"In 2009, almost 13 percent of all new-vehicle buyers used some form of social networking to share information on their purchase decision. Meanwhile, for young buyers under the age of 35, this figure climbs even higher to 24 percent."
Foresight Research (AutoRemarketing) released a fantastic article regarding a fabulous study they did regarding car buying behavior. This research has proven that people are increasingly looking for advice and information through Social Media "friends" and Auto Industry 'shouters'. While this is going to continue to grow at an exponential rate it is important as a dealership to begin catering to these information driven customers. To do that it is imperative that you build your loyal customer base and turn them into brand ambassadors, meaning they will recommend your dealership to a friend who is ready to buy. You can't get loyal customers by shouting your messages from billboards, newspaper ads, and TV ads. You MUST go to them, join their conversation, listen, and let them get to know you -- not as just a business, but as people.
The other fantastic stat in the article is that 86% of new car buyers are using the Internet during some point of their car-buying process. This is a a huge deal to those dealerships who are having trouble getting leads from their website. Your website is a fantastic tool to get people in your door. Is your website doing it's job? Is it bringing these shoppers in the door? Is it giving them the information they are seeking in an easy to find intuitive way? Do you even know if it is doing it's job?
In what ways have you changed your marketing efforts to capitalize on the new way of car-buying?
Foresight Research (AutoRemarketing) released a fantastic article regarding a fabulous study they did regarding car buying behavior. This research has proven that people are increasingly looking for advice and information through Social Media "friends" and Auto Industry 'shouters'. While this is going to continue to grow at an exponential rate it is important as a dealership to begin catering to these information driven customers. To do that it is imperative that you build your loyal customer base and turn them into brand ambassadors, meaning they will recommend your dealership to a friend who is ready to buy. You can't get loyal customers by shouting your messages from billboards, newspaper ads, and TV ads. You MUST go to them, join their conversation, listen, and let them get to know you -- not as just a business, but as people.
The other fantastic stat in the article is that 86% of new car buyers are using the Internet during some point of their car-buying process. This is a a huge deal to those dealerships who are having trouble getting leads from their website. Your website is a fantastic tool to get people in your door. Is your website doing it's job? Is it bringing these shoppers in the door? Is it giving them the information they are seeking in an easy to find intuitive way? Do you even know if it is doing it's job?
In what ways have you changed your marketing efforts to capitalize on the new way of car-buying?