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Recipe for Success with Social Media for Dealerships

Similar to baking a cake, developing a successful social marketing strategy for your dealership requires a number of components to be accurately prepared, weighed, mixed, and baked together. To put it another way, there is a lot of opportunity for error. Since not everyone is skilled in baking (or marketing), we thought we’d share with you four ingredients that can make or break the social marketing recipe for your dealership.

 

Time to Prepare: Audience Lists

You do realize that cleaning your hands is the first step in preparing a cake? Your social marketing should start with clean data, which is a similar idea.

 

Dirty data clogs up your plan without taking this critical first step, which can waste your time and money and limit the success you can observe right away.

 

Let’s use the following instance: Let’s say you want to market to people who are in a particular period of life, like perhaps recent college grads. You compile a list of shoppers in their early to mid-20s for this audience. Now that your records have been cleaned up, you may send targeted social ads to youthful vehicle purchasers (easy peasy), but while your records are dirty, the age range of those who see your messages is much greater; for example, your college graduate message may now be seen by persons in their 20s, 30s, and possibly even 40s. Your message is probably meaningless to the majority of the people who view it because it is being seen by such a diverse group of people.

 

Quick Tip: Cleaning data every few weeks is fine; cleaning data every week is excellent; and cleaning data every couple days or even every day is optimal. Any information that doesn’t fit into one of those three categories is bad information for correctly segmenting and targeting consumers.

 

Picking a Taste for Your Message

We need to talk about your messaging now that you have an immaculate list of potential customers.

 

A customer may become thrilled when you mention cake (or vehicles), but they will ultimately be dissatisfied if you give them chocolate when they expected strawberry (or a truck when they wanted a sedan). Picking the correct message is similar to picking the proper cake flavor.

 

How do you ensure that your message is pertinent to the group you are trying to reach? There are a few options you can explore:

 

Test again and again because, as with baking, practice makes perfect. Nobody mandated that your dealership pick just one advertisement. Run a few different iterations and see what sticks. Make use of what you learn as you go to get better.

Find an individual or individuals within your target audience that you can rely on for candid and helpful comments, and gather information directly from them. Request feedback and ideas from others on how you can make your ads better.

Consider using layered targeting, which reduces your audience based on several targeting characteristics rather than just one. We’ll agree that this one can become quite specific, but if done correctly, hyper-focusing your target can raise your engagement rate and ROI. Here are a couple of illustrations in case you’re curious about what this looks like in practice:

Identify clients with small children who enjoy the newest technology. Show them automobiles with updated safety equipment.

Identify middle-aged homeowners and high-earning positions in the finance sector. Show them high-quality vehicles, perhaps ones with luxurious brands or high trim levels.

Identify clients who enjoy traveling and actively support environmental causes. Show them dependable, fuel-efficient cars, perhaps even hybrid or electric ones. Bonus points, if you provide a service package aimed at keeping their car, maintained and ready for road trips.

 

Quick Tip: Try to select images that are appropriate for your target audience while developing your message. Don’t forget the influence of visuals. This can help customers understand that the communication is directed at them.

Your Tone Is the Secret Ingredient

We haven’t yet revealed the secret ingredient—your tone—so it’s time to combine the components and bake your dealership’s social marketing recipe (exciting, right?!).

You can’t say the proper thing unless you’ve thought about how to say it. Your dealership should not only have a brand voice; it should also be engaging and honest. Finding the right combination can be challenging, but these suggestions can help:

 

Share a tale; customers prefer a well-defined beginning, middle, and end. By adding a narrative structure to your content, you can keep readers interested and waiting to find out what happens next.

Avoid seeming like a salesperson; many of your customers will perceive buzzwords and filler language as hollow. Not only is a message that is precise and succinct less misleading, but it is also more interesting.

Be approachable; clients appreciate learning that a company is made up of people just like them. By employing conversational (relatable) language or even adding a little joke here and there, you may give your business a little personality.

 

Quick Tip: Sprinkles are similar to emoticons. Nobody likes a cake that is all sprinkles, but adding one or two can significantly improve the tone of your dealership.

 

Presentation: Your Choice of Media

The final phase is the presentation. If you’ve ever watched a baking competition, you know how important presentation is. Even if a cake with shoddy decorations may taste good, we all prefer cakes with tasteful decorations. Your social media marketing demonstrates the same thing.

 

Even if your dealership’s marketing plan contains all the necessary components, it still needs to be executed well. Your dealership can also run a variety of ads, including image ads, carousel ads, video ads, lead ads, story ads, and so on.

So which format is ideal? The answer is based on the particular objectives of your dealership.

Consumers find video commercials to be by far the most entertaining, but they perform even better when included in wider marketing strategies. For illustration, let’s say that your dealership begins by using Automotive Inventory Ads, which post advertisements for your available inventory on Facebook. These could support retargeting efforts for your car dealership. Then you could sprinkle in a few image and text ads for a campaign your dealership is undertaking. Add a video ad to this, and your dealership can anticipate a solid return on investment.

 

Quick Tip: Timing is an essential (but frequently overlooked) component of presentations. In general, dessert is served after dinner. Make sure to approach customers when they are ready to make a purchase, not when they are just starting to consider appetizers.

 

The beautiful thing about marketing (and baking) is that you never have to start from scratch. Using a mix of the appropriate target, message, tone, and medium can be a terrific start to creating the perfect recipe for your dealership’s specific social marketing needs. Expert assistance is a fantastic method to achieve sweet success at every turn, without the hassle or mess.

Finding Your Way Through the Exciting and Difficult Trends in the Used Car Market

Used vehicle dealers are accustomed to the ebb and flow of supply and demand because the automotive sector is one that is continuously changing. Due to inflation, a lack of microchips, and a drop in new car availability, the price of used cars has recently increased. Recent studies, however, indicate that the market is improving. J.P. Morgan Automotive analysts forecast a 10–20% decline in used car prices by 2023.

 

For used car sellers, the decline in used automobile wholesale values over the previous few months is fantastic news. It offers the chance to buy a wider variety of automobiles with their floor plans and sell them to clients for less money than in 2021 or 2022. The average number of days a vehicle stays on a dealer lot is rising, a sign of better inventory levels, which should make it simpler for consumers to select the ideal vehicle.

 

Despite the fact that this is good news, used car sellers should nonetheless proceed with caution, be aware of any hazards, and adjust to shifting market conditions. Spending on used cars and trucks has decreased over the past year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index, suggesting that used car dealers may face challenges in the current year. Used vehicle dealers must therefore maintain their vigilance and be equipped with the necessary methods and instruments to handle any difficulties that may arise.

 

There are nonetheless encouraging signs that should give used car dealers hope despite these worries. Price reductions on current model years may be greater than on earlier model years, making the newer models more accessible to customers. When choosing their inventory, used vehicle dealers should keep these trends in mind to make sure they are providing the most sought-after models at the best possible pricing.

 

Used car dealers should concentrate on delivering exceptional customer service and providing transparent, competitive pricing in order to benefit from the present market conditions. To make sure they can handle any potential issues, dealers should also think about investing in the appropriate software tools and procedures. This can entail carrying out digital marketing plans, utilizing data analytics to improve inventory, and funding employee training and development initiatives.

 

Used car sellers should continue to be fluid and responsive to shifting market conditions as the market develops. They may continue to offer excellent value to clients and maintain competition in a market that is constantly evolving by staying ahead of the curve and investing in the proper tools and processes. In the future, used car dealers that are prepared to take chances, be creative, and think outside the box will surely be rewarded.

 

In conclusion, despite the previous ups and downs the used car market has experienced, the current market environment presents opportunities for used car dealers. Used car dealers now have the opportunity to provide clients with a wider selection of automobiles at more affordable pricing thanks to the decline in wholesale prices, the accessibility of newer models, and improving inventory levels. Used vehicle dealers must be watchful, flexible, and strategic to compete in this market. They must also offer top-notch customer service and make the appropriate investments in tools and procedures to stay on top of the game. Used vehicle dealers can maintain their success and offer clients value by doing this in a market that is constantly evolving.

How Used Vehicle Dealers Can Survive a Recession

Being successful in the used vehicle business during a recession might be difficult. It can be challenging to attract customers and maintain profitability when consumer spending is declining and economic uncertainty is rising. However, used vehicle dealerships can not only survive but also prosper during a recession by utilizing technology.

 

Online marketing and advertising are one way that used vehicle dealerships can benefit from technology. Most shoppers currently start their car-buying process online, doing research and weighing their options before committing. Used car dealerships can enhance their visibility and attract new clients by developing a strong online presence and implementing SEO techniques.

 

During a recession, social media networks can be a useful resource for used vehicle shops. Dealerships may engage with potential consumers, display their inventory, and provide specials and discounts by establishing and maintaining a strong social media presence. Additionally, consumer comments and reviews may be gathered through social media, which can help the dealership build its reputation and draw in additional clients.

 

Offering easy and effective services is another way used vehicle lots may employ technology in a downturn. Implementing a digital retail tool, for instance, can make it simpler for clients to explore and buy vehicles from the convenience of their homes. This can help the client save time and hassle while also assisting the dealership in increasing F&I sales via DR platforms. The best way to express it is as stated by Karl Brauer, Executive Publisher of Autotrader and KBB: “Digital retail tools are transforming how people browse for and buy vehicles. These tools help manufacturers and dealerships enhance client expenditure and value by delivering a more convenient and tailored experience. Digital retail is revolutionizing the auto industry and assisting consumers in finding the ideal vehicle for their needs and budget, from online showrooms and financing tools to virtual test drives and tailored suggestions.

 

 

Additionally, installing an inventory management system can assist used car dealerships with real-time monitoring of their stock and wholesale pricing. In addition to increased accuracy and productivity, this can also help dealerships quickly change prices and decide which cars to buy in bulk.

 

The use of technology can help used vehicle shops provide a better client experience. For instance, establishing a customer relationship management (CRM) system can assist dealerships in gathering and analyzing consumer data, enabling them to customize their email and SMS marketing campaigns for specific clients. This can boost client loyalty and repeat business, in addition to increasing consumer happiness.

 

Last but not least, used vehicle lots can employ technology to enhance internal operations and expedite procedures. For instance, putting in place a cutting-edge accounting and dealer management system can assist dealerships in keeping track of their finances and making better business decisions. This can help dealerships maintain profitability and make the most of their resources during a recession, in addition to saving time and lowering the chance of mistakes.

 

In conclusion, by utilizing technology, used vehicle dealerships can prosper in a downturn. Used car dealerships may draw clients, keep a profit, and remain competitive in difficult economic times by employing Internet marketing and promotion, providing quick and effective services, enhancing the customer experience, and streamlining their internal operations. Independent dealers have the chance to take on the challenge and emerge from a recession even stronger, as time has shown. They can weather the storm and come out on top by remaining flexible, embracing technology, and concentrating on the demands of their clients.

How ChatGPT Can Improve Your Phone Calls and Revolutionize Automotive Sales

It can be difficult to keep track of phone calls coming into and leaving a car dealership, particularly for bigger dealerships that get a lot of calls. It can be challenging to make sure that every call meets the dealership’s requirements given the large number of staff taking phone calls and their various levels of customer service experience. To aid with call monitoring and make sure that every client encounter is up to par, organizations are turning to AI-based solutions like ChatGPT because doing it manually requires a lot of time and isn’t always viable.

 

Using best practices for sales when speaking with customers over the phone is equally important for salespeople as monitoring phone calls. This involves establishing a rapport with the client, figuring out what they need, and giving them pertinent information about the goods or services. Car dealerships can make sure that their sales crew is following best practices and preventing mistakes that could lose them a sale with the use of ChatGPT. ChatGPT can assist sales managers in identifying which salespeople need to develop their sales abilities in order to ultimately raise their lead conversion ratios by offering real-time feedback and insights.

 

The finest methods for selling cars are taught to salespeople by car dealerships, which spend a lot of money doing this. However, if there is no mechanism to check whether these best practices are truly applied when speaking with potential clients over the phone, a lot of this training could be for nothing. It is challenging to establish accountability for the training that has been delivered without a system in place to monitor calls. Missed sales opportunities and inconsistent customer relations may result from this. For dealerships, implementing an integrated ChatGPT system to monitor and analyze phone calls can be a game-changer, giving insightful information about the performance of the sales staff and ensuring that best practices are being followed to maximize sales success.

 

SimpSocial is aware of the difficulties dealerships encounter when trying to monitor phone calls and make sure their salesmen are adhering to best practices. We created a connection with the Whisper API to enable call transcription and transmission to ChatGPT for this reason. This effective technique allows us to sum up each call’s events, including the category (sales, service, finance), any emotions expressed (glad, furious, annoyed), and any significant phrases that were utilized. We’re able to recognize patterns and trends in calls using the most recent advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, which may help dealerships pinpoint areas for development and make sure their salespeople are following best practices. You can rest easy knowing that all of your calls with SimpSocial and ChatGPT are being monitored and analyzed to help you grow your business.

 

An illustration of a ChatGPT-analyzed phone call

In conclusion, keeping track of phone calls is essential to any car dealership’s performance. Deals can be lost, and training efforts can be ineffective without good monitoring. Dealerships may now more effectively and efficiently monitor calls thanks to technological improvements and the incorporation of tools like the Whisper API and ChatGPT. Insights into sales and customer service procedures can be gained by being able to categorize calls, extract keywords, and recognize emotions. These tools allow dealerships to make sure that their sales staff follows best practices and provides great phone customer service.

Understanding the Various SMS Types and Their Use

Users of mobile devices can send and receive short text messages using the messaging service known as SMS (Short Message Service). It began successfully sending messages in 1992 and has remained in use despite being superseded by modern communication technologies. SMS is still one of the most popular messaging options available today and is closely related to AI.

 

Person-to-Person (P2P), Application/Advertiser to Person (A2P), Person-to-Network (P2N), and Internet-to-Person (I2P) are the four subcategories of SMS messaging.

 

If two mobile customers are linked to the same Short Message Service Center (SMSC), they can send and receive P2P communications directly between each other. The message will be sent to the appropriate destination SMSC for delivery if the intended recipient is connected to a different SMSC. This action is referred to as bouncing.

 

In order to send ads to their verified mobile users, A2P communications entail advertising companies contacting mobile service providers. Mobile service providers can broadcast text messages to the handsets of their customers through this advertising campaign service. The “push mode” of SMS texting is the term used to describe this method.

 

Content producers employ P2N or P2A communications to make downloaded products like ringtones, games, and photos available to customers via network service providers. The terms of these transactions are agreed upon by both consumers and providers. P2A messaging is frequently utilized for TV advertising, contests, subscriptions, and user interaction with businesses, products, and services.

 

Users of the network can send SMS messages to mobile subscribers over the internet by using I2P messaging. Some websites allow customers using mobile devices to send and receive messages.

 

Compared to other communication methods like email, WhatsApp, and Messenger, SMS has a number of benefits. Trust is built because it covers a large area, leaves a trace, and is held until it is read or reacted to. A Mitto survey published in May 2022 found that younger age groups move more quickly after receiving messages, with 44% of Gen Z consumers checking their notifications within a minute.

 

Due to the availability and diversity of technologies, mobile users and subscribers are transmitting and receiving more data today. Today, SMS data is used to effectively schedule appointments, assist users in swiftly claiming benefits, and provide useful information.

How Dealerships Can Keep Up With the Evolution of Automotive Technology

Today’s automobiles and vehicle availability are substantially different from those of a few decades ago. Dealerships and salespeople in the past were unable to reach all the nearby communities and local customers. Most frequently, shops had to purchase a vehicle in a different city or have it delivered to them. Customers would purchase anything a dealership had as quickly as they could and when it was available. It would be simple for someone else to enter with the cash and purchase it there and then.

 

The shipment the dealership was having delivered would determine the model, color, and equipment, if any. A trip to the showroom would be a memorable experience for the whole family or for anyone. It served as a day to remember and a point in time for many years, just like going to a festival or the fair. Up until the 1990s, this was the typical dealership environment.

 

In the past, the amount of traffic in the showrooms was mostly dependent on the dealership’s financial status due to how many and how frequently they could purchase vehicles. On the other hand, it depended on the customers’ ability to purchase a vehicle with or without financial support.

 

Consumers can now use their phones to make any kind of online purchase. Due to the digitization of the automotive retail industry, customers may now attend an exhibition, select the color, model, and equipment they want, arrange to finance, buy insurance, extend the warranty, or select any package and pay for it. The vehicle might then be delivered to the buyer’s home or another location of their choosing. Some clients don’t need to visit the business, which saves them time and money overall.

 

Customers can acquire any automobile at any time of day or night because of automation and SMS (Short Messaging Services) communication. Since there are over 272 million smartphone users in the United States alone and 98% of all text messages are opened, text outreach may easily reach a larger area and a greater number of clients. Due to the minimal data requirements and flat rate solutions offered by systems like SimpSocial for an endless number of inbound and outbound SMS campaigns and answers, dealers may also send SMS at a lower cost.

 

Artificial intelligence on SMS platforms can potentially be used to target and communicate with larger audiences. Dealerships can rely on automatic responses that are natural and address the customer’s desire after the initial interaction with a customer and the system receives the “interested” response. With the chosen communication that suits your department’s marketing, sales, or even service demands, this and other MMS (Multimedia Messaging Services) keep the sales process moving forward.

 

The next stage for dealerships to keep current is to foster connection and grow the number of community members, regardless of the system. To help your business develop and prosper, keep alerting them about new deals and models, specials, servicing possibilities, extended warranties, trade-ins, and other communications. There are numerous ways for automobile organizations and retailers to increase their market share today.

 

The dealership teams have the best transparency to identify dialog scenarios before they can potentially be false or deceptive thanks to the SimpSocial technology, attention, and study. Dealers can now rely on automated systems that have a current response or a default course of action to take in any situation, ensuring that communication flows and you stay on top of your business without missing a beat.

 

Some of the leading dealers in the sector use SimpSocial’s analysis of new opportunities, technological advancements, new market progress, and applications in the background. The system’s potential as a tool to help an industry that is expanding quickly and shocking everyone more than ever

The Automotive Industry and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), passed by Congress in 1991, shields customers from unwanted telemarketing calls. The TCPA regulates a variety of communications, including automated calls, text messages, pre-recorded messages, and telemarketing. This guarantees that customers keep their privacy and that businesses restrict telemarketers.

 

The TCPA is a significant law pertaining to dealerships that administrative departments must abide by or risk legal repercussions. According to the law, any telemarketing calls made by dealerships must have the recipient’s express prior written consent. This means that even for potential consumers, dealerships must get a signature from the person they are contacting before they can lawfully make a sales call to them. It can be quite difficult to obtain each customer’s prior written consent. Having said that, dealerships have had success implementing automated customer management software, which enables dealerships to get in touch with potential consumers in a way that complies with all regulatory requirements.

 

Visitors to a dealership’s website can see a disclaimer at the bottom of the form where they can consent to be contacted about anything relevant to their interest in a new vehicle. SimpSocial is an illustration of an automated communication system that can integrate with dealership CRMs. After the customer accepts the “opt-in” disclaimer online, SimpSocial contacts them via AI-powered SMS to make a phone call or an appointment in-store. If we pay attention to the initial texts that clients receive, we will discover that they always have the option to opt out of receiving any additional texts by replying “opt-out.” To maintain the dealership complaint, for instance, the SimpSocial system will secure this information when they do that and won’t contact them again. On the other hand, if the client messages us back and requests a call, they will be waiting for us to get in touch with them, and it won’t be a cold call any longer.

 

Dealerships rely on automated software to reach leads; therefore, all telephone contacts related to that must go properly and be more openly disclosed than ever. Every call your staff makes increases their productivity, and by making sure your systems are TCPA compliant, you and your teams can politely concentrate on your client connections and needs without being distracted by external processes.

Automotive’s advertising standards

The majority of contemporary dealerships are supported by digital platforms that frequently create SMS campaigns and evaluate their effectiveness. A clear message that is powered by artificial intelligence and geared to maximize client interaction is now the norm for campaign messaging.

 

  • TCPA conforming

  • Immediately reengaging

  • Vital information

  • Natural dialogue

 

Systems like SimpSocial are adept at managing inbound lead sources and specialize in SMS campaigns. These AI text interactions are written and organized by technical developers to automatically engage consumer databases. These AI dialogues can notify users of offered goods and services, as well as appointment times and dates. This crucial information for CRMs is captured by our system at the initial point of contact.

 

Engaging in the first phase that manages and turns inbound leads into customers by using meaningful, long-term follow-up. As a result, dealers can create distinctive marketing campaigns to buy from, sell to, or promote other deals to certain customers.

 

For your dealership, for instance, marketing, sales, and service campaigns can automate effective communication. Our dialogues can comprehend and respond to difficult client inquiries by utilizing AI that has natural language processing.

 

sequences for SMS campaigns targeting dealerships

The best way to inform consumers about fresh recall alerts, event promotions, service condition improvements, and customer advantages is through outbound marketing campaigns. A new range of goods and services and active engagement in giveaways are additional themes for effective outbound campaigns. From a dealer’s database, SMS messages about model availability can spur client involvement. Outbound SMS campaign engagement rates are currently up 68% year to date.

 

Because curious clients can depend on one dealership to acquire the information they need without having to look far and wide for answers or responses, after-hours support and strategic follow-up efforts are also strongly advised. Dealers can engage in an automatic discussion via our app using SimpSocial campaigns, and AI can even send automated messages for inquiries about individual vehicles from your data flow. Why not spare your sales team another laborious task?

 

Buy-back campaigns give dealers the ability to advertise current vehicle demands and conditions as markets change. To help retailers quickly add more used cars to their inventory, these carefully selected SMS advertisements are automated.

 

The majority of your campaigns will depend on the season. Is there a high or low season for business, tax season, or another period when money is tight? When taken into account, your advertising environment can demonstrate a high likelihood that a portion of clients require a new car, maintenance, or simply a good ring to know you remember them. In this situation, dealerships should automate CSI support and feedback surveys in between larger promotions.

 

Within your service drive, service-to-sales campaigns give offers to certain consumer segments. Successful marketing platforms like SimpSocial spend years training AI models using millions of automotive-specific data points. AI replies include make, model, vehicle value, photographs, and more and are constantly improved.

 

Some of the best customer experiences can be produced by campaigns with carefully crafted messages and a strategic conversion procedure. The quantity of communications our AI initiates and the context the marketer describes are just two examples of how SimpSocial builds every outreach attempt for our partners with their customers in mind.

 

Using the aforementioned SMS campaigns to improve communication efficiency can help dealership teams work in a positive environment, forge closer ties with audiences, and inform local communities. Do you want to upgrade your dealership to include one of these communication features? To learn more about launching AI campaigns right away, schedule a call with one of our specialists here.

 

To advance sales, the automotive industry must prevent disengagement.

Engagement is essential when it comes to generating leads in the automobile sector. However, occasionally things don’t go as expected, and they might not immediately become clients. This is where disengagement occurs, and even if they don’t convert right away, having a backup plan in place in case your main plan falters will help you keep the lead.

 

But how might a disengaged lead be avoided? Well, one way is to set up a reliable sales process and teach your entire staff about it. By doing this, you can prevent misunderstandings and guarantee that all leads receive the same treatment, regardless of who handles them.

 

Understanding your audience is another way to prevent lead churn. Pay attention to their wants, preferences, and spending limits so you can adjust your outreach strategy to fit their demands and raise the likelihood of conversion success.

 

It’s crucial to keep in touch with your leads. Keeping them interested is important, whether through SMS advertising, phone calls, or social media. By doing this, you may remind customers of the benefits you provide, increasing the likelihood that they’ll visit your dealership again when it’s time to make a purchase.

 

As a result, the implementation and application of artificial intelligence is our third strategy. In order to ensure that you don’t lose any possibilities, our AI software can respond to and follow-up with your consumers. Additionally, SimpSocial can track the interactions with your leads, assisting your staff in delivering first-rate customer service. This may leave a favorable image in the eyes of your clients, increasing the likelihood that they will do business with you in the future.

 

So there you have it—some advice on how to put better engagement methods into practice and raise the likelihood that leads will always turn into paying clients. Always keep a backup plan in mind, but if you put the correct tactics in place, you might not even need one!

 

You can schedule a call with one of our experts here to learn more about how AI can help you improve the management of your incoming leads and boost communication within your organization.

Why Salespeople at Car Lots Need to Start Making More Phone Calls

It’s easy to rely on email and text messaging as the main methods of communication with prospective consumers in the modern digital era. While each of these approaches has its place, a simple phone call still has more impact. The ability to create trusting relationships is essential for success in the car sales sector. In this article, we’ll discuss the value of phone conversations in building relationships with clients and how they can ultimately boost sales at auto dealerships.

 

1. Personal Connection: The Human Touch Telephone conversations foster a level of intimacy that is difficult to achieve through textual correspondence. An improvement in trust and rapport might result from a customer feeling more at ease after hearing a salesperson’s voice. Customers are therefore more inclined to express their preferences and demands, which enables the salesperson to better personalize their approach and provide a solution.

 

2. Clarity and Effectiveness

Communication via the phone is effective because it allows for quick clarification and elaboration. This can save time and avoid misconceptions that could result from text messages or emails. Salespeople benefit from the back-and-forth nature of phone calls because it allows them to immediately address customer issues, respond to inquiries, and provide more information.

 

3. The Possibility of Standing Out

In a world where digital communication is common, a salesperson can differentiate themselves from the competition by making a phone call. Making a call shows a greater level of dedication to providing excellent customer service and leaves a positive impression. Customers appreciate the effort and are more likely to choose a dealership that values communication, so this personal touch may be what ultimately results in a sale.

 

4. Interpreting Emotional Signs

Salespeople can more accurately assess a customer’s emotional condition over the phone than they can via email or text. Salespeople can better grasp how a customer is feeling about a certain vehicle or deal by paying attention to the tone and inflection of their voice. They are able to modify their strategy and more successfully address issues thanks to this realization.

 

5. Establishing Trusting Relationships

The establishment of long-term relationships with clients is facilitated by phone calls. Regular phone contact enables salespeople to stay in touch with customers even after the sale, building loyalty and generating referrals. Dealerships can guarantee a consistent supply of repeat business and word-of-mouth advertising by sustaining these ties.

 

As a provider of text message services to the automotive sector, we are aware of the importance of digital communication. Text messaging has a purpose in the sales process, especially for re-engaging clients and effectively acquiring data. To develop and maintain meaningful relationships, however, we firmly advise adding a large number of phone calls to your communication plan.

 

It’s crucial to strike the correct balance between texting and calling. Sending appointment reminders, following up on queries, and disseminating promotional offers can all be done effectively with text messaging. But phone calls continue to be essential for establishing relationships and maintaining trust. Sales representatives at auto dealerships can more effectively communicate with clients, meet their needs, and ultimately increase sales by leveraging the advantages of both communication strategies.

 

Although it may be tempting to rely only on email and text messages, the value of a phone call in the auto dealership sales process should not be undervalued. Phone conversations foster more intimate relationships, improve the effectiveness of communication, give you a chance to stand out, and facilitate better emotional comprehension. In the end, they are essential to creating long-lasting bonds with clients that boost business and inspire client loyalty. It’s time to pick up the phone and make the call in a field where rapport and trust are essential.

The Decline of Trade Shows in the Automotive Industry

Trade exhibitions have long been a mainstay in the automotive industry, giving vendors, dealerships, and industry experts the chance to network, educate themselves, and keep up with the most recent developments. Many contend that trade fairs have changed into social events that are more concerned with entertaining dealership workers than they are with providing insightful information and business development opportunities. I’ve seen this firsthand over the course of my 23 years as a vendor in the auto industry, and I’d like to share my opinions and observations.

 

Although I can appreciate the attractiveness of social gatherings, I must stress that many of the vendors that sponsor them have other objectives. Their main goal is to take money out of your pockets, not to actually build relationships or offer insightful information. My primary focus is still on selling automobiles and promoting commercial success, not going to social parties with shady motives, despite some people’s perceptions to the contrary.

 

The Change in Speaking Engagements: The nature of speaking engagements at trade exhibitions has undergone a substantial change. These presentations, which once were fair and impartial, now favor the highest bidder. Smaller vendors are confined to back rooms with little traffic, while the trade show’s largest spenders frequently secure the most coveted time slots.

 

Additionally, these speaking engagements’ subject matter has declined. Presentations frequently resemble flimsy sales pitches that promote the speaker’s own goods rather than providing insightful commentary or suggesting the best options for dealerships. This change has damaged relationships and lessened the events’ overall significance.

 

The Social Extravaganza: As trade exhibitions host more parties, dinners, and performances, they have evolved into social extravaganzas where learning is overshadowed by entertainment. Dealership workers are frequently invited to these gatherings, which might cause them to lose sight of the main reason they were there in the first place. The potential for knowledge transmission and skill development can be harmed by the emphasis on entertainment and networking.

 

Parties and dinners should be prohibited, and the only people who should be permitted to attend any after-show gatherings are dealership owners, in my opinion. This would ensure that the money invested in these events benefits the dealership and refocus the attention of dealership workers on learning.

 

The lack of innovation and learning: It seems like the same suppliers present the same information at car industry trade exhibitions year after year. Disappointingly, there hasn’t been much innovation or learning, which has caused the auto industry to fall behind in terms of technology. The automotive industry has some of the poorest software available while being a sizable sector with significant profit and income. This industry ought to be a leader in technology rather than a laggard.

 

The future of the automotive sector depends heavily on innovation and technological advancement, according to a McKinsey & Company analysis. If not addressed, the absence of innovation and the reduction in trade show quality could have long-term effects on the sector.

 

Trade exhibitions in the automotive industry have changed from educational events to social gatherings, which raises questions about their significance and usefulness. We can try to restore the integrity and value of these events for both vendors and dealerships by reevaluating the function of speaking engagements and social activities and reinforcing the significance of innovation and learning. For the auto industry to continue expanding and succeeding, research and studies based on trade fairs highlight the need for a renewed emphasis on education, innovation, and technology.

 

Observations for Development:

Several suggestions might be taken into consideration in order to raise the caliber and worth of trade exhibits in the automotive industry:

 

1. Establish precise rules for speaking engagements: Trade show organizers should place a high priority on providing impartial, educational, and informative lectures. This can be accomplished by establishing rules that prioritize high-quality material and forbid presentations that are merely disguised sales pitches.

 

2. Encourage the display of innovation and technology: Trade show organizers should concentrate on luring fresh and creative businesses to exhibit their goods and services. Dealerships would profit from being exposed to cutting-edge technologies and solutions in this way.

 

3. Establish stricter guidelines for after-show gatherings: restricting attendance to dealership owners at after-show gatherings can help keep the focus on networking and learning. This will make sure that the money spent on these events is used wisely and helps the dealerships expand and succeed.

 

4. Promote collaboration and knowledge-sharing: Facilitating seminars and sessions for knowledge-sharing can promote collaboration among professionals in the industry, encouraging the exchange of concepts and best practices that can advance the sector.

 

5. Assess trade show effectiveness: Ongoing evaluations and comments from attendees can assist trade show organizers in pinpointing areas that need improvement and in making sure that the events continue to be worthwhile and pertinent for all attendees.  Only restricted parties can make this work. The personnel at the dealership will undoubtedly describe the event as amazing if all they did was have a party and consume alcohol.

 

By putting these suggestions into practice, we can fight to restore the credibility and worth of trade fairs in the automotive industry and make sure that they truly serve both suppliers and dealerships. The sustained expansion and prosperity of the automobile sector will be aided by a renewed emphasis on technology, innovation, and education.

How YouTube Can Promote Car Sales

Serving customers when they enter your dealership is no longer enough to successfully sell automobiles; you also need to advertise your existence and the reasons why you deserve their patronage.

 

One way to achieve this is to post videos to YouTube. The platform is not only well-liked, but it’s also among the most economical ways to reach a sizable customer base.

 

Here are some excellent justifications for and strategies for using YouTube to increase your auto sales:

 

Wide Range

 

There is no denying that YouTube is popular all across the world. In fact, after Google and Facebook, it receives the third-highest number of visits. It ranks behind Google as the second-largest search engine.

 

Over one billion people watch YouTube each month, so it’s ideal to be in front of that key age group of 18 to 34. This is due to the fact that YouTube videos will reach this demographic in the United States more than all of the cable networks now in operation put together.

 

You’ll have a higher chance of publicizing your dealership by reaching such a large audience. And by doing that, you’ll increase website traffic that could turn into paying clients.

 

Searchability

 

It’s fantastic that your YouTube videos might be watched by such a large audience. However, you must first be discovered by individuals. Fortunately, having movies on this site will increase your Google visibility. You will be aware that search results are more than just written articles if you have ever used this search engine. They are also maps, pictures, and naturally, movies.

 

Videos are equally as crucial to Google as text-only web pages. For instance, if you typed “used cars for sale” into Google, you would receive about 780 million results. When you select the videos tab, you can get over 47 million results. If you already have a YouTube search open, using the same “used cars for sale” phrase will return nearly two million results.

 

Given these statistics, it’s understandable to assume that your videos will get lost in the crowd. However, by making your YouTube channel more effective, you may improve your presence. Simply modify or amend the following:

 

  • Name of the channel

  • channel art and icons

  • Channel description Keywords

To connect all of your sites and give your dealership more credibility online, you should also include links to your verified website and social media accounts.

 

Developing the Proper Content

You must create material that is pertinent to your business because you are aware that YouTube is viewed by millions of individuals.

 

You can generate a variety of videos, including these.

 

  • video testimonials

  • FAQ videos for auto reviews and comparisons

You may establish yourself as an industry thought leader by having the appropriate material. Customers prefer to turn to an authority when they are looking into purchasing a new vehicle. As a result, trust will grow, and you’ll eventually win their business.

 

Learn More About Auto Sales on YouTube

 

As you can see, YouTube has a lot of potential as a tool for marketing cars. The YouTube videos we produce at SimpSocial will captivate your viewers and convey an engaging message.

Aligning Sales & Marketing

Professionals in marketing use the term “Smarketing” to describe the deliberate coordination of their marketing and sales operations. This process alignment is essential to ensure that both teams are using the same criteria for success and goal-setting. But how does that actually manifest itself in daily life? That is what we are here to talk about.

 

Promoting Business Through Sales and Marketing Cooperation

 

If your company wants to increase monthly sales by a certain percentage, there are other ways to reach that objective besides merely having your sales crew work more. After all, a wide range of factors, including seasonality, life events, everyday weather, sports activity, and even each and every customer’s emotional condition, have an impact on in-store sales.

 

And while your sales team might be adept at overcoming each of these obstacles, they might not be able to do so in some circumstances, such as when your company is (a) brand-new, (b) recently relocated, (c) introducing a new service, etc. The marketing team may step in at that point and actually make a difference.

 

Marketing and sales collaborate closely.

Here’s an illustration: Imagine that you run a fruit stall by the side of the road. Fresh oranges are being sold in the dead of winter. It is in high demand, the product is fantastic, and no one else is selling it, so it is a successful strategy. However, you won’t likely make many sales if no one knows that you’re selling this fantastic item.

 

Let’s imagine you have a huge sign that reads, “Fresh, Juicy Oranges” and has a large image; you’ll probably see a lot of customers! Your sales team can then enter to make an upsell, add on the juicers you have in store, and encourage customer loyalty to keep them coming back the following week.

 

Your marketing and sales departments must collaborate in order for you to be successful. When did your marketing and sales teams last get together? Do they follow a coordinated strategy?

 

Aligning Sales & Marketing Efforts

It’s not always easy to see how the two interact, but if both teams are in sync, it becomes very clear. Having monthly meetings when the marketing team and sales managers are present is one way to do this.

 

You’ll brainstorm fantastic ideas about how to advertise your company together. Your sales staff has an intimate understanding of your customer base, whilst your marketing team has access to all the data. and they can develop a successful plan of action together.

 

How to Match Marketing Activities with Sales Objectives

Making sure that your major sales are working as hard as possible by utilizing clever marketing strategies to maximize your return on investment is a terrific way to align the two activities. For instance, if you were getting ready for a major spring sale, the marketing team would think it would be a wonderful idea to take advantage of it by advertising it through multiple channels.

How to Involve Your Staff in Your Social Media Strategy

You must start imagining fresh, cutting-edge ways to communicate your brand’s message as individuals (especially younger generations, like millennials), who are more hardened to advertising, become more and more apathetic to it.  According to studies, as social media usage increases, people are turning less to advertisements and more to the views and experiences of their peers when making decisions, particularly about purchases.  Utilizing your own staff to spread your brand messages is a simple way to profit from this trend.

 

 Instead of being perceived by many people as being untrustworthy or only interested in making a sale, your staff is respected experts among their peers.  If your audience doesn’t feel like they are being marketed to but rather informed by a reliable source, they will be more likely to read your message.  Because the opinions of your employees are genuine and credible among their peers and acquaintances, developing a message that they wish to spread will greatly expand the pool of prospective customers for your business. When compared to the same messages sent via the official brand social channels, brand messages were shared by employees 561% more widely. When employees spread brand messages instead of the brand itself, they are shared 24 times more frequently.

 

What To Do First

 

You’ve probably already recognized how crucial it is to include your employees in your social media strategy after hearing these startling numbers, so allow us to provide you with some advice on how to get started.

 

Create A Program With Incentives

 

Create a program that pays employees for providing information about the business; it doesn’t have to be elaborate or difficult. Asking staff members to submit photos of team gatherings (team breakfasts, parties, or trade exhibits) so that your marketing team may share them on the company’s official pages for public exposure could be an easy way to start.  Giving out monthly awards to the staff members that participate in the company’s social media initiatives the most is a fantastic alternative.

Give a centralized communication tool

To communicate updates with your staff, use a private Facebook group, an email list, or a group messaging app like Slack or Yammer. These tools are fantastic for ensuring that everyone is on the same page and effectively reflecting the brand.  Your employees will feel more invested in the business and more involved if you post updates frequently on these channels. They will also have greater freedom to choose whatever issues they feel are significant enough to discuss with their networks of friends.

Spotlight Personnel

This one is related to a program with incentives. You can inspire others to strive for recognition by openly praising staff members on social media.  Additionally, regardless of how big or small your business is, this is a fantastic method to boost morale and foster teamwork. Tag that employee in the post to get visibility to their audience as well, which is another simple approach to boosting engagement.

Get together with your team and decide the best methods. You can start incorporating them into your marketing plan right away now that you are aware of why your employees are so crucial to your strategy and that you are aware of some initial recommendations.

 

First Step: Make sure your brand and culture are accurately portrayed so that both the company’s official platforms and those of your employees are delivering a consistent message. This is the first step in involving your employees in your company’s social strategy.

 

Download our free Ultimate Social Media Checklist to help you strengthen your current strategy and increase your social presence if you want to make the most of your social media presence.

Remain SimpSocial!

3 Challenges Your Financial Company Has to Face

— AS WELL AS WHY INTEGRATED MARKETING CAN HELP FIX THEM

Risk is not unusual in the financial sector. So why are you sticking to the same disjointed, out-of-date marketing approach from five, ten, or fifteen years ago just to be safe?

 

The special issues facing the banking sector call for some inventive solutions. Your marketing approach must be in line with your company’s objectives if you want to remain competitive in the face of rising customer expectations, governmental scrutiny, and competition from tech companies.

 

Here are three urgent issues that your financial organization is facing, and how integrating your marketing strategy can address them:

 

Are You Prepared for Millennials, Mobile Devices, and Your Marketing Strategy?

I hardly ever visit banks. Instead, I utilize banking applications, like the majority of millennials, to do things like check my account balance, put $5 into savings, and send money to my roommates when we share pizza on Friday nights.

 

Some may think of me as simply another twenty-something managing the complexities of personal finance. To be competitive, financial marketers must be aware of a bigger trend that is illustrated by my online and mobile banking behaviors.

 

Integrate Yourself Across All Platforms.

The Fed reports that 67% of millennials use mobile banking, and more people than ever are utilizing personal finance applications and websites. A marketing approach that is exclusively optimized for desktops won’t cut it anymore because your clients are actively using their smartphones for everything from budgeting to investing.

 

However, outside of banking, mobile usage is increasing, accounting for 52.7% of all internet traffic in 2016. Given that we are in the era of smartphone, financial marketers must be careful about how their material is shown on mobile devices.

 

Integrating not only guarantees consistency in branding and voice but also produces fantastic user experiences across iOS, Android, and other platforms.  This contributes to providing value to your clients and keeps your financial organization one step ahead of the competition.

 

Tap Millennials into Your Strategy Integration.

Only 27% of millennials, according to a study published by the George Washington University School of Business, seek expert financial advice on investing and saving. Furthermore, even though 31% of all millennials have multiple sources of long-term debt that are still unpaid, only 12% of them reportedly sought professional debt management help.

 

The financial industry has historically mistreated millennials, despite the fact that they endure more severe economic hardships than Baby Boomers and Gen Xers (shout out to college debt!). This means that there is a huge opportunity for financial institutions to serve millennials, and you may reach this demographic by integrating your marketing campaign across platforms and devices.

 

When I remark that millennials are a generation that is “literally glued to our smartphones,” I believe I can speak for all of them. Whether we’re using our phones, tablets, or PCs, becoming connected with customer-focused messaging that resonates across platforms will help attract and retain customers in our demographic.

 

Consistent Marketing Messages Creation

 

Because modern consumers are always connected to technology, they demand more than just a smooth brand experience. They count on it.

 

In light of this, your business should think about a range of marketing strategies, including social media advertising, inbound content marketing, and search engine optimization.

 

By integrating your marketing strategy, you can make sure that your institution’s goals are reflected in your messaging and branding across all platforms and channels. In the intensely competitive environment of the financial sector, you may reach more individuals with a single, consistent message.

 

By working with a fully integrated ad agency like SimpSocial, you can be sure that your prospects are receiving a single, concise message. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about managing several vendors, which can result in fragmentation, because everything from PPC to creative is handled in-house. Working with a single integrated agency also guarantees that everyone is focused on your company’s objectives rather than vying for the largest share of your marketing budget.

 

Kick-Start Step for SimpSocial: What sets your financial institution apart from the competition? What do customers appreciate about your business? When establishing an integrated marketing strategy, ask yourself these queries. Create compelling messaging that connects with your audience using the answers you come up with.

 

Making Interesting Financial Content

 

Your job as a financial marketer is to create a fresh message that connects across all marketing channels in a world where banks consistently produce the same boring information.

 

You cannot copy what others are doing and expect to stand out. Instead, you need a comprehensive plan that combines interesting, instructive content to humanize your business.

 

Use Integrated Marketing to Create Memorable Stories.

 

Forget for a moment about numbers and statistics. The perception that finance is dull and difficult to understand can be dispelled by using an integrated narrative strategy.

 

People adore tales. A compelling narrative helps humanize your business across all of your channels, including your blog, social media, and newsletter, especially if your industry has a reputation for being dry. However, you must first establish messaging consistency for each channel. Following that, use content to inform rather than pitch your audience.

 

Be NerdWallet-like.

 

NerdWallet, a personal finance website, excels at educating its audience, particularly on its blog, which employs informative, interesting content to instruct readers about everything from credit cards to student loans.

 

NerdWallet’s brand is consistent across all channels, including Instagram and Twitter, in addition to having excellent content. This expands the audience for NerdWallet and demonstrates that financial content doesn’t have to be dry. You can establish yourself as a thought leader in the finance sector and create a brand that clients can trust by using a similar comprehensive strategy.

 

Make It Rain Now by Integrating Right Away!

 

Partnering with an integrated agency is an investment your financial institution can rely on in a sector where taking risks is the norm.

 

SimpSocial is a fully integrated company that combines cutting-edge tactics and technological innovations to support organizations in the financial sector in overcoming obstacles. As your strategic partner, SimpSocial will make sure your marketing initiatives are in line with your company’s goals in order to help you reach your target market and draw in new clients.

 

Would you like to integrate with SimpSocial? Let’s have a conversation.

How to Connect with Potential Car Buyers

Nowadays, purchasing a car involves a little more than simply walking into a dealership, perusing the stock, and leaving satisfied.

 

In this increasingly digital era, it’s critical to understand how to interact with potential automobile customers. For some advice on how to stand out and inform potential clients, keep reading.

 

It’s Important to Have Access to Information

 

These days, there is a ton of information available online. Even though your dealership may already have a website, take a moment to consider its usability and design. Is it simple to read the information? Is it educational? Do the drop-downs have a clear purpose, and are they organized well?

 

Let’s look at some useful features a dealer’s website ought to have to attract potential customers.

 

Vehicle evaluations: Whether a customer is new to the dealership or has previously owned several vehicles from the brand you represent, it’s likely that the lineup has changed and new features have been added. A car review summarizes a car’s specifications, interior features, and other details.

 

Comparisons: Nowadays, a lot of drivers conduct research, but they want to be aware of their options before going to a dealership. Comparing vehicles, either between brands or within the same brand, is one way to do this. By giving drivers vehicle comparisons, they can evaluate an automobile on their own.

 

Resources that are easily accessible: According to AutoTrader, 72% of drivers prefer to fill out the credit application and associated finance documentation online. This tool should be accessible online, along with others like a trade-in value calculator and a payment calculator.

 

Social Media Usage

 

It makes sense to sign up for and be active on TikTok and Facebook, given their continued rise in popularity. But what should you do when you’re actually behind the wheel?

 

Utilize these options to let clients know about forthcoming activities you may be hosting, such as barbecues in the summer or coat drives in the winter. Customers should be informed on social media when a new model is introduced or the pre-owned inventory has just been expanded. It’s a simple method to connect with people and advertise your company.

 

Effectively Engage Your Customers

 

Being able to communicate and interact with potential car customers is crucial. SimpSocial can develop an integrated marketing plan that meets your needs. We anticipate hearing from you. Call us right away!

Do you bore your audience?

Advice on Keeping Your Blog Interesting and Fresh

 

It’s not as difficult as you might believe to gain new readers to subscribe to your blog and draw in consumers. You might be boring your audience, though, if you’ve observed decreased engagement, fewer followers, or a general lack of interest in your postings. Readers of today are readily persuaded by what you write and how you write, and they won’t think twice before clicking that dreaded button.

 

Recognize Your Audience

 

Identifying your target audience is the first step in creating a great blog post. No matter what industry you work in, there are people who are not just curious to learn more but are also actively looking for the services you provide to address an issue they are currently experiencing. You want to “wow” them, but refrain from bragging. Simply engage them with entertaining and educational content, and act as the approachable solution they seek.

 

Create Regular Posts

 

It not only helps you grow your audience, but it positions you as a voice that people are truly interested in when they have a fresh post to read every few days. People will start to lose interest and move on if you don’t publish a fresh blog post. Establish a posting schedule to keep up with demand.

 

Interested Readers

 

One of the reasons you blog is to increase engagement, so take advantage of the opportunity to engage with your readers by addressing any queries and leaving comments. If a reader is aware that you’re there to offer information not covered in the piece, they are more likely to stick around and suggest your site to others.

 

Change the way you phrase your sentences.

 

Many writers prefer concise sentences. They are simple to compose. In that manner, Hemingway wrote. However, using too many brief sentences will harm your blog. You should switch things up. Is this passage not boring?

 

Short sentences might actually annoy your readers because they give them too many opportunities to pause, glance at other open tabs, or get up from their computers. Your readers will be more engaged in your writing if you blend longer, more complicated phrases with brief ones.

 

Keep your sentences brief.

 

Unbelievably, most material is read on smartphones. Smaller paragraphs on your blog are a result of smaller screens. Like a door handle during flu season, long paragraphs are typically avoided, especially when they are displayed on a small screen. A reader may swiftly leave a long wall of text in order to save their thumbs from the strain of having to scroll past the next subhead.

 

Create Content That Stands Out

It’s always excellent to be a new and distinct island in the unending digital sea, regardless of whether you’re in a crowded industry or one of a few in a unique firm. To really communicate your points and keep your blog engaging and functional, write a story, publish lists, or upload entertaining infographics. Readers will return if your content continues to be intriguing, unique, entertaining, and engaging, and your audience will expand.

 

It’s time to put the tools to use now that you have them. Publish a brief, entertaining, interesting, and original blog post to observe how your readers react. Answer their queries and remarks, and provide them with further details and explanations. To find out more advice on attracting readers to your site, get in touch with us.

CRO Testing: Allow Users to Help You Enhance Your Website

What does the website for your company primarily serve?

 

You want to increase the number of visitors who become paying clients so that you can make money, right?

 

Collecting their website clicks is one of the most crucial phases in bringing these potential consumers into your sales funnel. Visitors are more likely to convert if they click more often. Therefore, one of the main objectives of digital marketing is to optimize every little detail of your website in order to promote more clicking and, consequently, increase the number of conversions into actual paying consumers.

 

Describe CRO.

 

We refer to this as CRO, or conversion rate optimization. Your conversion rate will increase the more parts of your website you test, keeping the ones that work the best. Testing headlines, colors, calls to action, and other choices are recommended.

 

Do you want to know how a CRO test may make your site better? Chat with me!

 

Let’s examine a case in point. In this traditional A/B test, we examine many iterations of the same site piece to see which generates the most conversions.

 

On a vehicle dealer’s inventory page, this is the primary call-to-action button that we are examining. “Conversion” is defined as clicking this button to send a form asking for more details about the car.

 

The initial button is blue and says, “Click for a Custom Quote.” The second button next to it says, “Appraise your trade-in.”

 

To determine which version generates the most conversions, we will test the original against two alternatives.

 

Since there are fewer options to click on, we start by changing the button with the copy “Send Me Today’s Best Price” and deleting the “appraise your trade-in” button, which we know from agency experience performs well on car dealer websites. This will be the initial iteration.

 

The second version is the same as the first, except the button is colored green instead of the other colors found on the website, making it stand out more.

 

To test all of the buttons at once, each of these variations will be distributed to randomly chosen website users. Testing at a different time or day prevents the data from being distorted.

 

We can select the top button and permanently add it to the website after one of the variations significantly boosts conversions to the degree of statistical certainty we want.

 

The CRO Test’s Findings

We have gathered enough information after a few weeks to choose a winner. The variations’ conversion rates are as follows:

 

Initial: 88%

Send Me the Best Price for Today: Blue: 89%

Send Me the Best Price for Today: Green: 91%

We can be confident that the green button is the best option because it has the highest conversion rate and a statistical confidence level of 99%. We will therefore permanently add this button to the website.

 

allowing users to improve your website

The best thing about CRO testing is that it removes the need for you to rely just on intuition; instead, your website visitors will tell you which version of the site they prefer, providing you the opportunity to immediately address their needs and convert them into paying customers.

 

Although you might like the blue button, more paying clients will choose the green button, which will ultimately boost your revenue. Just consider the amount of money you would eventually lose if you just used the original button variation.

PPC Techniques for Businesses with Multiple Locations

PPC can create a whole new set of difficulties that a company with a single location would not have to worry about if they were to run separate PPC ads for each location. You run the danger of overspending on PPC traffic and getting less-than-desirable outcomes if you disregard these issues in your PPC approach.

 

We at SimpSocial collaborate with a variety of vehicle dealership groups, many of whom have several locations adjacent to one another. Here are a few methods we frequently use to manage PPC for these multi-location companies.

 

Targeting by Coordinated Location

 

You should make every effort to avoid displaying a PPC ad in more than one place simultaneously on the search engine results page (SERP). When two different ads for the same company appear, but each one is for a different place, it signifies that those two locations are competing with one another on Google for a click. They are raising the cost of each click by bidding against each other, which will cut down on the number of clicks they can afford.

 

Determine which business location’s ads will control which cities/zip codes if you have many locations close to one another. This can be achieved by taking into account how close those cities or zip codes are to the business’s location and by examining the source of each location’s sales. PPC allows users to target specific geographic areas by zip code, city, county, region, state, or even by establishing a radius around an address. At SimpSocial, we favor targeting by zip code because it enables us to keep track of results for localized locations. Additionally, we use radius targeting as a “catch-all” strategy when Google is unable to determine a user’s zip code.

 

Create a single website for a shared used car inventory.

This one is special to auto dealerships, but it might also be relevant to some other sectors. A shared group site can help you avoid competing with yourself on the SERP for used vehicle search queries if you have many locations that share a used vehicle inventory.

 

You can run one PPC account to eliminate conflicting advertising across places and to expose all of your available inventory to a customer in one area, giving them more options to choose from, by creating a group site that contains the group’s used inventory.

 

Use location-specific advertising copy.

 

By including the location name in the ad copy and using location extensions to display your address in the ad, you can make it clear which place you are advertising for.

 

To manage PPC across all business locations, use a single PPC vendor.

By using a single PPC vendor, the PPC specialist(s) assigned to your account can ensure that the advertising for each location of your business has little to no overlap and that your own PPC efforts aren’t being wasted. By using the same vendor for all business locations, consistent reporting will be possible, resulting in more informative data that can be utilized to evaluate performance between locations. It can be challenging to compare the outcomes of one of your locations to those of another because each digital marketing firm utilizes a different reporting technology and may monitor results in a different way.

 

When you have many locations, developing a comprehensive PPC strategy can reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction by making it simpler for customers to locate you and the one that is closest to them.

 

Let’s talk if you have any questions or would like to know more about managing PPC for your multi-location firm.

Can Traditional PR and Digital PR Coexist?

Describe PR. The goals of a public relations professional should be to manage the firm’s reputation by communicating with the public on its behalf and handling internal corporate events that occur. These indispensable people have existed for as long as a business has existed. There are numerous new changes in the field of public relations as the digital age enters its formative but encroaching adult years, but are there also any parallels? This comparison of traditional PR vs. digital PR covers everything.

 

The Principles of PR

 

Press releases and business events were both parts of old-school, or “traditional,” public relations, and each was a crucial component of the strategy. In the past, a PR expert would frequently contact the local TV stations, newspaper editors, and radio personalities using a Rolodex that they kept on their desks. At least once a month, they would communicate with these sources. Additionally, it was their responsibility to tell the public about the company’s location and other pertinent facts. For each event involving the company, a press release would be created and distributed to the media using this kind of material.

 

The last section of reputation management, crisis management, or public relations is likely the most remembered. This covers remarks made both favorably and unfavorably about the business, a worker, or the sector as a whole. Consider this: I’m sure a few businesses had something to say about cigarettes being dangerous for you back when someone boasted about it.

 

The Role of PR in the digital age

Modern society relies heavily on digital technology. visiting with friends? On your phone, text them money to pay the check. Want a ride? You can quickly call a car online. Discover the shoes you must have. You can order them from your phone, check them out online, and choose from five different color options.

 

For PR professionals, “digital” refers to an organization’s online presence, particularly in terms of controlling that presence to ensure that the public isn’t using outdated or inaccurate information.

 

A recent development in the PR industry, search engine optimization (SEO), has quickly established itself as a starter. The major goals of SEO include improving search engine rankings (such as those on Google), establishing a varied backlink profile, and raising brand awareness in local communities. This has given agencies a significant new arrow in their quiver of digital marketing tools.

 

The majority of the PR component of SEO involves managing a company’s or client’s brand and making sure that the web content establishes a consistent and accurate presence. False or inaccurate information is detrimental to any company, so digital PR specialists need to be aware of it.

 

Is there a distinction?

You can see how similar the concepts of traditional PR and internet PR are. The practice of creating and managing a company’s public presence through news releases and outreach has been made possible thanks to the public relations of the past. The basics that have been developed over the years in public relations may teach digital PR a lot.

 

Consider a time 40 years ago when a business hosted or sponsored a function. To spread the word, a newspaper ad or possibly a press release would be placed. Today, the same event would simply have a different medium, like a Facebook post or an online magazine advertisement.

 

Public relations has always been essential to running a business, and in the rapidly evolving digital age, it will require more improvisation than ever.

Understand Your Buyers: What Consumers Look for Before Making a Purchase

You believe your product is excellent. It is the best of the best. However, there is always a potential opponent on the other end, namely the client.

 

Regardless of whether a customer makes a purchase in person or online, it is always important to keep in mind what they are looking for. But how do you succeed and make sure your firm is successful? Knowing what customers want before they buy is useful.

 

Reputation is always important.

 

Potential clients are continually thinking about your company’s reputation. These could be returning clients or brand-new ones who have never done business with you before. Customers will look up reviews of your company online, where they can naturally find a large number of them. This implies that the daily interactions you have with consumers in person could eventually result in stories being recounted online.

 

Remember that a negative review doesn’t have to be awful if it’s constructive and honest; customers will discover that it provides context. Make sure all of your interactions with customers and communications with them are kind, straightforward, and customized.

 

What Sources of Information Are Used?

 

Before making a purchase, consumers will conduct their own research. This includes using your firm’s website, speaking with a salesperson or other in-person company representative, or even having a face-to-face discussion with a friend, family member, or another individual who has previously held the position they are applying for.

 

A widely used method of gathering information prior to purchasing is asking someone for advice. But it’s also important to make sure your internet presence is current and useful. Your website needs to be updated frequently with new content that highlights the newest goods and services. By creating content, you may increase the number of people who find you and grow your business. Of course, face-to-face communication is still crucial.

 

Link Up With Your Clients

 

Before making a significant purchase, consumers need to feel knowledgeable. You can get assistance from SimpSocial to build a marketing presence online that works for you. To find out more about how we can improve your customer interactions, get in touch with us right away.

Our Favorite Coffee Shops in Philadelphia, PA

The next time you need a caffeine boost, you don’t have to be content with generic coffee from a big-chain store. There are many locally owned small businesses in Philadelphia, including coffee shops.

 

When we go down in the afternoon, our Philadelphia office has chosen a few of our favorite locations to go to. Look it up!

 

Facebook: GreenStreet Coffee

 

GreenStreet Coffee is a locally owned and operated coffee shop that is dedicated to sustainability and ethical business methods. It is situated on the corner of 11th and Spruce Streets in Midtown.

 

The shop’s original owners, Chris and Tom, are still employed today. They aim to retain a presence in the neighborhood and create a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

 

Customers are welcome to create their own brewing recipes, and every ingredient is carefully obtained and sustainably chosen.

 

Coffee Elixr | Facebook

 

The Philadelphia region is home to three different Elixr sites, all of which originally opened their doors in 2010. With its distinctive roasting and sourcing methods employing hand-selected ingredients from throughout the globe, this business stands out from the competition. The mildly roasted flavor of an Elixir cup of coffee is its distinguishing characteristic.

 

You may see the newest works of local artists on display at every Elixr outlet if you enter. Elixr, which also functions as an art gallery, is dedicated to supporting emerging artists in the Philadelphia region.

 

Coffee LaColombe | Facebook

 

LaColombe keeps expanding its presence across the nation and building a solid reputation for itself. LaColombe is a mainstay in the Philadelphia neighborhood and is renowned for its inventive recipes and ethically sourced ingredients. The flagship store, which is in the center of Fishtown, is a sight to behold. Owners JP and Todd have taken over the structure, an old warehouse. The two transformed the area into a full-service coffee shop and mini distillery. Try the draft latte, which is its claim to fame.

 

Purchase a coffee in Philadelphia.

 

Try out our suggestions the next time you’re in Philadelphia if you want to try a new coffee shop, and let us know what you think!

How to Write Informative and Entertaining Blog Posts

You must choose a goal for your blog before you start writing. If the goal is to inform readers, you must determine whether they will find the information valuable or informative.

 

Additionally, you should ensure that your work will be time-effective for the reader. Make every word count because, for people, time is everything.

 

Understand Your Market

You need to decide who your blog is now that you know why you’re writing it.

 

According to an old proverb, “If you try to please everyone, you’ll end up pleasing no one.” As a result, you must identify your ideal client, which you may achieve by developing a buyer persona.

 

Your tone and message will be more precise and concentrated once you’ve done that.

 

Make it your own.

It’s fantastic to produce instructional materials. However, your readers ultimately want to get a feel of who you are. In doing so, you can show that you’re both relatable and a thought leader in your industry.

 

To keep your readers interested, keep your tone informal. Avoid seeming robotic by taking the following actions:

 

To address the reader, use “you.”

Pose queries to elicit thoughts from the reader.

To make your postings more vibrant, use metaphors.

By using these suggestions, you’ll sound more genuine and can start building trust with your audience.

 

Create Relationships

Regularly producing interesting and educational content can help you establish a connection with your readers. They will continue to seek you out if they have confidence in your knowledge. In the future, they’ll be more likely to employ your services as well.

 

Connect with your audience now.

As you can see, a good blog can educate readers while still keeping their attention. Contact SimpSocial Companies right now to get started if you’re prepared to share your material with the online community.

So, why is it important to engage in social listening?

Participating in social listening is crucial for maintaining and managing your reputation. I’m not referring to reviews on Dealer.com, Google My Business, or even Facebook. I’m referring to the discussions your customers engage in when they believe no one is listening. You can learn the most about how your customers view your brand when you aren’t labeled specifically or when there is a discussion about your brand that isn’t meant to be engaged with.

 

What are your social listening strategies?

No matter the size of your business or the goods or services you provide, social listening is something you ought to do. This can range from cost-effective software that enables you to search for material using your brand name, services, goods, or even hashtags that are pertinent to your business to free techniques like setting up a Google Alert to track your online presence.

 

How you may take advantage of this:

 

A micro-influencer who has really expressed their appreciation for your products and is a fan may exist. This may be confusing in all of your mentions, which would result in you missing a fantastic cooperation opportunity.

Social listening can be used in a variety of ways to snoop on your rivals. This might assist you in identifying any characteristics or services that your rivals’ clients might find lacking or desirable. This can also keep you informed about prospective buyer personas that you might not have yet completely exploited.

Adding to point two, imagine that you work for a national towing company and that your social listening includes phrases like “flat tire” and “dead battery.” Then you can locate those who require your service immediately and provide them with a discount or perhaps a free service. Something along the lines of “Flat tires are rough.” Likewise, renting a tow truck Give us a free ride so we can at least make this horrible scenario a little better! Call us and reference this tweet when you do so.

How do you determine whether to participate or simply listen?

When someone has a flat tire or a dead battery, as those are smaller, less critical issues, you might wish to intervene. A promotion may seem tacky if there was a significant accident or anything more serious, though.

 

Only you and your company can decide where the line must be drawn. For some people, responding to every post could be a good idea, but for others, it might come across as spammy and desperate. Equally crucial is knowing when to join a social conversation involving your rival. Will trying to enter with a sarcastic remark like Wendy’s on social media be kitschy? Or will it appear insincere and fail, provoking a negative response?

 

Are you prepared to start a discussion about social management and listening online? Chat with me!

What Can Inbound and Content Marketing Do for Your Business?

Inbound and content marketing were specialized tactics that were only employed by the most progressive ad agencies and marketing companies less than ten years ago. These strategies are now components of almost every sound company plan. So… How may these methods assist you in achieving your business objectives?

 

Hold on. What exactly is inbound and content marketing?

 

Let’s go over some definitions first, though, before we continue. A subset of inbound marketing, known as content marketing, is concerned with producing and disseminating outstanding material. Inbound marketing is a collection of techniques that aid in attracting visitors to your website and converting them into leads and, ideally, customers.

 

The inbound process consists of three main components. An overview of each tool is provided below:

 

Advertisements, blog articles, social media updates, and efficient content creation are all methods of attracting visitors.

 

Email blitzes, conversation AIs (yes, you read that correctly), lead management strategies, etc.

Coordination between the sales and service teams, memorable content, and more for customer delight

There are two factors that will determine success in content development in particular: quality and frequency.

 

Using Inbound and Content to Advance Your Business

After going through the fundamentals, let’s address the main query: How might these tools benefit you?

 

The basic tenet of all inbound and content marketing initiatives is that your product or service is currently needed by someone out there. This is the perfect client for you, and your company has the perfect answer for them. All you have to do is get in touch right now because they’re already looking for you!

 

In light of that, the following are some justifications for why your company requires inbound and content marketing:

 

You may reach a wider audience because everyone is constantly looking for interesting, helpful, and educational material online. If that’s what your website offers, they’ll undoubtedly find it eventually.

Matching leads to the appropriate content is a key component of the inbound marketing strategy. Your leads should receive the relevant kind of material or engagement depending on where they are in the buying process.

 

Collaboration between sales and marketing is possible when an inbound strategy is properly implemented. This implies that your marketers are aware of the crucial needs of your customers, which they may communicate to the sales team.

 

A focus on the needs of the consumer in business Customers are the cause of your success, therefore, you want to make sure you have a customer-focused approach to everything you do, explains Jennica Torio (one of the inbound and content gurus). Let’s face it, if your clients’ demands are completely met, everyone wins.

 

To add inbound content to your toolbox, get in touch with the SimpSocial team!

Trust us, we understand. It takes a lot of labor to create content, optimize it, post it, manage your leads, and attempt to increase sales. For this reason, we implore you to contact SimpSocial so that we can do the labor-intensive tasks. And if you need any other information, visit www.simpsocial.com / SimpSocial (888) 829-1110

Blog for approval – SEO Urban Legends

Google, Bing, and other search engine algorithms are kept a well-guarded secret, which is the beauty of search engine optimization. Testing various theories on their own websites or reading stolen information from Google staff are some methods by which marketers might determine what is successful or unsuccessful. It’s crucial to share certain notions that have been debunked as “SEO myths” by algorithm upgrades and penalties so that your company doesn’t suffer on the SERPs.

 

Myth: My page will rank #1 if I use all of my keywords on it.

 

One of the SEO myths we hear the most is this one. According to this notion, you can obtain the top organic rank if you list every single one of your keywords on your site. This may have been effective during the early days of the search. Semantic search, however, has been perfected by Google and other search engines. Semantic search is the practice of determining the relevance of a search query’s context in order to produce a more thorough and detailed collection of webpage listings. Because of this, keyword stuffing is recognized by search engine crawlers, which is evident in your poor rankings.

 

Myth: I will rank well as long as my content is good.

 

“Content is king!” is a phrase we frequently hear. Yes, your content should be educational, easy to read, and provide the information your visitors need. Your content’s format is becoming more and more important, though. Since featured snippets and quick answers have been introduced, there is a specific way to format your information such that it will fit neatly into a snippet. The easiest way to decide how your blog or landing page should be designed is to look at what is currently ranked for that position and use the Google-approved layout.

 

Myth: If I blog regularly, my SEO will be good.

 

Adding pages to your website will undoubtedly increase its natural visibility. You can have a passable SEO program depending on the caliber of your material, the strategy of your keywords and inbound links, and the frequency of how you post. The ranking method, however, takes a great deal more into account. During algorithm upgrades, factors including site speed, picture alt text, inbound and outbound links, and more are all taken into account. Even if you are producing material frequently, if your website has numerous technical issues and a disorganized layout, you may soon find yourself on page 10 of Google.

 

Myth: If I have SEO, I don’t need paid search.

 

We are all aware that paid search (PPC) and SEO are two entirely different types of marketing. If there are four ads at the top of the SERPs, how can you be the first organic ranking for any query relating to your business? On desktop screens, the mere existence of ads sends organic results halfway down the page, and it seems even further on mobile devices. Depending on the level of SEM competition right now, running sponsored search advertising for specific keywords may occasionally be necessary. Additionally, your company can occasionally be holding a promotion or sale where you require instant online exposure. You should launch a PPC campaign for these kinds of keywords. Consider PPC as a sprint, and SEO as a marathon. You could wish to run another marketing channel in addition to your SEO if you need visibility right now.

 

Myth: The happier you are, the more backlinks there are.

Having as many backlinks as you could at the time of black-hat SEO methods was a way to boost your SEO. Google and other search engines have surpassed that in modern times. Make sure you’re concentrating on quality rather than quantity of backlinks. Focus on creating genuine collaborations and guest blogging for other websites instead of building spammy or purchased links, which are discouraged in organic search.

 

Myth vs. Reality

 

Although there are numerous SEO misconceptions, the ones mentioned above are some of the most prevalent right now. What can we learn from disproving these theories? There are numerous factors considered during the ranking process. Find out what those factors are and strategically use them.

 

SimpSocial is a full-service company that can help you grow your business. We provide numerous packages across the U.S.

The Secrets to Great Content

In a single day, the average person views 4,000 to 10,000 ads. What does that entail for you and your company, then? You want to make sure that your advertisement stands out from the sea of advertisements that your audience sees every day due to its sheer volume.

 

Fortunately, doing that only requires applying a few techniques that will turn the generic copy of your company into something special.

 

You only need to take a moment to read this primer on the secrets of effective content, which was written by the marketing experts at SimpSocial. With the help of these practical tips, you’ll learn more about what makes a piece of content motivate buyers.

 

Tip #1: Express some emotion.

Emotions are the primary determinant of decision-making in the human brain. In fact, research has proven that your buyer is more likely to purchase your goods the more emotionally impactful your content is on them.

 

Additionally, emotional advertising outperforms its less emotional rivals in terms of revenue, profit, and market share gains.

 

What does this imply for you personally? Simply put, adding a little emotion to your text will undoubtedly motivate your audience to take the desired action.

 

In order to motivate your ideal customer to buy what you’re attempting to offer, your ultimate goal is to appeal to their emotions.

 

Desire has been shown to be one of the most powerful emotions to appeal to when trying to persuade customers to choose your company.

 

One effective strategy to pique the interest of your audience is to sell an SUV in a way that illustrates how it may help parents stay on schedule and more organized.

 

Writing for Your Audience is Tip #2.

It’s crucial to make sure that every piece of content you produce is targeted toward the appropriate audience, continuing our SUV example from our first suggestion.

 

By focusing on the reader’s needs and the advantages of your product, you’re more likely to establish a personal connection with them.

 

You should alter the topics and context of your copy based on the customers who are most likely to buy the product, as opposed to creating all of your content for the same buyer.

 

This will not only make it easier for your audience to relate to the text on the page, but it will also give them the impression that your company is acutely aware of their problems. As a result, your customers will be more inclined to make a purchase, which eventually results in higher sales for your business.

 

Practice the Art of Readability, the third tip

Above all, writing in a way that is both clear and simply consumable is the best approach to connecting with your audience and inspiring them to take action.

 

One of the best ways to do this is to create content that succinctly explains the advantages of your product and how those advantages will improve your customers’ lives.

 

Furthermore, scannable information makes it easier for desktop and mobile readers to quickly understand the main points of your copy. You can use the following techniques to make your copy easier to read:

 

  • A list of bullets

  • Charts

  • concise paragraphs

  • Subheads

  • lists with numbers

 

Additionally, maintaining white space on the page gives the reader’s eye a place to rest and prevents the client from becoming overwhelmed by the volume of content. All in all, these suggestions assist you in producing marketing content that is more approachable to a range of people.

 

Discover More About the Success Factors for Content!

Now that you are completely aware of the secrets to effective content, it’s time to select a group of marketing experts who are knowledgeable about writing copy that will arouse desire and convert leads into purchases.

 

All you need to do is get in touch with SimpSocial, your fully integrated advertising agency, and ask to speak with their team of creative content marketing professionals.

 

With our assistance, you’ll begin to enjoy the advantages of content created to entertain and meet the needs of your audience. Contact our staff now to get going!

The Internet is Changing Can You Say That Your Company Is Keeping Pace?

Nowadays, the internet is a part of almost everything we do, and promoting your business is no exception. It certainly makes the most sense to make the most of the internet in order to reach the largest audience and, more crucially, your target customers. But how is it possible when the internet is evolving so quickly in front of our very eyes? This manual will teach you everything you need to know about the most recent developments on the internet and how to make the most of them to grow your business. Let’s begin by taking a quick look at the most current developments on the internet!

 

The Shortest Possible History of Internet Evolution

There is no denying that the internet is evolving. Hundreds of thousands of new online pages and ways to interact with them are added every day. About 15 years ago, internet users had to physically type their inquiries into search engines like Google and Bing while seated at a computer.

 

Later in this time period, prospective consumers and customers might conduct these searches from locations other than their home computer lair by using mobile laptops. The online procedure stayed the same, though.

 

While more than 95% of Americans have traditional cell phones, more than 80% now own and use smartphones. Around 37% of smartphone owners, according to Pew Research Center research from June 2019, “now go online mostly using a smartphone.”

 

Going where your consumers are is an age-old business strategy that is now being applied to mobile marketing. The final truth is that you must embrace mobile marketing if you want your company to remain competitive.

 

How to Win Tomorrow’s Internet Marketing Competition

Mobile marketing is currently the single most crucial factor to take into account when using Internet marketing. The likelihood that the customer you’re attempting to reach will view your website via a smartphone rather than a desktop computer has already been discussed.

 

You should optimize your website so that it appears just as excellent on a mobile device as it does on a computer in order to connect with as many potential clients and consumers as you can. Utilize these useful strategies to maximize your mobile marketing strategy:

 

Make your website responsive to mobile devices.

Your responsive website should look just as good on a tiny vertical screen as it does on a huge horizontal one. This includes formatting it so that elements like drop-down menus work properly, the font sizes are accurate, and everything is appropriately layered.

 

2. Adhere to best practices for SEO.

Search engines will function in the same manner on a desktop or laptop as they would on a smartphone, even if many of your potential customers and clients may view your company’s website from one. You should therefore continue to use local SEO best practices. To enhance traffic and your rankings, keep using “near me” content and other local keywords.

 

3. Make use of text message advertising.

While text messages are still significant and can be helpful to your plan, cell phones are made to make it easier for you to access the internet via a web browser. Smartphone users will be able to visit your mobile site right away by clicking a link in a text message.

 

4. Take into account all search types.

 

Right now, entering a query into a search engine’s search box is the most popular method of conducting a search. However, the majority of smartphones come with technological tools that can hear and understand voice commands and speech searches. By including fully formed, long-tail keyword-packed inquiries like, “Where can I get an oil change near me?” in your content, you may optimize your website for voice search.

 

A Little Help, Please, Putting a Plan Together

 

In order to help our clients achieve their full online potential, we at SimpSocial actively follow the development of the Internet. We deliver retail traffic for each and every one of our clients using a range of techniques and tactics. Want some assistance growing your company? Contact us right now!

Unfortuitously, Your Leads Are Not Just Your Leads Alone.

Due to the growing popularity of websites like Vroom and Carvana as well as the overall inventory shortage, which has forced customers to search longer online for inventory that meets their demands, consumers are spending more time buying online.

 

As a result, customers are visiting fewer dealerships in person before making a purchase. Additionally, only about a third of customers actually complete their shopping on the dealer’s website, meaning that two-thirds of customers begin and end their customer journey on a third-party website.

 

This implies that your leads are not just your leads. At least 65% of the time, customers are directly comparing your inventory, pricing, and customer service to those of your rivals.

 

Customer loyalty and lifetime value are crucial, but the leader needs to be converted into a customer first, and your dealership is in real-time competition with a number of others for the opportunity. Vin-specific leads are more focused and more likely to result in sales, but other than increasing the lead’s quality, the best strategy for capturing buyers who are considering multiple dealerships is to simply arrive first.

 

With SimpSocial, you can ensure that more customers start and complete their customer journeys in your store thanks to our lightning-quick response times and excellent appointment setup strategies.

 

Buyers who viewed numerous websites visited third-party websites first (65%) and last (58%), respectively. Additionally, dealer websites are crucial, particularly at the conclusion of the purchasing process, when 32% of auto purchasers complete their internet research.

Creating Online Trust

However, according to Autotrader’s 2023 report, 80% of shoppers are now willing to complete their purchase entirely online, and 70% say that they are more likely to buy from a dealership if they can begin the process at least in part online. Just before the pandemic, 81% of consumers surveyed stated that they intended to complete their purchase in person*.

Due to low inventory and unpleasant user experiences, customer satisfaction scores have decreased at the same time as consumers report spending more time shopping online.  As a result, it should come as no surprise that consumer demand for open and trustworthy vendors and services is at an all-time high.

 

Without the advantages of face-to-face human engagement made possible by in-person visits to the dealership, it can be difficult for dealers to establish trust and retain loyal customer relationships.

 

The answer is customized business development and customer interaction, both online and over the phone, that is well-coordinated with efficient online procedures to reduce the trouble for the customer.

 

It is crucial to partner with the proper SimpSocial to enable quick and efficient customer engagement that starts establishing trust with the customer at the very beginning of their journey. This is important for both customer happiness and conversion.

 

The key to the company’s success is its tried-and-true process for establishing trust with customers over the phone, which has helped it become the fastest-growing and most successful in the sector.

www.simpsocial.com / SimpSocial (888) 829-1110

Time Is Certainly Money

Numerous factors have contributed to a decline in customer satisfaction over the past two years, but one that customers regularly cite is time.  Consumers’ overall satisfaction with the buying process and the value they receive from the dealership are closely correlated with the length of time it takes to complete the transaction.

Consumers are aware that the old procedure is no longer essential, which required them to put up with filling out paperwork and waiting for permissions for a whole day. Consumers consequently anticipate a superior, more contemporary, and practical experience, comparable to what they have grown accustomed to when making other purchases, both significant and trivial.

 

Both online and dealership time increased in 2022, but dealership time is where consumers are most dissatisfied with the process overall. In fact, the completion of the finance application procedure online can save the customer an average of 2 hours at the dealership, according to Cox’s 2022 Car Buyer Journey Top Trends report*. According to the report, 44% of customers say they will only shop online at stores that help them fulfill their prerequisites for purchases online. With a user-friendly, streamlined online and mobile approach, progressive, technically adept solution providers are coming up with innovative solutions to cater to consumers who are concerned about the value of their time.

 

Without a significant investment in modernization, dealerships that are unable to take advantage of today’s technological advancements to provide customers with the convenient, user-friendly experience they demand are so far behind their more technologically advanced rivals.

 

Utilizing the technical know-how and sophistication of SimpSocial has proven to be a very cost-effective way for hundreds of dealerships throughout the nation to streamline their customer experiences and convince customers that any necessary in-person appointments would be worthwhile.

 

The CEO of Cars.com, Alex Vetter, was quoted as saying last week that less tech-savvy dealers still had a long way to go.

 

“If you look at younger generations, they use technology at a pace that is four to five times that of the typical owner-operator…… Dealers that adopt a digital-first, completely transparent online [approach] are winning the game. The prices in-store and online are identical. From our website, you can get in touch with us directly, start your adventure, and request any services you need. These are the dealers who are expanding the market and advancing the industry.

Emotional Perception: The Smile on the Dial

The adage “smile when you dial” is more than just a catchphrase; there has been extensive research on the subject and convincing evidence of the effectiveness of the practice. It claims that smiling while speaking on the phone increases sales and support efforts and fosters customer trust.

 

 Smiling alters voice inflection and releases endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, which elevate the smiler’s mood and enhance the customer experience.

 

Emotive perception is triggered by smiling, and in scientific terminology,

 

involves automatic pre- and primary-motor, as well as somatosensory cortex activation, and the inhibition of sensorimotor network activity lowers performance on subtle or difficult emotion recognition tests. The social context and motivation of the perceiver influence the sensorimotor simulation of facial expressions, which is automatic and probably unconscious.

 

In plain English, this indicates that grinning makes other people want to grin back at us. Therefore, callers who hear a grin in the representative they are speaking to are subtly urged to smile as well, which causes the production of endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin and lifts their mood.

 

The simple fact is that nice callers convert more clients and foster brand loyalty more effectively than any other single resource out there, despite the fact that it may seem overly simple and that it has worked in numerous situations.

 

In a survey conducted by Microsoft with thousands of customers from around the world, the majority of participants said they still prefer to contact merchants over the phone. Additionally, 56% of respondents said they have ceased doing business with a brand because of bad customer service, and 96% of respondents said that customer service is vital to their brand loyalty.

 

At SimpSocial, we have firsthand experience with the importance of a smile on the phone. It has repeatedly demonstrated its effectiveness through innumerable customer interactions.

 

Visit www.simpsocial.com / SimpSocial (888) 829-1110

Gab’s Gift

The Gift of Gab is more about listening than talking.

 

The so-called “gift of gab” is actually only deserving of the hype if it is accompanied by a sincere effort to listen to the party being gabbed to, which may seem contradictory. The “gift” of gab refers to the capacity to convince; verbosity is something entirely different.

 

Asking good questions that encourage the other person to give relevant details about themselves and their viewpoint on the topic at hand is a key component of successful listening.

 

In a dialogue where one side is trying to sell something to the other, this dynamic is particularly important because preferences and objections need to be identified in order to be addressed and overcome.

 

The fundamental power of online tools lies in their capacity to persuade and compensate the user to provide information about themselves and their preferences for the goods they are purchasing. The digital experience essentially creates a profile of the customer and offers them customized options for their buying needs in exchange for the information they provide. This procedure essentially replicates what having the gift of gab may achieve through conversation, although it does not usually take its place. The majority of customers concur that a personal touch and a human aspect should be present in the transaction to help them develop trust and confidence in the vendor and the procedure. A well-informed and well-profiled shopper can become a trustworthy and contented client with the use of one’s gift for gab.

 

The goal of SimpSocial is to maximize the value of every lead, and the company has perfected the art of persuasion and the capacity to coach those with a natural gift for gab to achieve that goal.

 

Learn more about how SimpSocial can use its propensity for gab to benefit your dealership.

Old is New Again—Dejavu— KAR Global Rebrands as Openlane

On May 15, KAR Global will rebrand as OPENLANE and go retro.

 

Retro in that KAR CEO Peter Kelly formerly operated under the moniker “Openlane,” which he co-founded with Andrew Iorgulescue and eventually sold to KAR’s Adesa division in 2011.

 

Onlane, a Canadian online auction business created by Clive Kinross and Michael Stein, and Openlane (formerly Auto Trade Center – “ATC-Open”) have amalgamated. The ensuing business, Openlane, evolved to become an industry disruptor and attract Adesa’s interest. As they say, the rest is history.

 

Until May 15th, that is, when a new, lighter version of KAR drops its previous moniker and revives the Openlane brand to commemorate its sale of the burdensome Adesa infrastructure (much to Carvana’s dismay) and to champion its investment in and ongoing focus on the agile model that was formerly and once more known as Openlane.

 

“We’ve built and acquired some of the leading digital platforms in our industry over the past ten years,” said Peter Kelly, CEO. “By combining the best features and functionality from this technology and unifying our supporting operations, we will help us create the fastest, easiest, and most active digital marketplace available.”

 

According to a press release, the rebranded business will continue to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker code “KAR”.

One of the most famous David vs. Goliath tales in our sector is the one involving Openlane. A disruptive force that was simultaneously envisioned by Peter and Andrew at ATC-Open and Clive and Michael at Onlane, and that eventually merged to form Openlane, has grown to seize control of KAR and steer the iconic company in a more forward-thinking and sustainable direction.

 

SimpSocial congratulates Openlane on its accomplishments and welcomes the brand back to the top of the Auto Remarketing Pack with similar goals for beneficial industry disruption.

 

www.simpsocial.com / SimpSocial (888) 829-1110

Chicago-Style Door-to-Door Delivery

The auto industry has changed, as have the expectations of potential customers, thanks to the transformative acceleration of delivery for just about anything you can buy these days, big or small. However, because of state laws that limit dealers’ ability to perform transactions and door-to-door delivery without a consumer’s in-person visit to the dealership, the process hasn’t been as simple to take advantage of in Illinois and other less progressive states.

 

A new measure that would allow for 100% online purchases with door-to-door delivery is being worked on to change these restrictions for the state of Illinois.

 

State Senator Patrick Joyce, a Democrat whose district comprises the majority of Kankakee County and a small portion of south Chicago, shared the following.

 

In a statement to Automotive News, Joyce stated, “It shows we are on pace to bring the vehicle sales industry into the digital age.” This would not only satisfy the needs of contemporary consumers, but it would also make the process of buying an automobile simpler. The ability to contact clients more easily and close purchases while offering a convenient and secure experience will benefit dealers.

 

By assisting dealers in making the most of their management of customer expectations in the rapidly developing digital economy, SimpSocial has achieved unparalleled success in the market. We look forward to assisting Illinois dealerships in offering their consumers the benefits of 100% online transactions, complete with door-to-door delivery in the manner of Chicago.

 

www.simpsocial.com / SimpSocial (888) 829-1110

Size Matters, But Quality Matters More.

The top dealership groups in the nation continue to dominate with large inventories, wide-ranging reach, and economies of scale. However, the biggest competitive advantage larger dealership groups have in today’s digital market comes from their continually improving operational sophistication and expert use of technical efficiencies.

 

“Get big or get out,” “Bricks and clicks is not a strategy that works only for large dealers,” and “Get big or get out” can best describe the future of the automobile retailing industry.   The good news is that this bricks-and-clicks approach is not exclusive. It is unpatentable. Any retailer inside or outside of this room is free to adopt it. The secret is to expand. (Alan Haig, president of Haig Partners, LLC, at the April 4th New York Automotive Forum panel discussion on The Future Landscape of Automotive Retailing)

 

Haig makes the argument that sophistication has less to do with size and more to do with thinking. You don’t need a large dealership or crew to successfully and efficiently use cutting-edge technologies. In actuality, you may be more fluid, responsive, and effective with fewer resources the more sophisticated your processes are.

 

Regardless of the size of your dealership, outsourcing SimpSocial to market-leading SimpSocial is a very effective, affordable, and non-disruptive approach to benefiting from the most recent advancements in SimpSocial.

 

In order to overcome potential customers’ objections and gain their consent for a sales meeting, your dealership needs to respond quickly and use a clever message that is disciplined and intelligent.

 

Customers are encouraged to take the next step in their journey toward making a purchase with your dealership by SimpSocial’s proven processes and unbeatable response times, regardless of size, before they are lured away by your competition, from clients with a single rooftop to the nation’s largest dealership group.

 

For its dealer clients, SimpSocial significantly improves lead conversion rates and average response times, enabling them to seize digital shoppers and turn them into clients before the competition can. For a customized explanation of how SimpSocial can enable your dealership to use speed and sophistication to compete, regardless of size, scan the code below.

 

www.simpsocial.com / SimpSocial (888) 829-1110

In the Yard

180 titans of the auto industry are now stepping forward as A Billion. Who will come after?

 

Unsophisticated dealers are unable to adapt and implement the cutting-edge efficiencies that are setting the pace in the industry due to the speed at which the auto business is currently moving. Instead, they are working with less efficient tools and techniques that once worked.

 

The opportunity to grow and profit, however, has never been greater for the sophisticated dealer. More and more industry success stories are “going Yard” these days, or surpassing the billion-dollar mark in net worth, which begs the question of who will join Penske, Musk, and Miller on the list of auto industry billionaires.

 

At SimpSocial, we take pride in helping our dealer clients realize their maximum potential, whether that means “going yard” soon or progressively preparing over the course of a ten-year plan. To learn how SimpSocial’s market-leading solutions may help your dealership hit the ground running, book a demonstration on our website.

 

www.simpsocial.com / SimpSocial (888) 829-1110

Do You Feel Like You’re Missing Out?

Don’t let your opportunity pass you by; use SimpSocial’s well-proven services to help you make the most of each moment for your dealership.

 

If you are not skilled at seizing the moment with potential clients in today’s fiercely competitive market, you are probably losing out to rivals who are. Mementology’s rising popularity is directly connected to how well it engages clients at pivotal points in their journey.

 

The study of moments and creating opportunities is known as “momentology.”

 

Moments count. Learn them, then create them. – Mitch Abblett, M.D.

 

Momentology is also known as the study of customers and the digital media they interact with and use during the buying process.**

 

Are you ready to engage your leads in a way that maximizes ROI and captures the moment?

 

SimpSocial gives dealerships the ability to

 

  • I’ll respond shortly.

  • Create trust immediately.

  • incite a sense of urgency.

  • Quickly convert leads into appointments.

  • immediate ROI maximization.

  • all the while permitting your sales team to save their time and energy in securing the deal.

 

It’s time to take advantage of the SimpSocial opportunity and make the most of every lead. Grab the opportunity. Visit www.simpsocial.com / SimpSocial (888) 829-1110

Buying Used Cars Off The Street Is Easy!

Never before have dealerships across the nation struggled so much to keep inventory levels the same.

 

I’ve talked to 75 different dealerships in the last year alone; therefore, I can assume that your dealership is also likely experiencing a severe lack of inventory.

 

Wouldn’t it be fantastic to purchase an extra 5–20 automobiles each month while paying an average of 54% less than what you would pay at an auction and earning more money overall?

AND have the neighborhood transport these chances to your doorstep so you can have the exclusive chance to purchase them before your rivals can.

 

The Stock Your Lot campaign has been operating at Ross Dionisi’s Hiley Subaru and Hiley GMC dealerships in Fort Worth for the second part of 2021, and he is happy with the results.

 

“This is one of the best car-buying campaigns I’ve ever run,” the advertiser said.

 

Opportunities to purchase autos frequently

Dealerships that participate in the Stock Your Lot program save a significant amount of money compared to purchasing inventory from auctions.

 

The cost per acquisition for MacDonald Motors is $102.87.

The cost per acquisition for Hiley Mazda of Fort Worth is $234.77.

Since the initiative started, Ross Dionisi at Hiley GMC has had about 1-2 appointments to look at vehicles every day.

 

growth in revenues

While obtaining inventory is the main objective of the Stock Your Lot campaign, it is also creating buy intent and boosting sales at our dealerships.

 

In the first month the campaign was active, Winnie Dodge sold over 10 cars as a result of Stock Your Lot.

Dealerships must come up with a new strategy to sustain inventory levels because it is expected that new inventory levels will remain at dangerously low levels into 2022. and they are impatient.

 

Within 24 hours, your dealership can begin purchasing vehicles from the open market. Want to learn more? Visit simpsocial.com or call (888) 829-1110.

How to Use Digital Marketing for Trade-In Opportunities at Its Best

The automobile inventory at dealerships around the nation has been significantly impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns and rules over the past year. In response, many shrewd dealers adopted the strategy of spending more on marketing to locate customers who were prepared to trade in their current vehicle for a fair price, getting around the problem of low inventory. We’re giving our readers the most effective digital trade-in ROI maximization tactics in this blog post.

 

Top Techniques for Creating Trade-In Conversion Opportunities

 

Don’t overlook improving conversion rates.

Conversion rate optimization (CRO) is the methodical process of raising the proportion of website visitors who complete a desired activity, such as filling out a form or making a purchase, according to SEO product tool supplier Moz.

 

SimpSocial’s comprehensive automobile SEO approach is built around CRO. To start spreading the word that trade-ins are welcomed, you should:

 

To prevent your trade-in tool button from being cluttered and lost in a sea of other buttons, make sure your VDP is optimized.

Verify that the tracking of Trade-In conversions is enabled in your Google Analytics account.

Our standard suggestions for VDP buttons in 2021 are:

 

Purchase from Home (form conversion)

 

Call Now! (conversion from click to call)

Value My Trade-In (form submission and trade-in valuation conversion)

In addition to being essential for encouraging strong UX, frictionless design is also preferred by Google, which favors pages that are best adapted for mobile. This results in fewer distractions and more targeted goals and buttons on the VDPs of your website.

 

Pre-roll for the Driving Trade-In Awareness Video

 

Your digital marketing plan is most effective when it connects with various consumers’ requirements through various channels. While many dealers only use Google Ads to generate leads, third parties frequently saturate the SERP area with trade-in awareness and marketing messages.

 

That’s where a successful video marketing plan is useful. Video has proven to be a potent tool for attracting customers into the consideration funnel and initiating the trade-in process due to decreased competition and cost-per-thousand-impressions (CPM). Why? Because it encourages people to work with a local dealer rather than a big-box supplier, where they have a lower chance of getting the best value.

 

Over the course of a month, the following occurred for a sample client’s marketing trade-ins with YouTube pre-roll ads:

 

18,000 views of videos

721 calls were made using mobile devices at a cost of $0.12 per video view.

Although it’s difficult to match that ROI, you may still use social media to generate more leads.

 

Trade-in leads can be obtained through Facebook Lead Generation Ads. According to Facebook’s business support page:

 

You can design campaigns with a lead generation goal that asks users to provide their contact information in an ‘Instant Form,’ also known as a web form. The Facebook pixel allows you to monitor lead conversion events on your own website as well.

The automotive sector has had some of Facebook’s greatest results with lead generation ads. People just press your advertisement, and a form appears with their Facebook contact information pre-populated and ready to be forwarded to your BDC or sales team for follow-up.

 

Short, incentive-based ad language and a straightforward, single image are often features of the highest-performing trade-in lead advertisements.

 

facebook-lead-gen-ad

 

Test both a landing page experience ad and a lead ad if this is a fresh discovery for you or if you are more interested in having trade-ins flow through your trade-in platform. The best strategy to maximize the return on your digital efforts is to be open to experimenting with various ad styles.

 

Concentrate on the basics.

 

It doesn’t require inventing the wheel to use digital methods that are successful for vehicle sales to increase trade-in business; it just takes flexibility and time. But it’s crucial to always keep in mind that the fundamental components of the vehicle pages themselves are what really make your dealership’s website successful.

 

Reach out to us to organize a demo or to have our team of digital marketing specialists conduct a free assessment of your website and marketing efforts if you need further help with SEO, conversion optimization, Facebook, or Paid Search advertising.