If Content is King Then Links Are The Soldiers

[NickCybela]

Remember to ask your media partners for links too, typically their sites have a lot of "weight" with Google.

 

[KoreyB]

"Link building" as you call it is old school. Marketing is the Queen (and she runs the house). I think you'll do far better by building an audience with great content and then getting out there in the trenches on Twitter, through videos, on forums and talking to people. Your content will act as "link bait" but more importantly you'll raise awareness of your brand...I think that is more important to your bottom line than simply building links.

 

[joe.pistell]

Korey,

I dont think you nor Brian think that Content vs. Link Building is an "either or" situation. You have to start with Content, then Link Build from there (there's other ways to do it, but that needs a different thread).

 

[KoreyB]

Joe,

You are right. I think dealers get caught up in a link building arms race...in the hopes that they get to the top of organic rankings. I think this is shortsighted and missing the bigger/more lucrative opportunity of building an audience and connecting individually.

Sure..SEO gets the hype because they are selling a product. To build an audience takes a ton of sweat and hours and can be done with free products.

 

[Craig]

Maybe we should start a list of free and easy places that dealers can put links to help with link building?

examples:
Their Youtube account
Employees LinkedIn accounts
This forum!
etc

In the office we have a long list of places we have found.
__________________
Matt Watson VinSolutions Chief Technical Officer

Does anyone have a list for forums where salespeople can get involved in consumer conversations? Industry forums are great, but I would love to have my salespeople be able to expand their own digital footprints beyond Facebook.

 

[Stefan]

2004 MINI Cooper S

What you guys think?

 

[joe.pistell]

2004 MINI Cooper S

What you guys think?

Stefan,

Nice work. Let's make it work harder for you! Here's my step by step review.


#1). Leave dealer name and phone# on top. Relocate the links on the top (hours, directions, etc) to bottom of page. Add anchor link (with small text) under dealer name, something like:

Lexus of Reno
1-800-883-4275
hours | directions | contact us


​

#2). Remove stock number from title (it's already under VIN) and add Special Commemorative Edition info:

2004 MINI Cooper S
Rare MC40 edition! #524/1000
​

#3). Relocate vehicle description to under the marquis photo, example:

COMMEMORATIVE EDITION 524/1000!
Your search is over! We have it, but it won"t last long. It was previously loved, but still looks like it just rolled off of the assembly line. Vehicle was a local trade, why not keep it in the hometown family? Don"t buy a lemon! Carfax Title History report is included with the purchase of this vehicle. No cigarette burns or dirty ash trays here. This previously owned vehicle was a Non Smoker vehicle. 100% tread all around. Guaranteed to get you there safely. Be spoiled. Great smooth running vehicle. Where else can you be pampered like a Rock star, with a jungle all around you?


#4). Less is more.
Get them off CL and onto your site. Give them smaller thumbnails (and/or less thumbnails) give them an offer visit your site. Example:

See BIGGER pics and more info
​

#5). Find a way to nest vehicle options list right in there with the thumbnails. People like to connect the options and the pics. (i.e. thumbnails left col, options right col)

#6). Add:

Wow! only $262 a month!*
Get Pre-Approved Fast! Click Here!
​

#7). Change More Used Cars link to: Lexus of Reno Used Cars




#8). Images showing compression: GetAuto vs Cobalt. Ask your GetAuto guy to improve the resolution. Red is a tough color, but PICS SELL CARS!

GetAuto

Picked one off your site too FYI
Cobalt

*w/ 20% down

 

[Stefan]

Thanks Joe,

I called Dealer Specialties to see if they want to build me a custom template. Maybe we should open a new Thread on Craigslist listings only...!

 

[joe.pistell]

Stefan,

Ck with Dealer.com, I'd bet they have a CL listing system.

 

[Billfred]

Thanks Joe,

I called Dealer Specialties to see if they want to build me a custom template. Maybe we should open a new Thread on Craigslist listings only...!

Failing Joe's comment, eBizAutos has one that works pretty well for us. (Example: 2006 Cadillac STS: Blackberry, Sunroof, Nav, Keyless Start, 31k mi.) Their timers don't line up with Craigslist's 30-day expiration, so the column with times you get is essentially useless--and let's not get started with what happens when the used car manager goes on a price adjustment frenzy. But between mail rules and tabbed browsing, I've more or less got the process under control.