Here are some of the proven online reputation management tips for car dealerships.
1: Create a strong local
presence on relevant web and social platforms
If
your car dealership is in an extremely competitive market, then you need to
have an active presence on Facebook, Twitter, Google My Business, and LinkedIn.
For engaging visual content, try YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, Vimeo, and
Flickr.
The
content posted by your dealership on these platforms helps with your online
reputation management. Using tools like Buyerater can help
you make the entire process seamless and easy.
2: Engage your local audience
Be
active on social media. Engage your local audience every day. Make it an
interesting two-way conversation.
3: Monitor Your Local
Business’ Online Reviews
Track
your online reviews on social media, review websites, forums, etc. where
customers are likely to review your dealership. The best way to automate
tracking is to set Google Alerts.
Tools
like Social Mention or Sentione can help track and manage social conversations
around your dealership.
4: Respond expeditiously to customer
reviews
Always
respond proactively to customer reviews, both positive and negative. If you
have received a positive review, then thank them for it. Confronted with a
negative review? Apologize for the inconvenience and provide a speedy solution.
5: Listen to Your Customers, Don’t
Argue
We
agree that when you see a negative review, it is difficult to stay calm. Remember
to listen carefully. Avoid an online argument that has the potential to go out
of control and destroy your online reputation.
6: Mentor your content & marketing for continuity
Online
reputation management can also overlap with marketing, promotions, brand
management, and PR since all of these can influence your reputation.
Remember,
all it takes is a single inappropriate tweet or leaked video, to dent your
reputation.
7: Blogging Helps
Your
blog has an impact on your SEO and online reputation. If the keywords in your
blog contribute to website SEO, the whole content of your blog contributes to your
online reputation.
You
can make use of your blog to fix, clarify, or assuage major concerns your
customers may have about your vehicles and service.
8: Invest in Online
Reputation Management
Online
reputation management demands time and money. Many of the dealers are either ignoring
it or doing it themselves, which is not likely to fetch them the required
results. Try to include online reputation management in your budget.