If there’s one thing that we don’t like, it’s conforming. There are plenty of companies out there that conform to the limitations set forth by OEMs and we’re normally not one of them. Most dealers are okay with doing what their OEMs demand when it comes to websites as can be clearly seen with certain[…]
Learning to Embrace Your OEM-Mandated Wesbite
By JDRucker Automotive SEO, Automotive Social Media, Dealer Tips, General, Philosophy, Uncategorized Jul 20, 2014
Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving Shocking Results through Automotive Social Media
By JDRucker Automotive Social Media, Dealer Authority, Dealer Tips, General, Philosophy, Uncategorized Jun 11, 2014
It’s all about the targeting. The mantra that many in the automotive industry chant about social media is that it’s big and huge and gigantic and you have to be on it. Unfortunately, these concepts miss the real value of social media. Now, there are results that clearly demonstrate that the real ROI comes from[…]
Officially Uncertified by Any OEM (and proud of it)
By JDRucker Dealer Authority, Philosophy, Uncategorized Jun 04, 2014
A vendor friend in a different segment of the automotive marketing world made us a wonderful offer yesterday. She really liked what we were doing with our search and social products and offered to introduce and recommend us to her contact at a manufacturer who handled certification for vendors like us. We declined. This, of[…]
If You’re Finding Us, We Can Help Your Customers Find You
By JDRucker Automotive Advertising, Automotive SEO, Automotive Social Media, Dealer Authority, Dealer Tips, General, Philosophy, Uncategorized May 01, 2014
A visit to the NADA Convention, the automotive forums, or your email spam folder will tell you one crystal clear truth: there are hundreds, perhaps thousands of vendors vying for your attention. The automotive industry is saturated with an extremely large number of dealer-specific marketing vendors – probably more than any other industry. Standing out[…]
Search. Social. Domination.
By JDRucker Automotive PPC, Automotive SEO, Automotive Social Media, Dealer Authority, General, Philosophy, Uncategorized Apr 24, 2014
It really isn’t that complicated. The easiest way for car dealers to move the needle on sales is to dominate the two venues that allow for utter domination: search engines and social media. On all other platforms, you’re relegated to moving up or down based upon budget. The more you spend with third-party sites, the[…]
I Said WE – Get Over It!
By Subi Ghosh Dealer Authority, General, Philosophy, Uncategorized Apr 24, 2014
I just got reprimanded by someone in the industry for saying WE as I am no longer one of THEM. Now, they were most likely joking… I hope. And it got me thinking, “Why is it an us versus them?” A dealers vs vendors? Why can’t it just be we? Aren’t we all just car[…]
Calling Out Vendors on the PPC Service Fee Percentage
By JDRucker Automotive PPC, Dealer Tips, Philosophy, Uncategorized Apr 21, 2014
This is definitely going to be an unpopular post with many vendors, particularly in the automotive industry. It’s a debate that has been raging since before I even hit the vendor side of the business and I still recall a conversation about it that I had with a company when I was at my last[…]
Get Your Cars in Front of More Shoppers
By JDRucker Dealer Authority, Dealer Tips, Philosophy, Uncategorized, VDP Marketing Apr 18, 2014
It's easy to complicate things. Both car dealers and automotive vendors have a tendency to get aggressive and approach their marketing from a scientific perspective, driven by data and focused on results. This is a good thing. However, it can also lead down the wrong path if you try to over-think it. The reality is[...]
Put Your Cars In Front of More Buyers Online
By JDRucker Automotive Advertising, Automotive Content, Automotive SEO, Automotive Social Media, Dealer Authority, Dealer Tips, Philosophy, Uncategorized Mar 27, 2014
Automotive marketing isn’t hard. It’s actually pretty straight forward. Yes, there are times when many vendors (ourselves included) try to make it sounds more difficult than it is, but at the end of the day it’s really about putting your inventory in front of as many local buyers as possible. Simple.
The Key to Social Media for Car Dealers is Being Outstanding
By JDRucker Automotive Social Media, Dealer Authority, Dealer Tips, General, Philosophy, Uncategorized Mar 04, 2014
There is some very good news that stems from the checking I’ve been doing over the last couple of months. A good number of car dealers, probably around 20%, have what I would consider to be a “good” social media presence. It may not seem like a lot, but considering that it was under 5%[…]