No, I’m not talking H1N1 here.   I’m talking about the subconscious “watch it and pass it on” phenomenon.  A few weeks ago a friend of mine sent me A Day at the Office.  I watched it, and after I’d cleared the tears of laughter from my eyes I set about sending it to everyone I knew without hesitation.

Video is sticky, we’ve been told that until we were blue in the face for a while now.  Everybody knows and everybody is doing their part to get video of some kind on their website.  Vehicle videos are a popular feature here at Dealer HD too – new vehicles have video reviews and used vehicles have the ability to get live voice video with custom scripts.  Things have come a long way in terms of car shopping, and video has made it possible.

At this point, you’re probably thinking, “ok we get it, but what’s with the Day at the Office video?”  The two types of video are essentially unrelated – one works without the other just fine – but what if you used both?  Vehicle videos and commercials are used to directly sell your products.  Viral video, on the other hand, gives added value to your brand without pushing the sale.   Subtle connections can be made between your brand and your customers and when they’re done right they spread like wildfire.

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 – Dealer HD continues to integrate Social Media outlets into their product offerings for dealerships.  Dealer HD’s 1.12 update in September allows dealers to Tweet through the RIMS Admin but it’s not the only Social Media integration Dealer HD provides.

For dealerships utilizing Social Media outlets in their marketing mix Dealer HD is providing access to Social Media right from their custom dealer websites.  Knowing the importance of a cohesive message Dealer HD has added calls to action in the footers of their sites that link to the Social Media profiles of a client’s choice.  Dealer HD also provides social bookmarking outlets on every vehicle available in a dealership’s inventory.

“It’s important for dealerships to use their website to coordinate all Internet marketing efforts,” said Justin Duff National Sales Director at Dealer HD, “Their website is the foundation of their online presence and should easily facilitate additional outlets, which is why we continually work to integrate new media.”

The Dealer HD push towards Social Media integration couples with a new product offering available this winter, Social Media Coaching and Management.   The product will be available as a standalone or package product with Dealer HD websites.  For more details on upcoming Social Media products and future integration details or other Dealer HD product offerings 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.