Up to 90% of car-buyers actively research online reviews before shortlisting dealerships. That's why car dealerships need to focus more on online reputation management.
Here are seven effective online reputation management tips for your car dealership.
1: Do a Name Search
Search for your car dealer website on search engines, including image search, and see what you get. Like it or not, this is the first impression that 90% of your prospective customers gather.
Set up Google alerts to alert you when new content mentioning your dealership is published online. With this setting, notifications will be emailed to you.
2: Claim Your Listings
One of the best ways to improve your online reputation is to claim your car dealership on multiple listings, including Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and more.
3: Listen to Your Customers
Before responding to customer reviews, make it a point to listen first - especially when dealing with negative reviews.
There is a possibility that the customer may be right. Under such circumstances, it is best to offer a speedy solution which appears sincere and just to both the customer and others who will be reading the conversation. These gestures help you to improve your online reputation.
4: Always Respond to Your Car Dealership Customer Reviews
It is important to always respond to customer reviews, both negative and positive. Responsiveness and sincerity go a long way in winning a loyal customer base.
5: Be Transparent
Transparency in business helps build trust. If you have promised your customers something, then deliver it.
6: Leverage Your Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms play a critical role in managing your car dealership’s online reputation. You need a good local social network to keep your ears to the ground and stay in control of your social conversations. Have someone work on it every single day.
7: Invest in Online Reputation Management Tools
Online reputation management is not a simple straight-up process and it consumes a lot of time and energy. Many dealers lack the skills and spend a lot of money and time on irrelevant processes. On the other hand, a tool like Buyerater can help with publishing great location-verified reviews every day.
For more effective online reputation management tips for your car dealership, and to know how buyerater can help you, Contact Us.