Need some help from all you smart marketing folks...
BDC Manager here with little to no experience in the world of marketing, back in the auto BDC world for just shy of 7 months. I know my leads are contingent upon marketing/advertising, inventory, pricing, service, etc. - one big full circle. My small dealership (150 sales/month, mostly new) is struggling with the third party used car leads (prices set at too high % of the market for the vehicle), and we lose a lot of new car business to the bigger dealerships with more inventory and who are willing to lose on the front. According to my marketing manager (who is out sick right now), we aren't hardly spending any money right now on advertising...(don't ask me why)...just a little to some third parties and brand. Good news, once we get the appointments out of the leads, show and sell ratios are great. We thrive on selling a great experience with superb CSI ratings and a hometown feel.
As a result of what I assume the colder seasons upon us and lack of advertising, my leads have decreased 22% in just one month period (plateaued for about 2 prior to decreasing). So I was up at the sales desk this afternoon talking about how we need to spend some marketing money to help pump up my leads (and quality ones at that) in a rather nonchalant way, not expecting anyone to respond. Our managing partner heard me and basically said...Ok, figure out what'll work and I'll spend the money, but it HAS to work.
For a moment I felt I had put my foot in my mouth, but then I realized, it might be the opportunity I need to help with my leads. I have to at least try, right? With my marketing manager out sick...something needs to happen. Might get myself fired trying, but hopefully not...
Anyway, based on the BDC results I've had while I've been here, I know where I don't want to spend more money (brand in particular), but I've seen success with traffic to our website. I mentioned paid search to him, his response was that it could get pricey...
So I'm reading through some threads on here and I'm trying to find ideas, maybe explore some new options or programs, but don't want to fall into some BS marketing pitch. I see Facebook being a popular, inexpensive option...that's a start, right?
Any advice or ideas is appreciated!
BDC Manager here with little to no experience in the world of marketing, back in the auto BDC world for just shy of 7 months. I know my leads are contingent upon marketing/advertising, inventory, pricing, service, etc. - one big full circle. My small dealership (150 sales/month, mostly new) is struggling with the third party used car leads (prices set at too high % of the market for the vehicle), and we lose a lot of new car business to the bigger dealerships with more inventory and who are willing to lose on the front. According to my marketing manager (who is out sick right now), we aren't hardly spending any money right now on advertising...(don't ask me why)...just a little to some third parties and brand. Good news, once we get the appointments out of the leads, show and sell ratios are great. We thrive on selling a great experience with superb CSI ratings and a hometown feel.
As a result of what I assume the colder seasons upon us and lack of advertising, my leads have decreased 22% in just one month period (plateaued for about 2 prior to decreasing). So I was up at the sales desk this afternoon talking about how we need to spend some marketing money to help pump up my leads (and quality ones at that) in a rather nonchalant way, not expecting anyone to respond. Our managing partner heard me and basically said...Ok, figure out what'll work and I'll spend the money, but it HAS to work.
For a moment I felt I had put my foot in my mouth, but then I realized, it might be the opportunity I need to help with my leads. I have to at least try, right? With my marketing manager out sick...something needs to happen. Might get myself fired trying, but hopefully not...
Anyway, based on the BDC results I've had while I've been here, I know where I don't want to spend more money (brand in particular), but I've seen success with traffic to our website. I mentioned paid search to him, his response was that it could get pricey...
So I'm reading through some threads on here and I'm trying to find ideas, maybe explore some new options or programs, but don't want to fall into some BS marketing pitch. I see Facebook being a popular, inexpensive option...that's a start, right?
Any advice or ideas is appreciated!