Why Auto Dealerships Must Pay Closer Attention to Google Local Listings

1. May 19, 2017 Why Auto Dealerships Must Pay Closer Attention to Google Local Listings Image 1Four Ways That Google Local Listings Can Improve Your Auto Dealership If you’re a dealership with a strong digital presence, then you’re probably aware of credible auto review sites such as Edmunds, Cars.com, Yelp, Carfolks, and DealerRate. In fact, your dealership might already be on these sites. Unfortunately, many auto dealers tend to overlook Google as a review site. Like the aforementioned auto review sites, reviews on Google+ Local and Google Maps can significantly extend the marketing reach of your dealership. P a g e 1 | 3

2. Google dominates the search engine market, which means that millions of potential clients are using it when they’re searching for specific vehicle models. Though Google isn’t specific to the auto industry, being aware of what consumers say on this search engine giant is as important for your dealership. Increased Leads The majority of car buyers read online reviews first before deciding which and where to purchase. Feedback from previous customers and expert opinions have a lot of influence on their buying decision, and more often than not, Google acts as a bridge between shoppers and these reviews. This is why it’s crucial that you have enough positive Google reviews to create a favorable first impression of your dealership and generate targeted leads. Strong Visibility Once you have your dealership listed on Google, you’re basically letting people know that you’re open for business. Vital information such as your business name, address, and contact details will be accessible, making it easier for potential clients to reach you. Even better, they will be posted to commonly used apps such as Google Maps, Google Search, and Google+ Local. This gives an added layer of legitimacy to your dealership, and it will make customers feel comfortable doing business with you. Local Reach When car buyers search for a dealership or a service shop, they don’t do it randomly. They make it specific to where they are so that they can easily visit the shop personally. After all, wouldn’t it be more convenient to buy a car from a nearby dealership instead of one that’s out of state? Given this, it’s wise to use Google local listings since 43% of search queries on the search engine are geo-specific. With a location-driven online channel, you can then drive targeted market to your dealership. You’ll find that people who peruse these listings are often serious about purchasing a vehicle and are most likely located near your dealership’s showroom. Social Reach P a g e 2 | 3

3. Another good thing about Google local listings is its similarity to social media. Much like Facebook, Google+ connects consumers with their friends and families, as well as allow them to discover businesses. If a happy client posts a review or mentions your dealership on their Google+ account, everyone in their “circle” will know about it. It’s necessary to use the power of car-specific review sites, but it’s also wise to tap a channel that has the widest reach. Given this, knowing how to utilize it properly is crucial. A digital marketing company specializing in auto dealership can help secure and optimize your Google local listings today. About DealerRank: A leading auto dealership digital marketing company, DealerRank values clear communication with our clients. To ensure that our clients’ needs are addressed when it comes to Google Local listings, they are given access to our propriety dashboard. Communicate with your personal account manager anytime you need. You can also track the progress of your campaign through the dashboard. Sources: Car Dealerships and Automotive Business: Here’s How You Should Manage Your Google Reviews, Reviewtrackers.com Guidelines for Representing Your Business on Google, Support.google.com P a g e 3 | 3