Written by Allison

Many vehicle shoppers perceive all dealers as being the same.

Especially when comparing dealerships that sell the same brands and offer similar services, prospective buyers often see price as the only compelling reason to choose one dealer over another.

To meet the challenges of a tougher-than-ever economy, discerning automotive dealers realize that an identifiable company image and a loyal clientele are critical to their survival in the community. Dealers recognize they can no longer rely on the traditional branding and marketing inherent to their manufacturer. Decisively, they take control of their fate by making differentiation from their competitors a high-level priority.

How can your Web site be used as a strategic tool for distinguishing your dealership? Here are two ways we can help you make your mark. (more…)

Written by Allison

Filling a customer’s needs online is only the beginning. In Canada, many local dealers are not yet at the point of completing vehicle sales over the Internet. So following up a positive online visit with a positive real-world experience at the actual dealership is crucial.

How can your dealership’s Web site and store work together to meet the needs of people in your community? You must ensure your Web site complements your day-to-day business, and vice versa. Here are nine ways to make that happen.

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Written by Allison

This is the final article in our special series for Canadian automotive dealers.

Your dealership may already be featured on your auto maker’s main Web site, or use a template site issued by head office to all dealers in your brand. Without argument, using a Web template or pre-built Web pages on the manufacturer’s site has its advantages.  These may include enjoying a Web presence that is coordinated with your auto maker’s established marketing, utilizing built-in inventory tools, and being included in the manufacturer’s online network of authorized retailers, all for limited investment on the part of your dealership.  However, many dealers find this does little to make their dealership stand out from competitors within their brand. (more…)

Written by Allison

This is the fifth article in our special series for Canadian automotive dealers.

The public now expects all legitimate businesses to have their own proper Web site, much the same as having a telephone number has been a basic requirement for doing business for so many years.

But what about your automotive dealership? Do you really need to have your own professionally created, independent Web site? Consider the public’s core needs and how your dealership might fill them. (more…)

Written by Allison

This is the fourth article in our special series for Canadian automotive dealers.

Is your dealership Web site accomplishing all you want it to? Objectively considering the following questions can help you see where you might best focus your attention. (more…)