Marketing

The Pokemon Go smartphone app has exploded in popularity over the past two weeks. Many businesses are figuring out ways they can use the game to their advantage. Your car dealership could get in on the action to potentially drum up some business or positive word of mouth.

A recent Kelley Blue Book survey notes that consumers are more likely to purchase a vehicle from a brand that is promoting a social good campaign. The problem is that not many consumers are aware of automakers' charitable efforts.

If someone were to ask you what they would find in your parts department, you might give them a funny look and say, "Well, parts. We have parts in our parts department." You may be surprised to learn that at least one dealership would answer the same question with, "Parts, candy bars, chips, sodas and sandwiches." This Michigan dealership has added a convenience store to its parts department, and it seems to be working out rather well for them.

A recent Car Buyer Journey study has found that 88% of all car buyers have used the Internet when vehicle shopping. The study, commissioned by Autotrader and administered by IHS Automotive, has uncovered valuable information on car buyers that can be used to better understand their behavior when they reach the dealership. Aspects of the car shopping process that were examined include third-party websites, dealership experience, and mobile devices.

Cars Registry Limited recently launched a line of new domain names developed specifically for those in the automotive industry. The company's domains - .Cars, .Car, and .Auto - became available to the general public in January of 2016. And according to a recently published study from GlobeRunner, these automotive-specific domain names are improving search rankings, conversions, and site traffic.

The auto industry paradigm is shifting, with two ideas leading the movement: transparency and a faster, more efficient transaction. It's no surprise to see these factors become hot topic issues at the same time as the Millenial generation is starting to take over the marketplace.

A dealership in Seattle, Washington recently made the news for having to pay over $74,000 to resolve deceptive advertising allegations. The dealer had mailed out thousands of promotional materials that mimicked official recall notices.

According to the latest J.D. Power U.S. Automotive Media and Marketing Report, the best places to spend your advertising dollars depend upon your franchise as well as the audience you're hoping to target.

No dealership likes negative online reviews, but according to the latest report from DealerRater, dealers who respond correctly and in a timely manner have a better than fifty percent chance of either getting it removed or getting a positive review reposted.

The most recent study from AutoAlert demonstrates why it's important for car dealers to stay in touch with their customers.