According to a study by Colloquy, there are 3.3 billion loyalty program memberships in the United States, which averages 29 per household. Yes, loyalty programs are everywhere. From grocery stores, to gas stations and fast food restaurants, chances are high that a store you’re about to enter for the first time has a loyalty program. And the one thing that most of these…

The market is calling Beepi, Vroom and the Carvanna’s of the world ‘Disruptors.’ I simply call them evolutionary companies that will assist in gaining consumer trust and confidence with the car buying experience -- and ultimately with dealerships.  

Today’s technology has made it a snap to buy most goods online and this has conditioned consumers to expect…

Inc. 5000-ranked automotive digital marketing company introduces industry’s first dealer-facing, real-time conquest data configurator as part of expanded 3 Birds ME™ marketing platform

Chapel Hill, N.C., April 2, 2016 - 3 Birds Marketing announced today that it will incorporate IHS Automotive predictive models into its enhanced and expanded 3 Birds…

It’s a well-known fact that retaining customers is less expensive and can be more profitable than acquiring new ones. The reality is essentially, customer churn keeps your dealership stationary. Many dealers blast sales messages across every medium possible – traditional, mailers, and digital; hoping that someone, somewhere will see it and decide to buy a car from them.…

With Google's new robust analytic platform, you'll be able to handle all of your tracking needs.  By watching this week's Hard Facts, you'll have all the information you need to succeed with Google Analytics 360.

Samantha will cover all 8 tools that are included in the entire suite.

How will you use them to benefit your business?…

In an effort to gain exposure and effectively reach Facebook fans, one of the obstacles dealerships face in social media marketing is the continuous battle against Facebook’s algorithm. Facebook rolled out its ad platform attempting to monetize its platform and satisfy shareholders. As a result, businesses experienced an extreme decline in reach and were forced to either pay…

Implementing Corporate Benefits Programs (CBP) to employees of small/large corporations is nothing new. Manufacturers have been doing it for some time -- Ford’s X-Plan pricing, for example. But, typically, these corporate discount programs are isolated to large national corporations with which the OEMs have successfully partnered. What if you could increase your market share…

Whether it’s an unhappy customer in the service drive because the repair is taking too long; or a customer in sales for 4 long hours attempting to buy a car and less than happy as a result; or a customer making a post-purchase call to report issues with a vehicle they just purchased; dealership managers can sometimes feel as if they are constantly putting out fires and that…

In September 2015, AutoNation CEO Mike Jackson announced that AutoNation would discontinue selling any vehicles – new or used – with open recalls. This new policy includes not just those vehicles intended for retail, but also vehicles headed to wholesale buyers. The decision, while admittedly costly, is one that Jackson believes is the right decision as consumers buying…

In this age of always-connected consumers seeking instant gratification 24 hours per day, consumer engagement and the customer experience are more important than ever in order to earn that elusive thing: Customer Loyalty. Consumers are more independent than ever before. They’re tired of chasing automated phone systems and having to tell their story multiple times as they get…

Without a doubt, data has become the currency that fuels competitive advantage in today’s economy. The concept of data-driven marketing has become an integral strategy across a broad range of industries, and the automotive industry is certainly no exception. Consumers expect relevant messages delivered across the channels they prefer and at the timing they choose.…

Digital dealership system

When a customer comes to a dealership to have the car serviced, they need something to do. Most of them will grasp for their phones to kill the time, but you can use the advantage of having them in your waiting room by offering them content. Content can be displayed on your dealer TV using the amazing technology of digital signage.

How…

I left a 35 year career in automobile retail management eight months ago. I worked as a GM at Dick Hannah, one of the greatest dealer groups in the country, and I loved every moment of it.

I have had many mentors in my life, (grateful every moment for all of them) but I was told by a specific mentor to constantly look in the mirror. To take a look at our…

In video marketing, many people think that to simply start making videos is enough. While it’s certainly a great start, there’s actually a lot more to it. In fact, I’d even go so far to say that simply beginning to make video at your dealership is more like showing up for your first day of football practice. The coach didn’t simply split everyone into two teams and have a…

An excellent article on Customer Experience Insight shared an analogy that resonated with me as it can be applied to automotive salespeople. The article compares salespeople to trees and states that only 10 percent of salespeople are considered evergreen; are strong and productive no…

I visit and review at least 100 automobile dealer’s website every day. It has become clear to me that every dealer is doing a variety of things to get customers to knock on their door, to engage with the dealer and give the dealer permission to make contact with the customer. Big red buttons that say “Apply Now!” Or pop ups offering “$100 off your purchase.” Or, the most…

How Dealers Can Eliminate Deficiencies with More Accurate Attribution Tracking

Through endless digital and…

Automotive recalls present an opportunity to maintain and improve dealer and brand integrity while winning back lost customers and attracting new customers that typically do not service at a factory-certified dealer. Historically, however, recalled vehicle owners have been viewed as a nuisance by dealership personnel. They can at times be frustrated and emotionally volatile;…

At the beginning of the year we published a post about attracting connected consumers to the auto industry. To no surprise, even in the past few months consumers have become continually more expectant of positive digital experiences. Here’s an infographic that lays out what that blog explained, but for our more visual audience.…

It’s one thing to try to view the auto industry through the eyes of a consumer when you work for a dealership.  It’s quite another to attempt to view it as a vendor.…