Saturday, July 7, 2012

A Revolutionary Online Campaign For The Ford Focus

Advertising through social media isn't anything new. Many companies are using tactics such as buying advertising on Facebook or media buys in order to drive awareness and potential shoppers to their websites. However, Ford is a true pioneer when it comes to online advertising and is stepping outside the box by launching the new Ford Focus EV through an internet reality show.Dealers across the nation such as Ford Fusion Corpus Christi will carry the new Focus.


The show will be launched exclusively on Yahoo and feature a series of contests where participants will have to overcome various obstacles in order to win a Ford Fusion. Ford has tapped into one of the most popular niches when it comes to reality tv shows; competitive reality shows. These shows offer more substance than the regular reality variety and are suitable for family viewing. Ford will also have celebrity presenters host the shows. It also looks like Ford is aiming to target younger buyers who are more likely to favor online entertainment instead of traditional tv shows.

It looks like social media will continue to play an important role when it comes to building brand awareness. Social media can be used to sell anything from used cars to launching a brand new auto to raising awareness.

Friday, July 6, 2012

How Car Dealers Can Use Social Media

Most brick and mortar businesses are realizing the importance of having an online presence and car dealers are no different. Many have found creative ways to make announcements, offer deals and interact with new and existing customers through social media. Let's take a look at a few ways dealers can use social media to their advantage.  

Claim A Yelp Account 

  Yelp is one of the most popular review sites online. Users are able to post detailed reviews about any business. The difference between Yelp and other review sites is that Yelp allows users to "add friends" and send messages to one another. In addition, the site also offers a very active message board. Negative reviews on a site like Yelp can be very detrimental to auto dealers. Luckily, Yelp allows business owners to "claim" their business listing, upload photos and even respond to negative reviews.  

Open A Twitter Account

Twitter is becoming one of the more popular social networking sites. Messages or "tweets" are limited to a set number of characters. Users have the ability to "follow" others and have followers themselves. Twitter would be a great way for a car dealer to announce any specials or current sales. Many dealers, such as Galpin Honda, Honda of Los Angeles are using Twitter in order to communicate with potential customers.


Sign Up For Google Alerts

With the abundance of social media sites available in cyber space, it can be difficult to keep track of what is being said about your business. Google Alerts is a free service that allows you to monitor the online repuation of your business.