Cutting-Edge Strategy Stirs Up Sales
Date: November 11, 2009
Contact: Dani Lunsford, Internet Director
Napleton Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge of Kissimmee
(866) 934-0579
Orlando Auto Dealership Ventures into Social Media
Kissimmee, FL…When Napleton Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge of Kissimmee wanted to stimulate its car sales in today’s down economy, they decided to try something new. Instead of buying more newspaper, magazine and TV ads as they’d done in the past, they opted to try their hand at social media. It was a venture into new promotional territory at a time when budgets were tight and sales were down.
With assistance from Showroom Logic, an Orlando-based social media company, the dealership began building a social networking campaign. It created a presence on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube that automatically displayed the dealer’s entire inventory. It also offered instant updates as new cars came in, complete with detailed information, pricing and 25-30 photos of each vehicle.
“It was a way to hit a different demographic than we were reaching with traditional media,” explained Dani Lunsford, Internet Director for Napleton. “Because the cost to develop our presence on social media was minimal, it meant we could explore that option without taking any resources from our other marketing efforts. That made it an easy decision.”
In addition to the automatic inventory postings, Lunsford puts updates on Facebook and Twitter several times a day, talking about new cars that have come in, promotional contests, pricing specials, the dealership’s lifetime warranties, even listing its employment opportunities. She also has a car blog on which she posts automotive-related stories.
According to Lunsford, “The results have been incredible! Even though we launched the social networking campaign less than a few months ago, we can already see a positive effect. We have a good following, and that audience is constantly growing. On Twitter alone we get about five new followers per hour, yes PER HOUR!”
Lunsford said the dealership has seen a significant increase in traffic to its website and in the number of inquiries that come in by e-mail and phone. Also, she noted that the people who are following Napleton on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube appear to be qualified leads. “These are not just tire kickers. Most plan to buy a vehicle within the next 90 days,” she said.
Another benefit that the dealership has realized from its social networking is a surge in out-of-state buyers. Whereas with traditional media like newspaper and TV, Napleton’s ads only reached people in the Central Florida area. Now the dealership finds itself fielding inquiries from all over the country.
“Buyers see something they like in our online inventory and are willing to cross state lines to make the purchase,” explained Lunsford. “Our social media marketing is transforming us from a local car dealer into a digital dealership with a much larger potential customer base.”
According to Mike Annable of Showroom Logic, activity on sites like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube does translate into sales. “Social media works for automobile dealerships just as it does for other businesses,” he said. “It builds the brand. It increases the company’s visibility and strengthens its online presence. It puts the dealer’s products right in front of people who perhaps wouldn’t otherwise see them and yet are genuinely interested. And here’s the best part – it’s practically free. What other advertising medium can make that claim? Talk about getting more bang for your marketing dollar!” We pride ourselves in being the largest dealer for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles in Kissimmee, FL. You can expect a world of top class New Chrysler Dodge Jeep and quality used cars, trucks, suvs at our Orlando dealership! We present a wide range of these vehicles with a variety of models and make. With us, the experience of shopping for vehicles will never be the same again!
Location of Orlando Chrysler Jeep Dodge | Used car Orlando | Napleton Chrysler Jeep Dodge Kissimmee, FL
Napleton CJD is located at 1460 East Osceola Parkway Kissimmee, FLORIDA 34744. We offer our services in localities such as Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Orlando, Haines City, Winter Haven, Clermont, Dundee, Lake Alfred, Ocoee and Ocala, Florida
Established in 1931, Napleton Chrysler Jeep Dodge is the leading dealer for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles in Kissimmee, Florida. It offers new and pre-owned vehicles.
Showroom Logic is a marketing agency that specializes in helping car dealerships establish social media networking systems. For more information, visit Showroom Logic.
