Archive for January, 2010

1.13 Update

Sunday, January 31st, 2010
In our 1.13 update we’ve gone behind the scenes and updated our processes to create more SEO friendly websites. We’ve also added preferences that will allow you to customize your sites even further. Read more about the details of the 1.13 Update below.


  • Pretty URLs

    We call them pretty; search engines will call them friendly. We’ve changed the URL structure on all vehicles on your website from a dynamic to a static structure. We now include search engine friendly keywords on the URL of every vehicle you view. Type, Year, Make, Model are all listed in your vehicle URL for greater keyword indexing capabilities.

  • Smarter Image Gallery

    The image galleries we host on your websites have gotten smarter. Now each image in the gallery has a descriptive tag to help search engines process what each image illustrates. Since search engines cannot “see” the images, description tags help them decipher and properly index images. We will be continually adding descriptive text for all Image Libraries, providing even more indexable content for your vehicles.

  • AutoTweet Improvements

    For dealers tweeting their updated inventory we’ve made great strides. You can choose how often vehicles are tweeted — 15/30/60 minute increments and we’ve even created custom hash tags so your inventory will be searchable via Twitter with one click.

  • Texting

    Our new texting product provides a unique text id for every car in your inventory. This allows you to advertise your entire inventory, run contests or promotions and get that Service Bay full!

  • Mobilize your inventory

    Each vehicle in your inventory is assigned a unique code — customers can text the vehicle code to 89000 and they will receive a text with the pricing/options/details and a link to that vehicle on your website, allowing them to view photos and schedule a test drive!

    These codes can be placed on your window stickers, print advertising, billboards and any other media.

  • Run Promotions and Generate Service Updates

    You can set-up contests and promotions via text for dealership specials and giveaways. “Text ‘Contest’ to 89000″ could offer them a chance to win a new car or a free oil change, you decide and you run the campaigns right from the dealership.

    Notify your service customers that their vehicle is ready for pick-up. Contact your customers with the convenience of a text to let them know their car is ready to head home. The possibilities are endless!

  • LEAD CENTRAL — Integrated Lead Manager

    Combining the ease-of-use of our RIMS Admin and our lead capabilities we’ve created the LEAD CENTRAL Integrated Lead Manager. Lead Central is designed to manage leads from your website and all your 3rd party lead providers. Lead Central provides your dealership better lead management tools, documenting all correspondence between your customers and your sales staff in one centralized location. Send HTML mailers, log phone calls, schedule appointments, email vehicles to interested customers and create tasks to ensure that your employees are following up on the leads they are assigned. As Dealer HD website clients you can easily toggle between Lead Central and the RIMS Admin for complete access to everything you need. Do it all in one easy-to-use tool.

Checking-in 2010

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

If you’ve been following us over here at DHD, I’m sure you’ve noticed we’ve had a pretty busy 2010 thus far.  We’re very happy with the progress we’ve been making on the development side, and we’re getting ready for our first update of 2010 this weekend.

We’ll be implementing RIMS features that will help us help YOU as dealers.  Our mission here is to make things as easy-to-use as possible when it comes to your website.  In the next few days if you’re a DHD client you’ll be getting our email with the details of the 1.13 update and features you can look forward to.  If you’re not a Dealer HD client yet, don’t worry, we’ll let you in on the features too.  They’ll be added right here on the DHD blog as they’re available.

In addition to our development efforts this year we’ve also made a point make our brand more available.  You’ll be seeing more of us in your dealer publications and dealer forums.  We want you to know what we’re up to and what you think.  Check us out in Auto Success on page 16, Auto Dealer Monthly on pages 26-29 and in our latest AS Podcast.

For all of you heading to Orlando for NADA, we’d love to meet you.  Stop by our booth, #461 to chat.

Dealer HD discusses website best practices with Auto Success

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

(FRANKFORT, Ill.) – January 22, 2010 – Dealer HD’s Vice President of Sales, Justin Duff sat down with Auto Success this month to discuss the industry, his experience and Dealer HD’s take on where dealerships are headed with interactive media, for a podcast that airs today.

The podcast, available for download on AutoSuccessOnline.com and iTunes, it is a first for Dealer HD and a starting point for becoming more vocal in the industry.  “Up until now, we’ve been fairly quiet.  Our focus has been building the best products we can and earning trust.  Now we’re ready to start making some noise,” said Justin Duff, Vice President of Sales.

Topics include: effective website tools, SEO strategy and the use of video.  Duff discusses how dealers can improve the effectiveness of their websites to garner more quality leads.  Social media is also a hot topic.  He describes the roles social media plays for dealerships.  ”Dealers need to think of social media more as a way to build relationships with their customers, rather than a direct sales approach.”  Full details are available in the podcast.

Partnering with Auto Success on the podcast as well as with other advertising ventures in 2010 Dealer HD is planning to become a more prominent fixture in the dealer website market.  With new Dealer HD products and services up for release early this year you can expect to see and hear a lot more about DHD. As always, to find out the latest with Dealer HD, visit www.dealerhd.com

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Dealer HD is an Automotive Website and Solutions Provider serving clients Nationwide. Located in the southern suburbs of Chicago, the Dealer HD team has over 100 years of combined automotive experience.  Dealer HD provides customizable dealer web sites with a comprehensive admin tool that collects dealer leads, allows the quick and easy editing of website content, inventory modification and more.  Dealer HD makes sure your dealer website is ready for mobile applications, social networking, and all future web innovations.

Dealer HD offers 90-Day Test Drive of Dealer Websites

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

(Frankfort, Ill.) – January 20, 2010 – Dealer HD has announced its plan for the 90-Day Test Drive promotion.  The promotion, which begins during the 2010 NADA Convention allows dealerships near contract expiration to sign on with Dealer HD at no cost for 90-Days.

The promotion aims to attract dealers nearing the end of their contracts that are looking for a risk free change of pace.  At no cost dealerships can get the full Dealer HD website and service experience and decide if the product is the right fit for them.

The promotion starts during the 2010 NADA Convention and Expo in Orlando, Florida.  “We pride ourselves on personal service and believe NADA is the perfect opportunity to demo our products in person to those interested in getting in the driver’s seat,” said Justin Duff, Vice President of Sales at Dealer HD.  “We’re very confident in the DHD product and believe dealers that take the Test Drive will find Dealer HD is exactly what they need.”

The 90-Day Test Drive promotion incorporates the use of NADA’s stimulus vouchers.  Dealerships interested in additional site add-ons not included in the promotional sites can trade in their vouchers for additional services.

Dealer HD believes finding the perfect fit with products and services is essential to Internet success.  The 90-Day Test Drive will be available to dealerships within 8-months of their contract expiration.  Appointments are being made now for NADA demos and 90-Day Test Drive opportunities.  If you’re interested in taking the drive email nada@dealerhd.com or call today 866.222.7712 to reserve your appointment at the NADA Convention and Expo, February 13th through 15th.

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Dealer HD is an Automotive Website and Solutions Provider serving clients Nationwide. Located in the southern suburbs of Chicago, the Dealer HD team has over 100 years of combined automotive experience.  Dealer HD provides customizable dealer web sites with a comprehensive admin tool that collects dealer leads, allows the quick and easy editing of website content, inventory modification and more.  Dealer HD makes sure your dealer website is ready for mobile applications, social networking, and all future web innovations.

Circle Automotive Group in Schererville, Indiana Switches to DHD

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

(Frankfort, Ill.) – January 13, 2010 – Dealer HD is pleased to welcome the Indiana-based Circle Buick Pontiac GMC dealership to their nationwide client list with the launch of their website this week (circleautomotive.com).  Circle Automotive is starting their relationship with Dealer HD’s advanced websites and automatic manufacturer incentives.

With Dealer HD dealer web sites, customers have access to a variety of features, which assist in their online automotive shopping experience.  Some of these features include Car Builder HD, full-motion video reviews, Vehicle History, automated manufacturer rebates and incentives, Car Finder HD and Live ChatCircle Automotive, along with all other Dealer HD clients, will also benefit from Dealer HD services such as quarterly site updates and one, dedicated account manager for their account.

“Circle has been absolutely wonderful to work with in the website development process,” said Justin Duff, Dealer HD National Sales Director.  “We are looking forward to working with more closely now that the site is live engaging them with more of Dealer HD’s product offerings.”

Circle Automotive represents three GM brands in Northwest Indiana.  They join the Dealer HD team leaving automotive web competitor, Dealer.com.

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Dealer HD is an Automotive Website and Solutions Provider serving clients Nationwide. Located in the southern suburbs of Chicago, the Dealer HD team has over 100 years of combined automotive experience.  Dealer HD provides customizable dealer web sites with a comprehensive admin tool that collects dealer leads, allows the quick and easy editing of website content, inventory modification and more.  Dealer HD makes sure your dealer website is ready for mobile applications, social networking, and all future web innovations.

Harbor Cars of Northwest Indiana Chooses Dealer HD for Automotive Websites and Digital Needs

Monday, January 11th, 2010

(Frankfort, IL) – December 23, 2009 – Dealer HD is proud to welcome the Indiana-based Harbor Cars Group to their group of nationwide clients with the launch of six sites this week.  Harbor Cars is taking advantage of the full-range of web services Dealer HD offers, such as advanced websites, SEO (search engine optimization) practices and other additional features.

With Dealer HD dealer web sites, customers have access to a variety of features, which assist in their online automotive shopping experience.  Some of these features include Car Builder HD, full-motion video reviews, Vehicle History, automated manufacturer rebates and incentives, Car Finder HD and Live ChatHarbor Cars, along with all other Dealer HD clients, will also benefit from Dealer HD services such as quarterly site updates and one, dedicated account manager for their account.

“We are excited to start work with the Harbor Cars Group,” said Justin Duff, Dealer HD National Sales Director.  “They are a great addition to our growing client list and we’re looking forward to helping them enhance their online presence.”

The Harbor Cars Group represents eight brands, three rooftops and six websites across north west Indiana.  They join the Dealer HD team leaving automotive web competitor, TheNetLab.

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Dealer HD is an Automotive Website and Solutions Provider serving clients Nationwide. Located in the southern suburbs of Chicago, the Dealer HD team has over 100 years of combined automotive experience. Dealer HD provides customizable dealer web sites with a comprehensive admin tool that collects dealer leads, allows the quick and easy editing of website content, inventory modification and more. Dealer HD makes sure your dealer website is ready for mobile applications, social networking, and all future web innovations.