Remember back in school when you studied like crazy for a test – reading the book, checking homework and quizzes, but even after all that you still failed?

Ok, maybe failing is a little extreme – point is, you didn’t do so hot and neither did the rest of the class.  There are some professors in this world (not many of mine) that take pity and decide to grade on a curve.  Curving takes out the sting and inspires us to try a little harder next time.

Right now we’re experiencing the Social Media boom and dealers everywhere are trying outlets like Facebook and Twitter to get their dealerships noticed.  From the Dealer HD and Interactive Provider perspective it’s fantastic.  Social Media Outlets have given dealerships the ability to create their own image online and for an industry that has struggled with the transfer of power between print and online advertising they can see the value in it, if done right.

The problem is, right now not everyone is doing it “right,” whatever that means.  There have been blogs and articles encouraging Social Media use then pointing the finger on who’s doing it right or wrong.  I think we need to take a step back and realize that just like math or science – Social Media deserves a curve too.

Finding the right strategy for your dealership is going to take a little time.  Not everyone can use the same formula, it’s dynamic and what works in Illinois might not work in Texas.  For those dealers out there trying their hand in Social Media – go for it!  Don’t be afraid of critics or failing your first time out.  You’ll get it and once you do you’ll reap the benefits.  If you have questions as you go along, don’t be afraid to ask for help.  Talk to someone you trust or even your website provider – we’re full of ideas and ready to help.

To get you started – the best universal advice I can give you right out the gate is to put yourself in a customer’s shoes.  If your page is something you would be interesting in being a part of, chances are others would be too.

(FRANKFORT, Ill.) – October 16, 2009 – One year after its first offering Dealer HD celebrates the success of the Automated Rebates product.  Automated Rebates became available to clients in October 2008 and quickly grew to be one of Dealer HD’s most popular features.

Dealer HD’s Automated Rebates product was initially introduced as a time saver for Dealership Internet managers.  Each month when manufacturers released new vehicle rebates and incentives Internet Managers were given the task of updating them online.

“We found that Internet Manager’s time was better served overseeing their department and looked for a Rebate and Incentives solution,” said National Sales Director Justin Duff.  “Clients have really taken to the product, it saves them time and gives them peace of mind.  They sell cars and we handle the rest.”

The Automated Rebates product updates daily ensuring all of the correct rebates and incentives are displayed per each manufacturer.  Dealer HD enhanced their product in a quarterly update soon after its introduction – rebates and incentives are provided with each vehicle in the inventory– from the Enhanced Line Listing, Vehicle Details page or complete table that illustrates all rebates and incentives in one location.

For more information on Dealer HD’s Automated Rebates product, quarterly updates or how to become a Dealer HD client please visit our website, dealerhd.com.

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Dealer HD is an Automotive Web Solution 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 solutions with a comprehensive Admin tool that collects dealer leads, allows the quick and easy editing of website content, inventory modification and more.

(FRANKFORT, Ill.) – October 16, 2009 – Released in Dealer HD’s 1.11 update in May 2009, Live View technology gives dealers the ability to watch traffic on their websites as it’s happening, in real time.

Every dealership with a Dealer HD website can watch the traffic on their website 24/7 with Live View technology.  Live View separates individual site sessions by IP Address and traces a visitor’s path on the dealership website.  This information provides valuable insight for dealers, they know where visitors are going on their sites and can follow them each step of the way.

“Knowing where a visitor is going is essential to Internet success for dealers” said Justin Duff, Dealer HD’s National Sales Director.  “It allows dealerships to target their customers more directly, giving them exactly what they’re looking for.”

Dealer HD prides itself on providing cutting edge technology to its clients, giving them a leg up in an ever-competitive market.  Live View was an addition made during Dealer HD’s free quarterly updates.  For more information on Dealer HD, quarterly updates and becoming a Dealer HD client please visit dealerhd.com.

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Dealer HD is an Automotive Web Solution 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 solutions with a comprehensive Admin tool that collects dealer leads, allows the quick and easy editing of website content, inventory modification and more.