Seven Apps That Drive More Automotive Consumers To Your Dealership Website
Seven Apps that Will Steer More Drivers to Your Automotive Website and Customers Into Your Showroom...
When people start looking for a car repair shop or are trying to decide where to buy their next car, it's a given that they want a place they can trust. If you're looking to build your brand as one of the good guys, a great place to start is on your Facebook Page. Why Facebook? Because on Facebook you can offer a unique experience to current and potential customers.
Check out some of these app ideas that will make your Page a new-customer magnet, and make you look like the Honest Abe of automotive repair and sales (which we assume you are, of course!).
3 Apps That Will Make Your Reputation Shine
1. Customer Reviews
According to a Zendesk-sponsored survey, 90 percent of consumers who responded to the survey said that "positive online reviews influence buying decisions." Are you using an app to let the world know what your customers think of you? If your automotive business has great reviews, put them out on the social networks for all potential new customers to see. They're gonna search for them anyway, so you might as well make them easy to find. (And it wouldn't hurt to leave some less than glowing reviews, if you have any, on your Facebook Page. Why? Customers are also looking to see how you deal with difficult clients so make sure you respond to criticism.) Check out how Laird Noller Automotive Dealer in Lawrence, Kan. uses a review app to let future potential customers know what existing customers think:
2. Question App
Create an app for your Facebook Page that allows users to ask simple automotive questions or advice. If you're able to spend the time to give free information or advice with no strings attached, it will make you look like one of the good guys. While you're at it, give your Facebook visitors a quote for services they would receive at your shop, or a recommendation for a specialist – even if it's not your place. This small up-front investment may just win you a customer for life. Here's an example of how you might use a question app (Milluh's Auto Shop is not a real business):
3. Charity app
If you were given the choice between patronizing two different establishments, and one was doing something great for the community and the other wasn't, where would you choose to spend your money? Probably the one that is making a positive impact on your community. The Dolan Auto Group in Reno, Nev. is an example of an automotive business that is continually working to make Reno a better place. For example, with their Class Project event the business offers a cash reward to local schools, based on the votes that various schools get using the app example here:
4 Apps That Will Attract New Business
1. Product Promotion app
If you want to show off your inventory — new and used — and highlight special features of some of your products, a product promotion app is ideal. Jim Sigel Automotive, which is based in Grants Pass, Ore. uses a detailed app (just part of it is visible below) to show off new arrivals, but they've also included a quick survey that asks customers about their favorite features, and include a video and some other fun facts about the new Chevy Silverado truck. If you want to check out the app, click here.
2. Giveaway app
A great way to get people interested in your shop is to give stuff away for free. Host an "enter to win" sweepstakes or giveaway in which users will be required to Like your Page in order to enter the promotion. As with some other apps, this is a little bit of an investment on your part, but if you can get the customer in your shop and earn their trust, you may have a customer for life. Check out what Mills Motors in E. Oshawa, Ontario has going. Mills is a Canadian business so their giveaway is for hockey store gift card (of course!).
3. Fan-gated Coupon app
Sometimes simplicity is the best way to get people to engage with your brand. If they stumble upon your Facebook Page and discover they can get 20 percent off an oil change or maybe a discount on a brake check for simply Liking your Page, chances are you'll get more bites. Offering a coupon instead of an Enter to Win may get more people in the door to give your repair shop a try. In this example, Allparts Automotive in London, UK, offers up a 20 percent off coupon for their fans to use in stores.
4. "Request an Appointment" app
if someone's in the market to get an alignment or a new timing belt, they find your Facebook Page and see you stellar reviews, community involvement, and a discount coupon, why not seal the deal right then and there? Add a "Book your appointment" app to your Facebook Page and stop them from looking further. Here's an example of how Christian Brothers Automotive, with shops all around the south and midwest, uses an appointment app on their Facebook Page. Users go into the app and then select their their location and then request an appointment time.
Are you in the automotive business? Have you used apps on your Facebook Page? Which ones have brought business through your door? We'd like to know!
No comments:
Post a Comment