stand united. For more information on Dealers United, please visit <a href="http://www.DealersUnited.com">www.DealersUnited.com</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>About Haystak Digital Marketing:</b></p>
<p><b>Haystak Digital Marketing</b> is the leading provider of digital marketing services to the automotive industry. Haystak's products and services are used by hundreds of automobile dealerships in North America and Europe including numerous publicly traded groups and Automotive News Top 125 Dealership Groups. Haystak Digital Marketing is a recognized leader in the digital marketing industry, being named an Adwords Premier SMB Partner by Google and a Microsoft Advertising Authorized Reseller. The company has offices in Fort Myers, Florida, Chicago, Illinois and Denver, Colorado.</p>
<p> </p>
<h5 align="left"> </h5>
<h5 align="left">Media Contacts: </h5>
<h5 align="left"> </h5>
<h5 align="left">Laurie Halter</h5>
<p>Charisma! Communications</p>
<p>Ph (503) 245-3140</p>
<p><a href="mailto:Laurie@charismacommunications.com">Laurie@charismacommunications.com</a></p>
<p> </p>How Mobile Is Your Marketing? By Brent Albrecht, SOCIALDEALERtag:www.dealerelite.net,2012-06-01:5283893:BlogPost:3009612012-06-01T19:04:30.000ZLaurie Halterhttps://www.dealerelite.net/profile/LaurieHalter
<p><b>How Mobile is Your Marketing?</b></p>
<p><i>5 Ways to Help Mobilize Your Dealership</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>Brent Albrecht</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p>All politics is local, as the saying goes, but so is the automotive dealership business. Which today means, if you’re a dealer then it is absolutely essential that you market on mobile platforms, such as smartphones and tablets. Why? Because according to a 2011 study more than 50 percent of all local searches are performed on mobile…</p>
<p><b>How Mobile is Your Marketing?</b></p>
<p><i>5 Ways to Help Mobilize Your Dealership</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p><i>Brent Albrecht</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p>All politics is local, as the saying goes, but so is the automotive dealership business. Which today means, if you’re a dealer then it is absolutely essential that you market on mobile platforms, such as smartphones and tablets. Why? Because according to a 2011 study more than 50 percent of all local searches are performed on mobile devices. What’s more, mobile Internet usage is expected to surpass desktop Internet usage by 2014.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>When adding mobile devices to your marketing mix, here are five tools or techniques to consider:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>#1 Mobile-Friendly Website</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>The first step is to be mobile-friendly by having a separate mobile web site, optimized for display on smartphones and tablets. Your mobile site must load fast, have simple navigation, be free of clutter, and provide content that fits a smaller screen (if possible, no zooming or pinching required). Make sure your site is optimized for both local searches and immediate action, including GPS maps and click-to-call buttons. Minimize your use of Flash or find a substitute for it, as Apple mobile devices are still not using Flash. Your mobile-friendly site should work in both horizontal and vertical formats. Above all, your main site should automatically redirect to the mobile-friendly version of your site when accessed from a mobile device.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>#2 SEO Mobile</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>SEO mobile is like regular SEO, only different. Clear, concise keywords are critical for SEO, of course, but a mobile search experience could also include type of device and current location as key elements in how search engines rank your results. Remember, mobile users typically access the web with a small device, tapping either a hard keypad or a virtual one. And, most likely, they’re multi-tasking, juggling their palm-sized smartphone while riding a bus, watching a movie or pretending to listen to a boring lecture. According to research, 15 characters and 40 seconds define the average mobile search. That’s not a lot of time or space to work with, so the rule of thumb in SEO mobile is “less is best.”</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>#3 Geo-marketing</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>Geo-marketing is your dealership’s online presence, inventory, and special offers in front of a local potential car buyer who is using his or her mobile device to research the market. Such buyers now have a real-time shopping assistant in their smartphone, which includes a GPS chip that can identify both where they are and where your nearest dealership is located. Remember to verify your business address on Google maps (and other listings) to confirm the location.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>#4 Text Messaging</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>Mobile marketing via SMS text messaging is a quick and easy way to send prospects and customers coupons, surveys, and invitations. Every smartphone or tablet is SMS-enabled. You can create your own offers or use a coupon service, such as Groupon. The real beauty is, you can target specific niches with unique offers as well as immediately track response rates. Make responses easy by including a click-to-call number in your text message.</p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>#5 Mobile Tags</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p>There are barcodes and then there are 2D barcodes, also known as mobile tags, which give customers quick and direct access to online information. When prospects use their smartphone camera to capture a mobile tag, they can be sent directly to your website. A mobile tag can also virtually take them to special offers, videos, or coupons, such as for a free oil change or a discount on service. With some mobile tagging tools you can even customize the 2D barcode experience and add your dealership logo or other images to the tag.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Don’t Stand Still</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Take your business mobile. Nine out of ten smartphone searches result in a meaningful action taken—from visiting a business to making a purchase. And ninety percent is the kind of response rate we’d all like to see.</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center">***</p>
<p><i>Brent Albrecht is the Director of Marketing at SOCIALDEALER, <a href="http://www.socialdealer.com">www.socialdealer.com</a>. Follow @ on Twitter @SOCIALDEALER or email b.albrecht@socialdealer.com</i></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>ClearMechanic Launches "OpenTable" for Car Repairstag:www.dealerelite.net,2012-05-15:5283893:BlogPost:2975282012-05-15T17:18:38.000ZLaurie Halterhttps://www.dealerelite.net/profile/LaurieHalter
<p>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<h5 align="left">Media Contact: Laurie Halter</h5>
<p>Charisma! Communications</p>
<p>Ph (503) 245-3140</p>
<p><a href="mailto:laurie@charismacommunications.com" title="mailto:laurie@charismacommunications.com">Laurie@charismacommunications.com</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><b> </b></p>
<p align="center"><b>ClearMechanic Launches “OpenTable for Car Repairs”</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p align="center"><i>New solution helps service centers attract and provide…</i></p>
<p>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<h5 align="left">Media Contact: Laurie Halter</h5>
<p>Charisma! Communications</p>
<p>Ph (503) 245-3140</p>
<p><a title="mailto:laurie@charismacommunications.com" href="mailto:laurie@charismacommunications.com">Laurie@charismacommunications.com</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p align="center"><b> </b></p>
<p align="center"><b>ClearMechanic Launches “OpenTable for Car Repairs”</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p align="center"><i>New solution helps service centers attract and provide service to the elusive “Facebook Generation.”</i></p>
<p class="12">San Francisco, CA -- (May 15, 2012) ClearMechanic, provider of technology to improve the auto repair experience, today announced a solution that allows customers to book instant repair and service appointments online.</p>
<p class="12">Launching this summer at select repair centers in the San Francisco Bay Area, customers looking for a service center can visit ClearMechanic.com, search for appointment availability at multiple dealerships and repair shops and instantly book an appointment with their provider of choice.</p>
<p class="12">“Today, customers need to either wait for an emailed response to schedule an appointment, which can take up to 24 hours, or make a phone call during business hours,” said Brad Simmons, CEO of ClearMechanic. “Even sophisticated online scheduling tools used by dealerships require three to four minutes of data entry to make appointments, which is unheard of in other industries.”</p>
<p class="12">Simmons continued, “By giving customers the ability to schedule instantly online, we can cut that time by more than half. The service department will have fewer interruptions from phone calls, fewer walk-ins and the ability to book customers during nights and weekends. It’s a win-win.”</p>
<p class="12">Traditionally, dealership service centers have struggled with how to capture younger consumers. Studies show the age of average dealership service customers is now 50 years or older. ClearMechanic’s new solution helps these service centers capture the elusive Facebook generation by giving younger car owners the option to make instant online appointments, just as they expect from restaurants, airlines and hotels.</p>
<p>“ClearMechanic is introducing a long overdue solution in the automotive repair industry. It’s exactly like an OpenTable for service repair centers,” said automotive service expert Ronald Rameshnauth of OilReset.com. </p>
<p>The new solution will work on a pay-for-performance model, only charging the service center a flat referral fee when a customer makes a confirmed appointment through the ClearMechanic website. If customers do not book appointments through ClearMechanic, then the service center pays nothing.</p>
<p>ClearMechanic is currently inviting a limited number of Bay Area service centers to participate in the pilot<br/>program, with a consumer roll-out planned for this summer. Interested Bay Area service centers, with high satisfaction scores on leading reputation sites, are welcome to submit their service centers for consideration by visiting <a href="http://www.clearmechanic.com">www.clearmechanic.com</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>About ClearMechanic, Inc:</b></p>
<p>Founded in 2009, ClearMechanic has proven experience creating award-winning applications for the automotive repair industry. Their existing mobile and web applications have supported 200,000 repair recommendations and bring transparency and ease to repair center customers. ClearMechanic’s goal is to create a win-win for service centers and their customers and bring today’s Internet customers back to the service bay.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.clearmechanic.com">www.clearmechanic.com</a>.</p>
<p> </p>Facebook has Changed How Dealer's Brand Pages are Displayedtag:www.dealerelite.net,2012-03-01:5283893:BlogPost:2804622012-03-01T15:59:39.000ZLaurie Halterhttps://www.dealerelite.net/profile/LaurieHalter
<p><b>Facebook has changed how Dealers brand pages are displayed.</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Automotive Dealers checking their Facebook pages today may have noticed that Facebook has launched timeline for brand pages. Dealers have until March 30<sup>th</sup> to update their format to fit into the timeline layout.</p>
<p>Coinciding with this update, there are a few features that will no longer be available.</p>
<p>Landing tabs have been very popular, and used to introduce by dealers to promote their…</p>
<p><b>Facebook has changed how Dealers brand pages are displayed.</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Automotive Dealers checking their Facebook pages today may have noticed that Facebook has launched timeline for brand pages. Dealers have until March 30<sup>th</sup> to update their format to fit into the timeline layout.</p>
<p>Coinciding with this update, there are a few features that will no longer be available.</p>
<p>Landing tabs have been very popular, and used to introduce by dealers to promote their brand, as well as used for giveaways and like-gating. Now the extra tabs that you have added to your Facebook page are not available, but dealers can display their custom apps next to their profile pictures.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The new timeline format for brand pages offers dealers a great opportunity to showcase the history of their brand. However, dealers no longer have the option to set up welcome pages or free offer pages, so all of the visitors to your page will land on your wall.</p>
<p>Another new important aspect of the new Pages is the new admin panel. The panel will appear at the top of any Pages you manage, and it will act as an activity snapshot for notifications, post performance and stats, and messaging. Previously, Dealership Pages did not have the ability to send or receive Facebook messages, but with the new Pages, admins will be able to respond to messages from users.</p>
<p>Admins cannot proactively send messages, which could lead to spamming, but the new capability is a great tool for continuing user-initiated conversations and responding to questions.</p>
<p>Page Admins will also now have the ability to pick “pinned posts,” which will appear at the top of the Page’s Timeline for up to seven days. Admins will also be able to select specific content to highlight in page-wide posts with larger images and videos, not to mention being able to add “Life Events” just as individuals can do. One thing Admins can NOT do, is to include blatant promotional text or calls-to-action in cover photos. So announcing your tent sale and “$2,000 Cash Back” in your cover photo will not be an option.</p>
<p>The new Facebook Brand pages will be in preview mode for the next thirty days, giving dealers time to design their timeline. Then the new designs will be rolled out March 30.</p>
<p>SOCIALDEALER is working closely with their dealers to develop a new strategy for their Facebook brand pages, and how they can best use the new features to attract more prospects. To view an example of a dealer’s branded Facebook page in the new timeline format, go to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/castlechevrolet">http://www.facebook.com/castlechevrolet</a>.</p>Are You Among the Very Best SEO Companies in Automotive?tag:www.dealerelite.net,2012-02-13:5283893:BlogPost:2765662012-02-13T16:53:23.000ZLaurie Halterhttps://www.dealerelite.net/profile/LaurieHalter
<p><b>Are You Among the Very Best SEO Companies in Automotive?</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Dealers United is seeking an SEO vendor to participate in our very first members-only deal; and if your company is among the best SEO Companies in Automotive, then we want you to take part in our selection process.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Over the course of the next 30-45 days, the DU Team will vet, interview, investigate and select an SEO provider to present their offering to our dealer-members. While we already…</p>
<p><b>Are You Among the Very Best SEO Companies in Automotive?</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Dealers United is seeking an SEO vendor to participate in our very first members-only deal; and if your company is among the best SEO Companies in Automotive, then we want you to take part in our selection process.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Over the course of the next 30-45 days, the DU Team will vet, interview, investigate and select an SEO provider to present their offering to our dealer-members. While we already represent more rooftops than all of the publicly-traded MegaDealer Groups combined; we expect that by the end of March – when this first deal is released – to count nearly 5,000 rooftops as dealer-members.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We expect to choose just one vendor to present to our dealer-members; though we understand that not all qualified SEO providers will be able to absorb the expected new business DU will likely bring. Therefore, we do reserve the right to select more than one qualified vendor to provide this service.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>There is no cost or obligation to be included in the selection process. If you’d like more information about how Dealers United works, please review our FAQs page: <a href="http://dealersunited.com/faq.cfm">http://dealersunited.com/faq.cfm</a> and/or watch our “How it Works” video: <a href="http://www.dealersunited.com/howitworks.cfm">http://www.dealersunited.com/howitworks.cfm</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>In order to be in consideration, your company must complete our preliminary vendor questionnaire: <a href="http://dealersunited.com/survey_vendor_seo.cfm">http://dealersunited.com/survey_vendor_seo.cfm</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>This survey will close shortly, so we encourage you to complete this short questionnaire as soon as possible to avoid being shut out.</p>That Negative Review Can Bite Into Your SEOtag:www.dealerelite.net,2012-01-06:5283893:BlogPost:2677112012-01-06T19:06:53.000ZLaurie Halterhttps://www.dealerelite.net/profile/LaurieHalter
<p><b>That Negative Review Can Bite Into Your SEO</b></p>
<p> By: Brent Albrecht, SOCIALDEALER</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a staple in the majority of automotive dealers’ marketing budgets for 2012. The industry has fully embraced the Internet, so logically dealers are investing additional money in search engine rankings to get their websites seen as much as possible. However, Social Media and Web 2.0 have changed the landscape, specifically in the way sites like Google…</p>
<p><b>That Negative Review Can Bite Into Your SEO</b></p>
<p> By: Brent Albrecht, SOCIALDEALER</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a staple in the majority of automotive dealers’ marketing budgets for 2012. The industry has fully embraced the Internet, so logically dealers are investing additional money in search engine rankings to get their websites seen as much as possible. However, Social Media and Web 2.0 have changed the landscape, specifically in the way sites like Google displays search results. Whereas at one time search results displayed a website, and other websites linked to the same content, now search results include a rating tied to customer reviews. Online reviews have become a powerful force in the car buying process. According to BusinessWeek, 70 percent of consumers now consult reviews before purchasing.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> In our market, I’ve seen dealers spend thousands of dollars on SEO, only to have 2 and 2.5 star ratings displayed on page one of Yelp results. A number one or two position on the first page of Google does no good when it also displays a worse star rating than the competition. This simply tells the potential car buyers to look elsewhere. An online reputation can affect whether your monthly SEO investment is being wasted, or generating value for the dealership.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>SEO is a continuously changing field, and now the SEP landscape has changed again to incorporate Social Media content. Here are two examples:</p>
<p> </p>
<ol>
<li>In data from Socialnomics, it was reported that 25 percent of search results for the top 20 brands are links to user-generated content.</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<ol>
<li>Google announced in 2011 that it looks at how reputable a person is on Twitter and uses that information in their search rankings, where previously, Google did not take this into account.</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p>The same holds true for Search Engine Marketing (SEM). The higher number of reviews you have, the higher your click thru rate and conversion rate. Multiple studies show increases of 10 to-20 percent depending on the total number of reviews and average score.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Social Media will continue to grow and soon will infiltrate all aspects of an Internet marketing plan. Dealers who want to effectively market their dealerships online will be forced to include managing their reputation into that strategy or they will not succeed.</p>
<p><sup> </sup></p>
<p>So what to do? </p>
<p>1) First and foremost, manage your reputation online. If your average rating does not stand up to your competition, cut back on SEO until it does.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>2) Track the number of reviews and your average score on all the major review sites.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>3) Handle negative reviews as soon as possible and generate more positive reviews by asking your customers to rate you on review sites, in order to get your average rating up.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>4) Monitor what is being said about your dealership outside of review sites – what are customers saying about you on Facebook, Twitter and blogs?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>5) Employ software solutions that can help you manage all of this. Assign someone in the dealership to take responsibility for managing your reputation, and track your trends over time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> What are you doing to increase positive reviews in your dealership?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><i>Brent Albrecht is the Marketing Director at SOCIALDEALER and can be reached at</i></p>
<p><i><a href="mailto:b.albrecht@socialdealer.com">b.albrecht@socialdealer.com</a> or by following @SOCIALDEALER on Twitter.</i></p>
<p><i> </i></p>
<p> </p>