Dealership reviews coming to AutoTrader, the state of the U.S. auto market, and an important new Google AdWords metric

1. AutoTrader.com Adding Dealership Reviews (Auto Remarketing)

AutoTrader will begin integrating consumer-generated ratings and reviews from DealerRater into its dealer profile pages starting this month. AutoTrader.com will also introduce a “Rate & Review This Dealer” button which will take consumers to the DealerRater page for that store.

We say: This shift will add to visibility for dealerships’ DealerRater reviews, but a balanced review distribution on leading sites is still key to successful online reputation. 3 Birds Loyalty & Engagement solutions can help ensure an evenly distributed, steadily increasing number of reviews on the most important sites for your dealership.

Read here: http://www.autoremarketing.com/technology/autotrader-adding-dealership-reviews

2. Google Launches “Store Visits” Metric In AdWords, To Help Prove Online-To-Offline Impact (Search Engine Land)

Google has introduced an important new solution for stores to tie search clicks back to in-store traffic and sales. The “Store Visits” metric is an estimate

“based on user proximity to the advertiser’s location on Google Maps from users that have Location History activated on their Apple or Android smartphones.”

The metric only measures visits, but Google is working on a test for measuring in-store transactions. Currently, this metric is likely to be available only for multi-location retailers with enough data for extrapolation.

We say: With many customers shifting to “online-only” research during the car-buying process, we’ll be keeping an eye on the progression of this program to assess its value for dealers.

Read here: http://searchengineland.com/google-store-visits-estimated-conversio...

3. U.S. market has never been more competitive, IHS says (Automotive News)

The gap between market shares for the largest eight automakers in the U.S. is narrowing according to a report from IHS Automotive. Consultants who worked on the research point to more competitive products and quicker product redesign and launch programs as part of the cause. A one percentage point gain in market share in 2015 will now mean an additional 167,000 sales.

We say: This trend highlights the strong value proposition for consumers and the need for dealers to be especially strategic in their 2015 marketing.

Read here: http://www.autonews.com/article/20141218/RETAIL01/141219880/u-s-mar...

4. 5 Ways Content Marketing Can Create Brand Loyalty (Entrepreneur)

“Content marketing is a long-term marketing strategy that utilizes valuable and relevant content, adjacent to the business’s mission and brand, to draw in and enhance customer buying behavior and brand loyalty.”

If you’re still considering the value of content for your business, this article offers a list of clear-cut benefits, from attracting new customers to expanding the voice of your brand.

We say: Engaging content is key to establishing your dealership’s “Why Buy Here?” value proposition. How are you messaging your dealership’s unique benefits?

Read here: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/240746

5. Volvo Will Try to Reinvent Auto Marketing With New Strategy (Advertising Age)

Volvo is almost doubling its marketing budget over the next five years to shake up the industry and redefine the brand’s values. This includes a comprehensive training program for dealerships to offer “personal service technicians” and upgraded dealership interiors. The automaker is also focused on aligning its online and offline experiences.

We say: Volvo’s new areas of focus are key for dealerships as well: comfort, knowledgeable team members, and embracing digital. Making a point to include these elements in your 2015 strategy will make it even easier to start seeing real sales and service success.

Read here: http://adage.com/article/global-news/volvo-reinvent-auto-marketing-...

The dealership landscape is looking strong headed into 2015, and it’s important to keep the momentum going to capitalize on this recent health. Discuss any of these articles and more with 3 Birds on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+, or contact us to develop your personalized digital marketing solution.