If A Dealership Turned OFF Facebook, Twitter and Google+ What would Happen?

It seems an overwhelming majority of participants on this network are obsessed with social media channels. While I feel they play a role in a good overall marketing strategy, I wonder if we are putting too much weight on their importance?

 

Let me ask you this question:

"If a dealership took all their icons and buttons and links to Facebook, Google+, Twitter and LinkedIn OFF their websites and let their content on those sites go cold, What would happen?

(Note: They would still do basic SEO so they come up in standard searches for their name and brand in a regular search engine inquiry.)

 

Would they go out of business?  

Would business fall off 50%?

Would anybody notice? 

Another NOTE:  To all the Social Media Consultants and Vendors on the site, would you please let THREE (3) dealership employees post their replies, BEFORE you share your thoughts.   Your restraint is greatly appreciated.

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Comment by Gerald Strain on September 27, 2012 at 3:08pm

I hate to be the first to answer this as I know any comments will be contested.  I have to answer that with the three choices given I would go with "would anybody notice".  I am a strong user of all the social sites with the exception of Linked In, there I am a member but not strong user.  I feel there is a community presence from Facebook, Twitter and Google + but feel I can get almost the same community presence from traditional things like activity sponsorships and event sponsorships. And I get just as many requests from those traditional community groups as I do offers from vendors to improve my social media presence.  I don't believe it would be a total wash as I feel some business is being generated and in the case of a few campaigns they track well but it would be far less a loss than 50%, maybe in the 2-3% range. 

 

Well now the fireworks should begin

Comment by Paul Barrett on September 27, 2012 at 3:08pm

Social media is a tough subject.  It does have its place but it must be utilized properly.  I dont think I have seen more than a handful of dealers who even come close to hitting the mark in terms of effective social media marketing.  The real value that comes from social media marketing is more about branding than selling.  Most people that I have seen have a tendency to hammer their face book and twitter with "specials".  The reality is only effect that has is to cause anyone who might be engaged with your company to stop following your company.  Take a minute to think about what you would like to see come through on your facebook.  Give people some good info that they might care about.  Events, a story about a customer, or news on interesting info about your brand.  Post a special every once in a while and then they might be effective.  If youre going to post sales adds non stop on your social media pages your probably better off just shutting them down.  

Social media can offer some value if its utilized properly.  Hope this helps.

Comment by Steve Duff on September 27, 2012 at 3:04pm

WAY too much weight in my opinion. If we turned them off, we'd sell just as many cars. Sure it's good for branding, and we keep them turned on so we can monitor any chatter about us as far as reputation management, but it's not about selling cars for the most part. We do like to spread our brand, so we'll continue to use them, but we sure aren't going to pay a company hundreds per month to post on them.

But who knows, in the future maybe all cars will be sold through those channels. Doubt it, but the way things are changing in this world it's anyone's guess.

As to Google Plus... I just wish it would go away! lol

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