Good marketing is crucial to the success of any business. From print media and digital ad campaigns to social media marketing- these all play a significant role in creating a brand image. However, there is one thing that is perhaps the most important tool for spreading the word about a business. That is great customer reviews.
In this era of digitization people trust businesses with positive reviews. Other people's experiences are a pivotal deciding factor for potential buyers to visit a seller. This holds true for automotive dealerships. According to a survey by SalesFuel, 59% of the respondents answered that the reputation of the dealership was the reason for choosing to visit or buy from them.
Potential customers actively seek out reviews about your business before coming to you. As the owner, Dealer Principal or General Manager of a dealership, you can leverage this by getting your existing customers to become the unofficial brand ambassadors of your business. Empower them and give them the tools necessary to spread the word about your dealership's exceptional service and you will see growth.
Here we will discuss 6 ways in which you can turn your customers into your ambassadors. Read on to learn more!
- Gather Customer Reviews
There are many different places where your customers can leave reviews. Some usual websites are Yelp, Google Reviews, Facebook, Yahoo Local Listings, Foursquare, etc. People visit these sites to know about a brand before buying. So, be sure to engage with your existing customers on these websites. Encourage them to leave reviews so that the same can be showcased for others. Monitor your reviews and respond to them accordingly, thanking customers along the way.
- Engage on Social Media
This is the age of social media marketing. Actively ask your customers to share their experiences and stories on social media and tag your business page. You can get creative here and come up with catchy hashtags that the customers can use while sharing as well. These hashtags can then attract more people as they gain enough traction. This method is particularly useful for platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
- Keep Track of Online Discussions
Apart from the review websites, people will have discussions about your dealership on other online platforms like Reddit. Customers are always ready to share their experiences, both good and bad, with others for the sake of the spread of information. These discussions are an excellent way to know how your business is faring. Keep a track of such discussions on social media sites and learn from them. You can leverage marketing automation tools like Buffer and HubSpot for this purpose as they save you time.
- Reward Brand Loyalty
Make sure to recognize and reward your long-term customers. Send them personalized messages through emails. Offer them special discounts and services on occasions like birthdays or anniversaries. The goal is to create a long-term liaison so that the customer feels valued. When your existing customers feel well taken care of, they are more likely to refer your dealership to others. The entire relationship is built on trust.
- Create a Referral System
Referral programs are an excellent way for your customers to act as brand ambassadors and get other people to come to you. Create a referral system that gives certain enticing benefits to the referrer. At the same time, a first-time customer coming through a referral program should also be given some offer. That way it becomes a win-win situation for all, and the customers are more likely to stay.
- Provide Quality Experience
Ultimately, everything works only if you provide an overall excellent and consistent quality service to your customers. Make your customers intrinsically happy with your service and support. That in itself will make sure that your buyers become your unofficial ambassadors. They will happily recommend your dealership to others as a result.
Market Your Dealership Effectively
It's important to implement various marketing strategies to promote your dealership to your clients. Nothing can be better than having your existing customers vouching for you to potential buyers. Hence, converting your customers into your unofficial brand ambassadors is a great way to market your dealership.
For about two decades, Vanguard Dealer Services has been an industry leader in the field of automotive consulting. We provide our valued customers with dealership consultation, training, and F&I products and services. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you with your dealership requirements.
