How Much Does SEO Cost Per Month in the USA?

[Carsten]

Yeah, the context seems to get lost after a few queries. I spend for a better plan (I don't use chatGPT for coding) and it still wanders off and randomly decides I need a database to be installed.

I did code my own chatbot that uses 3 points of data sources. ChatGPT can still be random at times that I worried if I could offer this as a paid service or not. Once I get a few other items that I'm working on, I'll put it up as a demo for everyone here to look at.

I need to look into trade value / market value APIs. I need to play with the big boys finally.

 

[DjSec]

I need to play with the big boys finally.

Someone needs to create something that'll compete with them, that is for sure!

 

[Carsten]

The funny thing is that what they offer doesn't seem so special.

If I had some insight into what all functionality the DMSs offer, I'd be all over it.

Also, some of the APIs might be rather costly which is also what I'm wondering about.

 

[DjSec]

The funny thing is that what they offer doesn't seem so special.

If I had some insight into what all functionality the DMSs offer, I'd be all over it.

Also, some of the APIs might be rather costly which is also what I'm wondering about.

Maybe we should start some topics and break down each item for example...
CDK is an ancient program — not a lot has been done to upgrade the original version for decades. This is standard operating procedure when companies/private equity buy legacy companies.

Innovation is not the goal. They slap on a new paint job or buff out the dents, and package it as the “new improved version” that is always much more expensive but “worth the investment.”

These corporate raiders’ goal is to cut costs at all costs, and in this debacle, it’s clear they stripped the car for parts and left the data vulnerable to cyber criminals.

Theoretically, a mature DMS provider should be able to lose any single critical part of your core business and be able to restore functionality within 24 hours (barring a massive natural disaster/personnel losses). Instead, they have no backups, no redundancy, no separate servers, and no siloed databases.

And when they got hacked they paid the hackers to get back their content, which means the hackers are still in there.

From my understanding what they offer is...

1. Dealer Management System (DMS): CDK Drive, their flagship DMS, integrates tools to manage operations, streamline tasks, and boost profits through an intuitive interface (CDK Global) (CDK Global).
2. Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Solutions to manage and enhance customer interactions, improve satisfaction, and drive sales (CDK Global).
3. Fixed Operations: Tools to enhance service department efficiency, customer satisfaction, and revenue generation through online service appointments, real-time communication, and streamlined service upsells (CDK Global).
4. Digital Retail: Solutions to support online sales and customer engagement, providing a seamless omnichannel experience (CDK Global).
5. Finance & Insurance: Tools to manage financial transactions, insurance services, and compliance (CDK Global).
6. IT Solutions: Managed IT services including cybersecurity, network management, and cloud-hosted solutions to ensure dealerships stay connected and secure (CDK Global).
7. Intelligence and Analytics: Advanced analytics tools to help dealerships identify opportunities and drive business growth (CDK Global).
8. Support Services: Comprehensive support services including technical support, training, and proactive system monitoring to ensure dealerships operate smoothly (CDK Global).

 

[DjSec]

Also, some of the APIs might be rather costly which is also what I'm wondering about.

How many 3rd party websites and API's does a dealership website need?

And how many of these could be coded into the site and would no longer need the 3rd party AI?

From AI

• Inventory & Vehicle Listings API:
  • Function: Pull real‑time inventory data including vehicle details (VIN, make, model, year, trim), photos, pricing, and status updates.
  • Examples: Third‑party APIs like Auto.dev or MarketCheck offer these services.
  • Cost: Pricing can range from free tiers (e.g., 10,000 calls/month at no cost) to subscription plans starting around $99/mo and scaling up based on volume.
    
• VIN Decoding API:
  • Function: Automatically translate a VIN into detailed vehicle specifications, which can help populate vehicle details on your site.
  • Cost: Often charged per call (e.g., $0.0015–$0.08 per call depending on whether you use a basic or enhanced service).
    
• Vehicle History API:
  • Function: Retrieve detailed vehicle history reports (accidents, title issues, service records) from providers like Carfax or VinAudit.
  • Cost: These APIs can be more premium, with pricing that depends on the data depth and volume (you’d need to request quotes for precise numbers).
    
• Mapping and Geolocation API:
  • Function: Integrate interactive maps (e.g., Google Maps) to display dealership locations and help customers find nearby dealers.
  • Cost: Google Maps offers a generous free tier, but costs can accrue based on usage (typically billed per 1,000 requests).
    
• Lead Capture and CRM Integration:
  • Function: Capture form submissions, manage leads, and integrate with your CRM or a third‑party CRM API to handle customer data and follow-up communications.
  • Cost: There are free and paid CRM APIs available—costs vary based on the number of API calls and users.
    
• Finance Calculator and Payment Integration API:
  • Function: Provide online finance calculators for loan or lease estimates, and integrate payment gateways (like Stripe or PayPal) if you’re processing deposits or payments.
  • Cost: Payment gateways typically charge a transaction fee (e.g., 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction) and finance APIs might be built in‑house or available via third parties.
    
• Digital Marketing & Social Media Integration APIs:
  • Function: Connect with email marketing, social media platforms, and SEO tools to manage campaigns, track analytics, and automate marketing workflows.
  • Cost: Many of these services are offered as part of broader marketing platforms with monthly subscription fees.
    

 

[Carsten]

That seems to be the majority.

SalesForce and a lot of CRMs I've seen can't really do or would take massive amounts of customizing that it's really tough to do.

But ... I do have my evil James Bond villain plan already laid out to break into this market in play.

 

[DjSec]

That seems to be the majority.

SalesForce and a lot of CRMs I've seen can't really do or would take massive amounts of customizing that it's really tough to do.

But ... I do have my evil James Bond villain plan already laid out to break into this market in play.

The best way to break in would be on the design side and then start building out, improving, and customizing all the different platforms into the design so you didn't need any 3rd party apps...in my humble opinion.

 

[Carsten]

3rd party apps (API calls) will still be needed. But otherwise, I do agree. Creating a user friendly app should win over clients.