Paul Salzman

February 21, 2023

Car Dealerships, Rev Your Reputation or Lose Your Sales: How Dealerships Must Embrace Review and Reputation Management to Compete

In today's highly competitive automotive industry, a dealership's online reputation can make or break its success. With the power of online reviews, customers can easily compare dealerships and make informed buying decisions. If a dealership is not actively managing its online reviews, it is missing out on sales and losing customers to competitors.

While a dealership may have a stellar reputation offline, it's critical to have a positive online presence as well. The majority of car buyers conduct research online, and reviews are a significant factor in their decision-making process. In fact, according to a recent study, 84% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.

This is where review and reputation management services like CreativeHydra come in. By taking a proactive approach to online reviews, dealerships can improve their online reputation, generate more leads, and ultimately drive more sales.

The benefits of review and reputation management go beyond just the sales department. A dealership's service and parts departments can also benefit from a strong online reputation. Positive reviews can create loyal customers who continue to bring their cars in for maintenance and repairs, while also attracting new B2B clients in the parts department.

But how can a dealership build and maintain a positive online reputation? It starts with embracing the review system and encouraging customers to leave reviews on sites like Google Maps, Yelp, Apple Maps, Facebook, and many others. A dealership can also leverage customer feedback to improve its operations and provide a better customer experience.

It's important to note that not all reviews will be positive. However, a dealership with a high volume of positive reviews can outweigh any negative reviews. In fact, a study found that 86% of consumers will hesitate to do business with a company that has negative online reviews.

In addition to building a positive online reputation, a dealership needs to actively manage its reviews. This includes responding to both positive and negative reviews and addressing any concerns customers may have. By showing a commitment to customer satisfaction, a dealership can build a loyal customer base and generate more leads.

In today's highly competitive automotive industry, dealerships cannot afford to neglect their online reputation. Consumers have more choices than ever before, and online reviews play a significant role in their decision-making process. A fully-managed review and reputation service from a company like CreativeHydra can make all the difference in generating leads and ultimately driving sales.

So, if you're a dealership owner or manager, ask yourself this: how much is it costing you not to manage your reviews on these platforms? The answer is likely in the millions annually. Don't let negative reviews and a lack of online presence hold you back. Embrace the power of reviews, and watch your dealership thrive in today's competitive market.

Paul Salzman is the Founder of CreativeHydra — a company that specializes in Review & Reputation Management and helping their SMB customers thrive.

About Paul Salzman

In a world where complexity reigns, I am a visionary who foresees the power of simplicity through CreativeHydra, delivering transformative cloud and business management solutions for enterprises of all sizes, guiding them towards a prosperous future.

As co-founder of stealth automotive startup, Wheelio, I strive to revolutionize the way we perceive and interact with the locating and purchasing the vehicles that carry us through life

Embracing the profound wisdom of minimalism, I champion the less-is-more philosophy.

My fervor for automobiles, technology, and innovative business concepts fuels my pursuit of enlightenment and progress in the ever-evolving landscape of our world.

Learn more at www.paulsalzman.com