Content is King for Driving Traffic

Every day dealers are inundated with third party lead providers, the latest online fad or the next "must have" advertising program. But the one tried and true asset that is vitally important to the long term success of your Internet presence is valuable CONTENT. In fact, good content can do more to drive traffic to your website and generate qualified leads than just about any other resource or service available.

Following is a list of 5 ways that good content can instantly take your website from being just an online billboard to a high traffic lead generating machine.

Search engines like to list sites that change frequently. Boost your search engine ranking by posting keyword rich articles and content on your website on a consistent basis. For example, if a dealership wants to increase revenue from your parts and service department in addition to your Internet sales department, frequently posting related articles, service specials, maintenance tips, and parts coupons will attract unlimited prospective customers on a regular basis!
Generate double or even triple the number of purchase requests you do currently, simply by offering incentives or content in the form of "special reports" or car buying tips as bonuses for requesting more information. People love freebies, so give them what they want and watch as your results increase!
Create an automated follow-up process by using content to formulate multi-part series of emails offering car buying tips and tools with related website links and various calls to action "sprinkled" throughout each course. Use an auto responder service or your lead management system to automate the delivery of your follow-up campaign.

One of the most important keys to developing and maintaining an effective website for your dealership is not just lead generation, it's about building trusting, long-term relationships with your prospects, by offering worth while information such as an e-newsletters that includes informative articles, and special offers to your customers on a regular basis. You will establish yourself as a well-informed expert, as well as gain the trust of your subscribers over time. As a result, your subscribers will be eager to take advantage of your special offers and do business with your dealership.
Post customer testimonials on your website, on your newsletters, and any other marketing campaign that requires your prospects to take action. You say: "Our dealership is the greatest". Your customer says: "Yea, right." Every dealer toots its own horn, and most people don't believe a word of it. But, when your customers sing your praises, it has much more credibility. Make sure that you ask your customers for short, specific testimonials. You can even ask a specific customer to speak of a particular experience with your company with which they were pleased. The more guidance you give folks in writing these the more helpful they will be to your viewers since they are looking for others who have had dealings with you that they may have themselves.

With declining effectiveness of many online advertising methods that we've relied on in past years, content is only strengthening its position as the ultimate key to generating unlimited traffic, subscribers, and customers!