Studies show that 95% of shoppers use digital channels to research a vehicle purchase. With the average buyer relying on at least 24 points of research, car dealers need to market differently in response to evolved online shopping habits. But simply having a website or a Facebook page isn’t going to do the trick. You must also implement some of the most cutting-edge marketing tactics if you don’t want to get left in the dust by the competition. Download our eBook for content marketing guidelines and a list of topics your dealership should be writing about!

1. » The Digital Marketing Experts
for Car Dealers
BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO
Content Marketing
It’s no surprise that today’s consumers shop differently than they used to. In fact, studies
show that 95% of shoppers use digital channels to research a vehicle purchase. With the
average buyer relying on at least 24 points of research, car dealers need to market differently
in response to evolved shopping habits.
You’ve realized that your dealership could benefit from a completely new marketing strategy,
so now you’re on the road (no pun intended) to greater digital and all around success for your
business.
Potential buyers are not as easily swayed by boisterous television commercials and radio
announcements as they were in the past, so it is important to understand that moving
forward, the effectiveness of traditional marketing strategies will only continue to decline.
The fact of it is, you need a striking presence on the web.
Enter Content Marketing.
But simply having a website or a Facebook page isn’t going to do the trick. You must also
implement some of the most cutting-edge marketing tactics if you don’t want to get left in
the dust by the competition. And if you’re looking to be at the center of your local auto market
(which you are!) you’re going to have to be ahead of the Internet marketing game.

2. » The Digital Marketing Experts
What Is Content Marketing?
Content marketing is a type of non-interruptive marketing that
provides consumers with information they want or need in
exchange for their attention. It can take the form of a blog, social
media or podcast– anything that allows you to get your brand’s
story out to your customers.
Why Is Content Marketing Important?
By implementing a content marketing strategy, you will be creating more awareness
without spending large sums on television, radio and newspaper ads.
More importantly, content marketing allows you to build trust with your customers, and
ultimately, become a reliable resource of automotive information for your community.
The bottom line is that if your dealership delivers consistent, relevant and valuable
content to potential buyers, they will ultimately reward you with business and loyalty.
Take note as we explore some of the most important
aspects of content marketing.
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3. » The Digital Marketing Experts
The moment your content becomes too self-promotional,
readers will likely turn away. Customers visit websites and
social media pages to learn insightful information about
a business’ area of expertise, not experience a hard sell.
Good content marketing drastically reduces the need for a
traditional sales pitch.
Instead, provide customers with the information they are
looking for in an engaging and informative way.
Use content marketing to increase repeat web visits from
potential customers, strengthen brand awareness, build
brand loyalty and ultimately increase direct sales in the
process. In order to do so, your dealership would needs to make its website (and blog) a place for
consumers to find out valuable automotive information and advice. An example of this would be
“Three Reasons the 2015 Jeep Wrangler Is Different than the 2014 Model” or “How to Find the Best
New Tires for Your Used SUV.”
As previously mentioned, simply having a company website or Facebook page just doesn’t
cut it anymore. Your dealership must develop a strategy in order to become better than the
competition. As an auto dealership, step one is already complete– you know your niche market
(your customers and potential customers). Now when it comes to developing content, there are a
number of things you can do to keep the information interesting.
Build variety by producing how-to guides, forums, video reviews, side by side comparisons of
vehicles, commentary on hot industry topics and much more. Your dealership consists of a team
of automotive experts, so it’s time to put their knowledge and expertise in writing.
Build A Strategy.
Ditch Traditional Pitching.
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4. Because readers keep coming back to learn from your content, they will be more likely to
remember your dealership and visit your website when they are looking for their next car.
By providing information instead of just using your content to self-promote and sell, you are giving
the customer time to develop confidence in your brand before receiving any sales messages. If
you continue to deliver engaging, informative and creative content, the customer will remember
your company and come back to make a purchase when they are ready – no pitch necessary. It’s
as easy as that.
» The Digital Marketing Experts
Master the art of a blog post »
Hosting a blog on your website not only allows your visitors to understand your position as a
thought leader in your community, but it’s also the simplest and most effective method of driving
traffic to your website. Make sure you call your website provider and make sure the blog is
enabled and that you know how to access it in the backend of the site.
It’s recommended to develop a weekly blogging schedule and post on the same days each week
so your followers will know when to expect new content. Businesses should be publishing an
original blog post at least twice a week, and your dealership is no exception.
If your dealership doesn’t have a blog, start now by brainstorming topics that potential customers
would find informative and unique. Think about your audience’s major questions and pain points.
Having a blog with average, uninspired content won’t do much for your business, but if you can
find a way to generate unique and engaging content, the benefits will be too great to quit!
Start Blogging.
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5. » The Digital Marketing Experts
Social media is one of the easiest and most effective
ways for dealers to post and share content. It is also a
great marketing medium for developing relationships with
potential customers.
Utilize the blog content you’re creating as well as other
pages on the dealership website to share across social
media. The more views each post receives, the more it will
be shared, commented on and enjoyed by both new and
existing customers – not to mention the greater ROI that
your social media outreach will earn.
In addition to sharing content created on your website, you should be sharing links and photos
from other sources such as local news, videos, statistics and other content relevant to your
audience.
Dealerships should be engaging with customer’s posts to ensure continued satisfaction, even
post-sale. If you have fans engaging on your page, be sure to respond back! Social media is
one of the easiest ways to leave a lasting positive impression on your customers, so take full
advantage of it!
By incorporating a social media posting schedule, your dealership will develop a competitive
edge and ensure that you are offering a variety of interesting content to potential customers on a
regular basis.
Make It Social.
Get more engagement from Facebook fans »
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6. » The Digital Marketing Experts
While it’s great to produce content, but it means nothing if no one can find it. A healthy mix of
great content marketing and SEO will have your dealership being found more often.
Be sure to include the keywords your dealer would like to rank, for, such as “Sacramento Nissan
Dealership,” in your H1 and H2 tags, in your meta title, description and meta keywords, and
throughout the body of your content (naturally, of course).
Also, be sure to produce content constantly and consistently. Every time a new piece of content is
published, the search engines scan your site, leading to a boost in your search ranking. SEO may
be difficult to understand and manage at first, but it is quite important to keep it in mind in order to
have more potential customers reach your site.
Within the next three years, the number of people accessing the Internet
through mobile will be more than those accessing it with a computer. This
should be a flashing warning sign for you to start working on the mobile
version of your site. Mobile devices are the primary choice of people today,
so you will want to be accessible to them.
Just remember that while making mobile sites, there are certain things
you’ll need to keep in mind:
• Since people use mobile devices for browsing to save time, you’ll want
to make sure that the site does not take too long to load.
• Mobile screens are quite small, so make sure that the content of your
page can be viewed easily and that the site can be navigated easily as well.
Make Sure Your Site Is Mobile Friendly.
Learn the automotive SEO basics »
Be SEO Friendly.
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Read why shoppers need a mobile website »

7. » The Digital Marketing Experts
Get Started.
If you’re ready to get started, open up that editorial calendar and start your plan! Stumped?
Here are 10 topics to get you started:
1. Write a new model blog featuring a walk around video.
2. Create how-to guides for DIY repairs and maintenance (e.g. wax your car, change a
tire).
3. Start an “Employee Spotlight” to highlight a different team member each month.
4. Deliver auto industry news and share your insight.
5. Highlight the five most fuel efficient SUVs on your lot (or best family cars, most sensible
first cars, etc.)
6. Give preventative maintenance tips (e.g. how to keep your car running longer).
7. Talk about the three best selling cars on your lot this quarter. Why were they best
sellers?
8. Explain the difference between financing and leasing.
9. Write a comparison article: “Looking for a new Honda Civic? Try a Kia Forte!”
10. Share your dealership’s review of the new 2014 Dodge Dart (every model you sell
should have a dealer-produced review)
Is Your Dealership in Need of a Great
Content Marketing Strategy or
Advanced SEO?
See how PCG Digital Marketing is helping car
dealers around the world achieve better results
with our award winning automotive content
writing and SEO services.
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