New research from PERQ tracks the behavior of thousands of consumers on dealership websites, revealing that consumers are more likely to purchase if offered a guided online experience, versus one that simply seeks to ‘capture’ a lead – all of which results in an increase in conversion and gross profit

Indianapolis, IN – November 14, 2017 – New research on active online car shoppers offers compelling evidence that dealers should focus on engaging and guiding consumers, rather than seeking to drive them into a lead funnel trap. The insights are part of a new book, just released by PERQ, and are a clear sign that today’s car buyers expect a guided sales experience where they need it most: at the dealership website.

Research revealed in the book, “Engage: No More Lead Traps! How to Improve the Online Experience to Increase Sales,” found that when a shopper goes through multiple interactive online experiences, he/she is three times as likely to purchase as someone who fills out just one static lead form. What’s more, those one-and-done static form users exit the dealer website as rapidly as 40 seconds after completing the form.  

“Dealership websites should not be simple lead traps,” said Scott Hill, executive chairman and co-founder of PERQ, who co-authored the book. “And if your website is built that way, you’re losing out. Car buyers actually want to engage on dealer websites because that’s where the transaction gets complicated, and its where they have the questions that will actually matter to the sale. And they want answers to their questions without being forced to speak to a salesperson.”

Hill equates fulfilling this consumer need to what a dealer salesperson does at the showroom: provide engagement and expertise within a guided experience. The book research supports this theory, proving that engagement and personalization improve close rates for in-market shoppers. The book also offers an in-depth guide for dealers who want to increase engagement on their websites.

Increased Engagement with Enterprise-Level Tools

In addition to the connection between engagement and closing rate, PERQ data shows a strong customer desire for an enterprise-level and interactive user experience. In fact, the research in the book found a 12% boost in lead conversion when originated from interactive – versus static – lead forms. 

Key results from dealerships who implemented this engaged model include: 

• Up to 300% increase in click-to-lead conversions
• Up to 200% increase in website engagement
• Up to 200% increase in visitor-to-lead volume
• 10-50%increase in lead-to-close volume
• 5-15% average gross profit increase (per lead sold)

“Most dealers would never allow their showroom experience to be like the website experience,” said Russ Chandler, co-author and Product Marketing Manager at PERQ. “Their expectation is that the sales team will engage, inform and provide a critical value to the car shopper. It’s the same online, except your website is doing the initial relationship-building. Our data shows that customers expect that kind of approach at the online retail level. It’s not about lead traps. It’s about selling cars and building customer loyalty.”

To request a free hard copy of “Engage: No More Lead Traps! How to Improve the Online Experience to Increase Sales,” contact Muhammad Yasin via email: myasin@perq.com. To download a copy click here: http://bit.ly/PERQ_NoMoreLeadTraps

About PERQ

PERQ (www.perq.com), a marketing technology provider, boosts website conversions by creating and delivering interactive experiences to the right consumers at the right time. Founded in 2001, PERQ solutions today are used by more than 1,000 businesses across the United States. PERQ’s brands have been named to the Inc. “500 Fastest Growing Companies in America” list on three separate occasions.

PERQ Media Contacts

Melanie Webber, mWEBB Communications, melanie@mwebbcom.com or 949-307-1723

Cassandra Cavanah, mWEBB Communications, Cassandra@mwebbcom.com or 818-397-4630