For dealerships, Social Media provides a valuable outlet for lead generation and CRM. Everyone is on Social Media. Even my mom is an active Facebook user.
However, not everyone knows how to use Social Media effectively.
The following is a list of quick Social Media best practices that can be implemented to engage your audience TODAY!
Courtesy of NOWSOURCING.com - Detailed infographic outlines the benefits and metrics of a Social Media strategy for each business department
1. Post, tweet, share, comment and blog more often!
Your target market is on Social Media and they are waiting to hear from you. Let them know you exist! ***Avoid blatant self-promotion! Keep it real***
Courtesy of NOWSOURCING.com - Infographic illustrating the variety of Social Media communication channels
- Tweet as much as you are able. Feel free to say the same thing in different ways multiple times a day. Doing so allows you to cut through the chatter. ReTweet and Mention for increased Social influence.
- Oh, and don’t forget links! Use customizable shortened URLs like TinyURL, bit.ly, or owl.ly
Courtesy of HubSpot.com - Infographic highlighting each state's rate of Twitter use. Info can be used to determine the level of Twitter use appropriate for your dealership
- Post at least twice a day on your Facebook page (mid morning & mid afternoon)- doing so allows you to stand out on the news feed.
- Start blogging. Create fresh, interesting and useful content.
- Set an editorial schedule and stick to it. If you find you’re able to blog more often, DO IT. (Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11AM are great posting times)
- Don’t forget to comment on related blogs. This will increase your social influence and reputation.
Set a Social Media Editorial Calendar
- Invest in a cheap video camera (I recommend a Flip) and create a dedicated YouTube channel. Use it to post updates, blog responses, product showcases, how-to tips, or quick and quirky videos.
- Schedule your posts: use a platform like HootSuite or TweetDeck to create a daily post schedule so you don’t have to think about Social Media all day.
Courtesy of NOWSOURCING.com - Social Compass is an infographic device that can be used to aid Brand Managers and Social Media Directors to develop a consumer-focused Social Media strategy
2. Tell a good story
The Social Media audience will ignore you unless you post original, creative and captivating stories or share related interesting web content with a personal comment.
Courtesy of NOWSOURCING.com - Infographic describes the importance of storytelling for companies employing a Social Media strategy
3. Listen to and engage your audience
Ask for and respond to feedback, questions and requests.
4. Offer readers of you blog links to related posts or content
Keep your visitors on your site!
5. Set Social Media Goals and stick to them
Follow a social media strategy
- Establish benchmarks and metrics for success
- Track analytics and interpret data to understand how specific Social interactions affect your audience and reputation.
The Social Media Strategy Continuum
***Quick Social Media Content Ideas for Dealerships***
Good content = insightful + timely + informative
- Post the latest news developments in the automotive industry
- Post fresh opinions by though-leaders in the industry
- Post about new, incoming vehicles
- Post interesting emails or twitter conversations you have had recently
- Post a list of relevant resource links
- Create a Social Media themed competition
- Post special offers and purchase incentives for Facebook and Twitter followers
- Ask for and post user-generated reviews, referrals and testimonials
- Invite respected professionals in your network to guest post on your blog/page/account
- Post “how-to” guides for vehicle features or fuel efficiency
How do you engage your community? Please provide comments on how Social Media is adding value to your dealership or offer additional tips or questions.
Feel free to send me an email at jbraun@activengage.com
Thanks!
Related Posts:
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Are You Driving People Away From Your Website? Part Deux
Are You Driving People Away From Your Website?
Are You And Your Dealership Ready For Social CRM? Part 1
Are You And Your Dealership Ready For Social CRM? Part 2
Technorati Tags: active engage, activengage, Automotive Internet Marketing, automotive social media, automotive website, dealer social media, dealership internet marketing, dealership marketing, seo
I agree it is definitely a great idea for dealerships to create a dedicated youtube channel. The opportunities for creativity and exceptionalism are limited only by the broadness of your management’s thinking.
If your vehicles have a lot of advanced technology, like Microsoft SYNC or MyLincolnTouch for example, having locally produced how to videos with Sales Consultants demoing the technology in an engaging and personal manner. Put a little music bed in the backround too, it will help keep people on the video long enough to soak in the information.
Take a video of your Sales Consultants doing something exceptional in the area of customer service. Next time you have a long locate, have them create a video diary from the road, showing them going the extra mile to get a customer the exact car they are looking for.
If they have to go to an elderly customers house to pair their Car2U system, and get up on a stepladder to press the reset button for the customer, again…take a video!
Most good Sales Consultants already do these things for their customers, you just need to let the world know what your up to, and you can quickly separate yourself from the pack.
Steve Bayley
@TheLincolnKing