5 ways to optimise your online presence for car dealership growth

Today, online presence is more important than ever to your dealership's growth. The good news is that creating and optimising your online presence is completely doable, and the return on investment is measurable.

Creating and perfecting your online presence might seem overwhelming initially, but if you break it down into manageable chunks, it really doesn't have to be. Not only that, but plenty of services and software applications can make it far easier than you think. 

Five ways you can optimise your online presence now

1. Start with your website

Your website is your online real estate and an extension of your dealership. Just like your physical dealership needs to make a great first impression, so does your website. Think about a time when you visited a website that took too long to load, or you couldn't quickly find the information you were looking for. Consumers today have far too many options to sit around waiting for a slow site or a site they can't navigate on their mobile phones.

Your site must load fast and look great on all devices, including laptops, phones and tablets. Outdated websites that load slowly, aren't responsive or haven't been updated in the last ten years not only make a poor first impression but are also less likely to come up in a search.

 This is something that you can't overlook because search engines prioritise sites that provide users with a good experience and contain content that is considered valuable. Google is very transparent regarding this, and their most recent updates make it clear that sites that aren't fast, responsive, useful and informative aren't going to be prioritised in search.

2. Optimise your website content (written, imagery and video) with SEO best practices

For people to find your site in a search, it needs to be optimised for search engines. Search engine optimisation isn't just about using carefully researched keywords in your blog posts and website copy. It's also about using the right tags and descriptions for your photos and videos, meta descriptions, titles and headings. 

Be sure your content is relevant, informative, and authoritative. Include a section on frequently asked questions and make sure you have an engaging about page. Don't be afraid to show your personality when you post to your site. SEO is important, but ultimately, you create content for people, not bots.

For example, informative content with excellent graphics, top-notch resources and good use of relevant keywords is key to a good SEO strategy. Using infographics, linking to quality sources and adding video content are all helpful.

3. Register a Google My Business account and link it to your website

Once your website is sorted, it's time to register your Google My Business account and link it to your website. Be thorough and make sure your information is always kept up to date. Google My Business shows prospective customers how to contact your dealership, reviews, photos, maps, and pertinent information like phone numbers, business hours and more. You must stay engaged with your GMB profile, keep it updated, respond to inquiries and ensure it is linked to your website.

4. Be active on social media channels

Find out where your audience spends most of their social media time, and make sure you are there. When you set up your social media channels, be sure you keep your branding consistent. This includes logos, contact information, etc. Be active on your social media accounts by posting regularly, answering questions, responding to comments and adding content that viewers will find useful. You can post your blogs, videos, photos and more on your social media. 

Some businesses are intimidated by the idea of juggling multiple social media channels and posting daily. But it doesn't have to be difficult. You can repurpose existing content across multiple platforms and schedule posts. Some businesses even outsource their social media altogether.

Finally, always use a call to action in your posts, inviting visitors to your page to learn more about your dealership. Include links to your website and ask them to share your posts with others. 

5. Utilise video to increase dealership growth

Consumers love video because it enables them to engage with products and services. They can research and get a feel for a business without leaving home. This is especially true with vehicles. Walk-around videos are popular because they enable consumers to get a feel for a car or truck, learn more about it and see if it may be a good fit for them. When done correctly, you have basically already sold the car before they come to the dealership for a test drive.

It's important to ensure these videos are high-quality, not too long and engaging. When your sales reps post regular video walk-arounds, viewers can "get to know" them and trust them even before they show up at the dealership. Shoppers can view one video walk-around countless times. Using video can seriously boost your dealership's growth.

It's easy to see how important your online presence is. Start with a good website, lock in your SEO, create great content, be active on social media and harness the power of video to drive buyers to your dealership. The effort is worth it, and there are tools at your disposal to help make it easier for you and your team. 

SalesLogs is software that helps you run your business better and increase dealership growth. Save time, be more efficient and say goodbye to spreadsheets. To learn more about our products, visit SalesLogs today.