PR & News Looking for an expert outsourced BDC team?

I wish I had discovered the DealerRefresh forum years ago — but here we are now! If you need a GOOD BDC that knows what they're doing, please contact us. We’re located in Windermere, Florida. We're a small company that delivers big results.

Here’s an example: a dealership in Miami that recently closed in October 2024. CallContactConfirm helped take this dealership from 68 to 120 cars sold in just a few months — that’s a 76.47% increase in sales, and yes, we have the proof to back it up. This store had every lead source possible, and we attacked every lead with speed and precision. All of this was done using the old version of PROMAX CRM.

Another example: we worked with a smaller dealership in Orlando, FL. They were selling around 35 cars a month when we started. Within a few months, we raised their numbers to 75, then 100 cars a month. That's a 185.71% increase. As a result of this growth, they were able to get approved by CapitalOne as a lending bank — all thanks to the increase in sales.

Not every dealership will see numbers like these, but every store will see a real improvement in customer satisfaction, sales, and appointment volume.

If your dealership needs help, don’t hesitate to look us up. We’d be more than happy to help!

Our Website: Call Contact Confirm

What Should the Perfect Dealership Home Page Look Like?

Hey everyone, I’m working on the homepage for Clint over at Clocktower Auto (Clock Tower Auto Mall) and I’d love your thoughts on what I’ve done so far and where I can tighten things up.

I'm going to explain my thought process but I'm not saying this is correct, more putting it out there in detail so you can more easily find the flaws in my thinking.

We got load times below a second on Google's Light House tool on mobile. I've not seen a website that gets 100% across the board on Google's lighthouse tool so this might be the fastest website in the world. :cool:


Page speed seems to be the #1 factor when it comes to getting a sites content spidered, ranked, and converting according to:

1.) Koons Automotive says they say a 1,400% increase in conversions when they speed up their site.

2.) Dealer Inspire says sites that load in under 2 seconds convert 40% more leads.

3.) CDK said every second improvement in load time converts 20% more leads on the vehicle description page.

4.) CarParts.com optimized their site for speed and got 13% more leads.

5.) Dealer Magazine said sites that load in under 3.8 seconds get 30 more leads per month.

6.) Auto Jini said a 1 second delay gets 7% fewer leads.

7.) And of course you’ve got Google, Walmart, Amazon and all the other talking about page speed.

So we made the site ADA compliant, error free, and super fast!

Now it's time to talk about the design...


1. Top Nav


There have been several studies done that have shown the more options you give someone the less likely they are to make a decision, and for this reason as well as the ability to better control the internal link juice flow, I've limited the top navbar to just three links.

Studies have shown you can see a 30% increase in conversion by limiting the top nav to five links or less!

Above the nav we have:
  • Phone number
  • Location/address
  • Hours
  • Menu:
    Logo (clickable to homepage)
    • Shop Cars
    • Sell/Trade
    • Financing
By reducing menu choices to just 3, I believe we are increasing the likelihood of clicks and conversions. Especially on mobile devices, where clutter kills usability and giving us more control over internal links.

Focus on Conversion

Each of the three menu items serves a purpose in the buyer journey:
  • Search Cars → intent to buy
  • Sell/Trade → drives inventory leads
  • Financing → captures early buyer interest
I’m trying to direct users to where money is made buying, selling, and financing.

Clear Supporting Info

Keeping the phone, address, and hours separate from the menu and making them non-clickable (or supportive) trust-building elements, not decision-fatiguing links.

And again you can see the home page here.


2. Hero Section (Above the Fold)

The idea behind the hero image was to focus on the main keyword of the page, clarify the offer, enhance the flow, nod at the Call To Action (CTA), show the benefits, answers some questions, and paint a picture that puts the customer in the center of the action, playing the part of the hero.

While giving as little information as possible to prevent information overload.

We didn’t use sliders or videos because studies have shown both kill conversions! Once we get the users attention, it’s the call to actions job is to guide them through the site, the idea being that we want to control their attention and direction the entire time they are on the site.

We originally had a site search but decided a link to the list page might be better, requiring less work from the end user!


3. Vehicle Value Link

The thought being if the call to action didn’t work maybe they are looking for something else so I stuck the vehicle value link here.

But what should it say?

  • “Just curious what your car is worth?”
  • “Thinking about trading in?”
  • “We’ll buy your car, even if you don’t buy from us.”

4. Filter by Type

If they’ve ignored the hero search, and didn't click the trade-in link, but they’re still scrolling, they’re browsing. Now’s the time to make it easy and visual for them to re-engage with Body Style buttons (Car, Truck, SUV, Van).
  • Visual: Easy to recognize and click
  • Low effort: No thinking, just “Oh, I want a truck” → click
  • Broad appeal: Helps users who aren’t sure on make/model
  • Funnels traffic: Segmenting buyers early
  • SEO: Breaks pages up allowing me to rank more pages


5. Car Value/Financing

If they haven’t clicked yet, they’re interested but undecided so I figure I’ll give them a low-pressure, high-value CTAs that speak to both buyer and seller. I’ll hit them up with two call to actions by splitting the page, rewording get your cars value link and offering them a credit approval link as well.


6. Trust building

If the visitor hasn’t clicked any CTA yet, there’s a good chance they’re stuck in “Can I trust these guys?” mode. I figure it might be a trust issue so I added some text about the dealership and talked about the number of reviews, cars sold, and so on.


7. Featured Inventory

If a visitor has made it all the way to the bottom without converting on:
  • Hero search
  • Trade-in CTA
  • Financing CTA
  • Body style buttons
  • Trust section
…then they’re either just browsing or not sure what they want.

So I figure I’ll show them some featured inventory as a last-chance nudge that says: “Here are a few great deals you might like, take a look before you go.”

That’s where I’m at. I’m curious:
  • What tweaks would you make to the flow?
  • Any experiments you’ve tried on your own homepage that surprised you?
  • Did I miss any must‑have elements for a modern dealership site?
Appreciate any feedback you’ve got...thanks in advance!
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Reactions: craigh

Looking for a Good Free Online Brat Text Maker?

Hey everyone,

I’ve been searching for a free online brat text maker to create fun and sassy text styles for a project I’m working on. I’ve come across a few, but most seem either outdated or full of ads. Does anyone know of a reliable tool that works well?

Ideally, I’m looking for something simple to use with instant previews. I also stumbled upon a site claiming to be a Brat generator, but I’m not sure if it’s legit.

Any recommendations or links would be appreciated.

Carfax Badging, and maybe other 3rd party listing badging

Just had a meeting with Carfax - the badging came up (good, fair, etc). I asked what was the cadence for applying a badge and level. They said it was algorithmic and that they (corporate) does not share. WHAT??? So no customer, or dealer, transparency on why you are badging a vehicle a certain way?

When you click the info button, the website says - for great == "The dealer has priced this car well below the CARFAX History-Based Value."

Note the rep is saying it is more than just price, it is "history based" and takes into account the vehicle history. Like how?

So 2 questions....

1 - do you care that the rating is algorithmic but they don't share, even on basic level, the WHY of the badging. What would push it from good to great?

2 - Do you use these badges, and price/reprice accordingly, when pricing your vehicles for your website and 3rd party listings?

DealerOn fell off. Who are the good website providers these days?

We’re looking to switch to a new provider. DealerOn used to be great but they have turned to crap.

We’re a ford store so we might have limited options.

Why DealerOn Sucks

Every month we find a new thing on our site that they’ve broken.

For example, today we found all our cta’s were broken. They just reloaded the page when you click them.

We make no changes to the site. We want no changes to the site. But every month we find they have made some changes they made (without notifying us), and invariably, they’ve just broken something new on our website.

You call into support and they play it like it’s a “you problem”. It is never our problem. Always something they broke due to incompetence/carelessness.

It is something they broke for no reason. They don’t deserve $2500/mo. That is an outrageous price to pay for someone to do nothing but break your website once a month.
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Uncle Joe's Makeover Diary 2.0

11 years later, I'm back in my happy place, back in the Lab building DISC stuff!
https://aimgroup.com/2022/08/30/pistell-resigns-as-cars-com-head-of-marketplace/

Stop by for strategy talks, prototypes and updates digging for new ways to sell MORE iron. In the spirit of the original Diary*, PLEASE challenge me and ask questions. It almost always stimulates new thoughts for me :)

*Uncle Joe's Diary 1.0 https://forum.dealerrefresh.com/threads/uncle-joes-make-over-diary.1683/

How Much Does SEO Cost Per Month in the USA?

SEO has become a must-have for businesses looking to thrive in today’s digital world. But how much does seo cost per month in the USA? In this guide, we’ll break down the cost of SEO services in 2025 and help you understand what to expect when investing in SEO for your business.

What Is SEO and Why Does It Matter?​

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the art of optimizing your website so that it ranks higher on search engines like Google. Without it, your online presence is likely to be limited, and your target audience may never find you. SEO helps businesses increase visibility, drive traffic, and, ultimately, convert that traffic into sales.

Average SEO Costs in 2025​

SEO costs can vary significantly, depending on various factors. On average, businesses in the USA can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $8,500 per month for SEO services. Let’s dive deeper into the factors that influence these prices:

Factors Influencing SEO Costs​

  1. Business Size
    SEO costs often depend on the size of your business. Smaller businesses may pay around $500 to $2,000/month, while medium-sized companies typically pay $2,100 to $5,000/month. Large enterprises can expect to pay $5,000 to $8,500/month for more customized services.
  2. Type of SEO Service
    The cost of SEO can also depend on the type of SEO service you need. On-page SEO, which involves optimizing your website's content, meta descriptions, and images, typically costs between $800 to $2,000 per month. Off-page SEO, focusing on link-building and domain authority, may cost between $1,000 to $5,000 per month. Technical SEO, which deals with site speed, mobile optimization, and indexing, usually ranges from $1,200 to $3,000 per month. For local businesses, local SEO services designed to boost visibility in specific geographic areas can cost $600 to $1,400 per month. If you run an eCommerce site, expect to pay between $1,800 to $3,000 per month for services aimed at optimizing product and category pages.
  3. Industry Impact on SEO Costs
    Certain industries may require more in-depth SEO strategies due to high competition. For example, SEO for the finance industry can cost up to $4,999/month, while industries like real estate and tourism may pay $800 to $3,000/month.

How Does Company Size Affect SEO Costs?​

The size of your company also plays a key role in SEO pricing. Small businesses with fewer than 10 employees typically spend between $500 and $2,000 per month on SEO services. Medium-sized businesses, with 11-50 employees, usually pay around $2,100 to $5,000 per month, while large enterprises with 50+ employees often spend between $5,000 and $8,500 per month. The larger the company, the more complex the SEO strategy, which leads to higher costs.

Key Factors That Impact SEO Pricing​

Here are some additional factors that can influence SEO costs:

  • Scope of Work: Comprehensive strategies involving multiple SEO services (e.g., on-page, off-page, and technical SEO) will be more expensive.
  • Competitiveness: Highly competitive industries may require more extensive SEO work, raising costs.
  • Agency Expertise: SEO agencies with extensive experience and a strong track record often charge higher fees.

Choosing the Right SEO Service Provider​

Finding the right SEO service provider can make all the difference. Here's how to find a good one:

  1. Check Reviews and Testimonials: Look for feedback on platforms like Google Reviews or Trustpilot to gauge the agency’s reputation.
  2. Review Their Portfolio: Assess their past work, case studies, and client testimonials.
  3. Evaluate Pricing Models: Make sure their pricing structure aligns with your budget and needs.

Conclusion​

While SEO can be an expensive investment, its return is undeniable. The higher your rankings, the more visibility, traffic, and leads you’ll get. SEO is an essential tool for businesses in 2025, and the right strategy can significantly improve your brand’s online presence.

For those looking to maximize their SEO efforts without breaking the bank, Monk Outsourcing offers affordable SEO services with transparent pricing and a proven track record. Investing in quality SEO today will yield lasting results for your business in the long run.

#RefreshFriday Merchandizing - Someone is Launching a new Service | Joe Pistell

Login to view embedded media View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6NwDh00qG0



Did you know @joe.pistell is launching a new company?

If you know Uncle Joe, then you know it is inventory related. Supercharging used car listings.

We're going to get the initial scoop on what Joe's new company is and all the problems they're solving when it comes to used inventory merchandising.


Join us LIVE on Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube Friday at 1PM
https://www.facebook.com/dealerrefresh
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dealerrefresh
https://www.youtube.com/dealerrefresh

Struggling to Optimize My Ad Spend – Need Help with Campaign Strategy

Hey everyone,

I’ve been running Google Ads for a while now but haven’t seen the kind of ROI I was hoping for. I think my targeting and bidding strategies might be off, but I’m not entirely sure where to start fixing things.

I’ve read a bit about PPC management and how it can significantly improve performance, but I’m not sure if I should hire someone or learn it myself. Has anyone here had success managing their PPC campaigns effectively?

What tools or strategies would you recommend to get better results?

Thanks in advance!

Do you know Vincario VIN Decoder?

With Vincario’s API, you receive accurate vehicle data, including engine type, fuel, dimensions, emissions standards, gearbox, and trim level in just one second.

API VIN Decoder
  • covers more than 2,200 brands globally
  • 99.8% data accuracy across 110 countries
  • saves 48% of manual work and eliminates data errors
  • secure REST API
Fleet leaders use our API to
  • automate onboarding
  • standardize data (EU, US)
  • pre-fill forms
  • generate compliance reports
You can try 20 VIN lookups for free
HERE

What use case do you use VIN decoding for?

AI, The Deal Terminator Coming For You !

Anyone else remember when Kelley Blue Book was the go-to weapon customers used against you?

They’d walk in quoting values like they were facts, ignoring everything else—condition, market, miles, timing. Just whatever number helped their case.

Now they’re using AI. And it’s getting weirder.

I got a call from a sales person I'm working with telling me that his customer called and said that ChatGPT told him his lease deal was bad. He was ready to walk.

But here’s the kicker: the customer was using the free version of ChatGPT... which pulls from data that cuts off in 2022. No access to current rates, rebates, or market conditions. Just outdated info wrapped in confidence.

This is what we’re up against now. Not just bad info, but bad info delivered persuasively by a machine.

If we’re not training our teams to use these tools (or at least understand how customers are using them), we’re flying blind.

So what’s your store doing? Are you addressing AI in training or just waiting until it burns a deal?

Would love to hear what others are seeing.
  • :light:
Reactions: Jeff Kershner

Any dealers notice vehicle listings disappearing from Google Business Profiles?

Some dealers are talking on LinkedIn about a widespread disappearance of listings from Google Business Profiles.

It could be the result of Google dropping support for certain structured data schema -- not just in autos -- in order to simplify search results.

It's also speculated it's a grab for more ad money.

How Effective Is Influencer Marketing in 2025?

Hi everyone!

I’ve been exploring different digital marketing strategies and keep seeing a lot of discussion around influencer campaigns. One area that stands out is social influencer marketing, where brands partner with online personalities to promote their products or services.

I’m curious to know how effective this approach is in 2025. Are businesses still seeing strong engagement and ROI? How have recent trends like AI influencers and changing platform algorithms affected performance? I’d love to hear your experiences.

What platforms or influencer tiers (micro, macro, nano) are delivering the best results for your campaigns lately?

Is DriveCentric just running away from the pack at this point?

Is this just a story of someone outrunning the market? As much as I complain about some of their reporting progress, the core usability continues to improve beyond any other CRM out there (which is why I chose them). There is just no excuse for any of our sales teams to not be paying attention to the CRM at this point. Check out the iOS Watch app... Any VinSolutions, eLead, or DealerSocket users out there with similar features? Not a diss track, just curious if Drive is just that far ahead at this point. :cool:

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What's the Best Way to Find Cheap Car Rentals Without Hidden Fees?

Hello everyone.

I'm planning a short trip and need a reliable, budget-friendly car rental. Every time I search online, I’m overwhelmed by hidden fees, insurance add-ons, and unclear terms.

I’m looking for advice on how to truly find the cheapest car rental without sacrificing too much on quality or reliability.

Are there any trusted sites, apps, or insider tips to avoid common traps? Is it better to book in advance or last-minute?

Any rental companies known for transparency and low prices?

I’d appreciate your suggestions and personal experiences.

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