In a study published this month by Google’s Automotive division titled, “The 5 Auto Shopping Moments Every Brand Must Own,” it’s crystal clear that dealers need to have a strong mobile strategy in order to stay in the game.

The study breaks the car buying…

Summary: The Ford PCM when generally goes faulty has got only one option, and that is to be completely replaced. There are certain methods of removing it because all the sensors and batteries are delicately attached within the car.…

How to Track Consumer Behavior and Leverage What You Learn

If your dealership is able to take advantage of the right tools, you can easily tell which consumers are in the car-buying market and what vehicles they’re searching for. This knowledge, however, means your employees’ approach is key in making sure they attract potential customers instead of scaring them off. …

Social Media News for the Week of November 23

Brand-New Google+ 

Google will look different for users due to its latest updates to Google+. Latest improvements focus on Communities and Collections, placing those features front and center for Google social media…

Are You a Hoarder?

 

This is the time of year dealerships are making decisions for end of year adjustments. Today I wanted to focus on the parts Department aged inventory. I understand how hard it is to realize eventually old inventory loses its value and has absolutely no chance of selling. Nevertheless, this is a…

If you’re on any social media platform, there’s no doubt that you’ve seen or heard of a multitude of topics where someone somewhere was offended. Not counting obvious religious, political or other volatile topics - there are many that seem, well, baffling. Take for example, the University of Ottawa’s decision to cancel its yoga class over concerns that cultural…

What do you want from SEO? If I had to guess, I'd say "more traffic" or "more leads" are at the top of your goals list. The problem is, those things don't just happen on their own.

One way to accomplish these goals is to pursue link building by creating amazing content. Links are one of the most important…

The reason that consumers don’t trust us is simple… the messages we send them aren’t believable.

Point in case: Doug Demiro, a former manager of Porsche Cars North America, and now author of a popular column on automotive website Jalopnik, answered a…

Let me start this post by stating unequivocally that I am big fan of online service scheduling applications for car dealers. When set up correctly, these little tools can save you and your customers the headaches and hassles of numerous service phone calls.

When set up correctly.

Without getting into the weeds, suffice it to say that online service scheduling is a great way to balance the load and maximize the labor in your shop without having to employ a service receptionist…

TrueCar names Chip Perry chief executive officer

Digital automotive services pioneer begins role next month SANTA MONICA, Calif., (November 23, 2015) –

TrueCar, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRUE) announced that Chip Perry, an online automotive pioneer and long-time industry leader, will become the company’s president and chief executive officer, effective…

Most of the time the goal of a dealership's advertising is to reach car shoppers and convince them to visit your store. But what about the customers who are already in your dealership? You're probably thinking there's no need to advertise to them. If they're in your showroom, there's a pretty good chance you can close them. And you're right - unless one of your competitors…

For those who have met me, you would know I have never had the problem of being lost in a crowd. At 6 foot 5 inches, I tend to be hard to miss. Most of you wouldn't know though that my wonderful wife Melody is 6 foot 1 inch, very tall herself. Like many of you I'm sure, I am punching well above my weight and I am convinced that my wife just married me because I was the only one she knew that was taller than her! It was my point of difference! And after celebrating 6 years of marriage last…

In the state of Ohio, drivers are responsible for carrying a minimum requirement to ensure that all drivers are protected while on the road. The Dayton, Ohio state related law concerning auto accident’s states that drivers are required to carry the insurance unless they are able to provide proof of other forms of financial responsibility like a bond that has been filed by the state treasurer. In the state of Ohio, there are laws in place that are there to ensure that auto accidents and…

“We want to create a sales team and sales culture in our Service Department but don’t know where to start.”

A great question that actually has a fairly easy answer and solution.  Below I will outline the steps to make this happen, but before I do, here are three simple rules you will have to be diligent with.

1. Be…

Four Keys to Success on Instagram

Want to sell more cars and reach more potential shoppers with Instagram? This week, special guest Tori Hoffman has the four keys to success on Instagram.

Four Keys to Success on Instagram

Want to sell more cars and reach more potential shoppers with Instagram? This week, special guest Tori Hoffman has the four keys to success on Instagram.

Unless you’ve been in hibernation for the past few weeks, you’ve undoubtedly been barraged with news and opinions about the VW Recalls. Regardless of the intent of Volkswagen, it’s quite fascinating to observe the polarizing reactions by owners of the diesel engine carrying cars. No doubt the government regulators are going to compel Volkswagen to fix all of the…

Today let's take a look at our operations and get ready for an upcoming record year! Don't forget the dealership with the best fixed operations will always win!

 

The $1,300 oil change

 

A few years ago I was at an account of mine, working in the…