This Week in Social Media

News for the Week of August 1

Twitter Searchable Stickers

Twitter recently rolled out searchable stickers, which add creativity to user photos and can be clicked to see even more tweets that are tagged with the same image.  Announced last month as a new update, the stickers are now available and add functionality as well as a cuteness factor.  In addition to allowing users to decorate photos, stickers also help users search and tag, making organization even easier.  If you’re trying to wrap your head around twitter stickers and exactly how they work, think of them as hashtags; they work exactly like that.  Dealerships, much like adding fun to your posts by occasionally adding emojis, twitter stickers can serve the same purpose.  Humanize your brand and add some personality and fun to your posts by occasionally using stickers.  Don’t overdo it—and be sure to use them strategically to help you share a message.  Your followers will enjoy seeing a few lighthearted posts as you interact with them online.

Facebook Birthday Videos

True to Facebook nature, in the next few days, the platform will be rolling out a brand-new way for users to celebrate their birthdays—and maybe even make the celebrations last a little bit longer.  Most users have probably wished someone a happy birthday via Facebook.  Now, the day after a birthday, a new video feature that weaves together ALL the wishes received will appear at the top of the feed, allowing a user to view all the wishes from the previous day.  Dealerships, you already know personalization is the name of the game in today’s busy marketplace.  Now, if you wish your customers a happy birthday, not only will they see it on the exact day, but they’ll be reminded of your wishes the following day as well.  Remember to utilize the tools social media gives you so you can offer a more personalized customer experience every day.

Twitter Night Mode

For Android users, it doesn’t matter what time of day they’re tweeting, thanks to Twitter’s new Night Mode.  Night Mode allows users to tweet in the dark and can be accessed from either the navigation menu or via the user profile icon.  Currently only available for Android users, Night Mode screens appear as a deep blue, rather than the daytime white screen.  While there’s currently no way for Twitter to automatically switch to Night Mode or be triggered by times of day or light levels, users can easily toggle back and forth between day and night modes.  Dealerships, whatever time of day you’re interacting with your audience, be sure you’re including Twitter in your lineup—and be sure you’re consistent.  Twitter offers everything from instant interaction to private messaging to keep you up to date with your customers and in tune with what they need, so be sure to utilize the tools available to you to build stronger relationships.

Facebook Growth Continues for Q2 2016

A quick look at the Facebook Q2 2016 earnings report lets us know this platform is going strong, as it continues to grow and reach even more people around the globe.  With a steady 3.6% growth and an increase of 60 million monthly users this quarter alone, the social media giant has reached 1.71 billion users worldwide.  Similarly, Facebook’s products, Messenger and Instagram continue to grow, with Messenger reaching 1 billion active monthly users and Instagram reaching 500 million active monthly users.  Dealerships, stay focused on building rapport with your Facebook audience and enlist the help of your employees to help you reach even more consumers.  By using the power of social media, you’ll reach even more people, ensure your message goes further, and bring more people to your dealership.

Twitter Looks Good in Q2 2016

Not to be outdone, Twitter is keeping up momentum with its Q2 2016 numbers as well.  In its Letter to Shareholders, the social media giant boasted a 20% increase in year-over-year revenue, reaching $602 million by the end of Q2.  A major source for breaking news, in-the-now updates, and trending topics, Twitter continues to be a go-to for consumers, businesses, and advertisers alike.  With ad revenue also showing an increase of 18% year-over-year and data licensing and other revenue showing an increase of 35% year-over-year, this platform continues a strong upward trajectory.  Dealerships, if you’re not tweeting, it’s time to start.  Your customers are on Twitter, and potential future buyers are there as well.  Start sharing quality content, dealership news, and relevant industry updates to build your audience and attract more traffic to your showroom.

Tumblr Ads & Monetization

Tumblr announced it will be allowing users to monetize their blogs via ads beginning later this year, and although this functionality will be available to all Tumblr users, they will also have the ability to turn off ad settings if they choose.  Keep your eyes on the Creatrs program, which features Tumblr’s most creative artists, writers, and builders who share top content.  Soon creative sharing opportunities will be open to any eligible Tumblr user via this same program.  Tumblr boasts around 80 million posts per day, making it a top social platform worldwide.  Dealerships, keep this in mind when considering how and where to reach out to your consumers.  Lean in to Tumblr’s non-traditional side and tap into your visual and content creativity to really make this platform work for you.

Use Pokémon Go to Boost Traffic to Your Dealership

Ok, admit it.  Who’s been playing Pokémon Go?  Even if you haven’t been playing, it’s pretty hard to miss all the roaming pods of smartphone and iPad users wandering through streets and intersections with an eye for only one thing—Catching All the Pokémon!

Sure, it’s a craze.  And a fad.  But did you know, much like any social fad, you can use this to your advantage to drive traffic into your dealership?  Sound crazy?  It’s not.  Here’s how businesses are succeeding and using this wildly popular game to get people into their stores—and 5 Easy Ways You Can Do It, Too:

1. Request a Pokéstop or Gym. Players are flocking to these in droves, and if you have a Gym or a Pokéstop, you’ll get visitors.  It’s easy; simply go to the website and submit your location. And when you get visitors, you get shoppers.  Think all the Pokémon players are kids?  Think again!  40% of adults who have downloaded Pokémon Go are age 25 or older—and that means they are old enough to shop for cars and buy cars.  Invite them onto your lot and let them know you’re a friendly neighborhood stop AND that you have great vehicles for sale.

2. Offer a discount to Pokémon hunters. Yep, you read that one correctly.  Once you have people with the app at your dealership, why not offer a discounted oil change or tire rotation?  Once again, you’ll show you’re great at offering efficient and value-oriented service, and they can catch their Pokémon.  It’s a win-win.

3. Throw down a Lure. In case you’re not up on your Pokémon details, Lures increase the rate of Pokémon appearances in a specific vicinity for 30 minutes, so when you Lure these little guys to your dealership, you’ll likely get lots of hunters as well—which means lots of foot traffic.  This is pretty simple to do: Once you have the app, tap the red Pokéball, tap Shop, then tap the purple box to get Lures.  Once you have Lures, simply tap one to activate, and Boom!, you’ll have traffic before you know it.

4. Get social with your Pokémon. Have some rare Pokémon popping up around your dealership?  Be sure to put that info on Facebook and Twitter to let your followers know!  To help you out, check out the chart a user has made of rare and common Pokémon. Chances are, as soon as word gets out you’ve got the scoop on their location, you’ll be the most popular spot in town.

5. Share your wifi. If there’s one thing Pokémon hunters need, it’s wifi!  So if you’re already sharing wifi with your customers, why not get the word out to players that they can swing by and play awhile in your dealership?  Not only will they get to use your wifi and likely find a charging spot, they’ll probably stroll through your inventory and get some ideas about their next new car.

There are plenty of ways you can use whatever craze happens to be the “craze of the day” to help your dealership come out on top and get more traffic.  After all, without traffic and interaction, consumers can’t see what you have to offer!  It’s time to get creative, think outside the box, and have fun.  Consumers are busy, but they’re also enjoying the time they have to get out and about; so be sure to be a part of that.  Join in and participate in what they’re interested in; and you’ll end up getting traffic at your dealership that can end up earning you some sales in the long run.