At DealerHD, 2009 was an incredible year for our young company in terms of growth, research, development and execution.  We put everything into developing a comprehensive solution for the next generation of online dealerships, now we’re unveiling it to dealers.  We are changing our focus and approach to the way we do business and offering transparency to dealerships that give us an opportunity to earn their business.

We’re implementing the “90 Day Test Drive.”  Dealerships within eight months of expiration with their current website provider will be eligible for our “90 Day Test Drive” at NADA with no contract or cost to the dealer, letting dealers witness firsthand what we can do and our strategy driven relationship.  We simply ask you to apply the NADA stimulus voucher to the 3 month agreement.  If DealerHD proves to be a great fit after the trial a contract will be a month-to-month agreement proving every day the right choice was made.  In doing this, we hope to provide dealerships with a true experience before they make the decision to move forward with DealerHD.

During the trial, dealerships will use our tools and the capabilities of our new platform, and our flexibility in development and strategy around an individual dealership.  Our attitude is one of “we can.”  If dealers have a progressive idea not currently used or built in the industry we will work to implement or create the technology at no cost.  DealerHD wants to be part of the innovation for automotive digital and dealership ideas are critical in that venture.  Most website vendors in the industry would agree when sitting with a dealership they talk about what their competitor can’t or isn’t doing. With DealerHD, whether its functionality or service, we will prove our worth before you make a decision.

We are scheduling demos at NADA and participating dealers can sign up to take a 90 Day Test Drive.  After NADA we will be implementing a one-time set-up fee for dealerships that are interested in our 90 Day trial to drive their online goals, again no contracts will be involved.  Set-up pricing hasn’t been set but will be minimal, around a couple hundred dollars for the full 3 months.  We believe this one-time charge to be fair in helping you decide the dealership’s online future without commitment.

Our goal is to be the vendor that works best with your dealership and not simply known as having incredible marketing or a top-notch sales force.  Our resources are dedicated to our account management, research and development efforts. “Salesmanship” is being replaced with “relationship” in our world.  We want to have the lowest ratio of account mangers to dealerships in the industry; our goal is 10:1 which puts us in incredible shape.

Currently we work with dealers on websites, mobile, SEO, PPC, banner advertising, texting, reputation management, social media, lead management, live analytics and rewards programs.  Ninety-nine percent of our products are built in-house to keep the cost down for the dealer and we’re always looking for progressive ideas to build new products.  We look forward to working with experts in the industry to help drive innovation forward.  If you have any questions or would like to schedule a demo at NADA please contact NADA@dealerhd.com.  You can also email me at jeff@dealerhd.com.  DealerHD looks forward to helping the community grow and the exchanging of ideas in 2010.

As Erin mentioned, we celebrated Earth Day this week!  By showing my appreciation for Mother Nature, I’d like to share a few Green Tips that will help out the environment and YOU!

SAVE A TREE:  Try to alternate sending email blasts and direct mail pieces.  Or try to send out a quarterly e-newsletter to inform Clients and prospective customers of what’s happening at your dealership!  Not only will you be saving a tree or two, you may find that you can reach a different audience, too!

SAVE ENERGY:  Notify Clients of ways they can save money, energy, wear and tear on their vehicle AND the environment with routine maintenance.  This is a simple yet big way to help the environment, the Client and your dealership!  Download the following Green Maintenance Tips brochure from NADA.

SELL GREEN VEHICLES:  Promote your hybrids and fuel-efficient vehicles in your inventory!  Take advantage of the Green vehicle label on the Dealer HD sites.  It draws the consumers’ attention and helps your dealership sell environmentally friendly vehicles!  Also, be sure to check out the NADA Green Selling Tips to help your dealership learn a few more ideas on how to sell the fuel-efficient vehicles in your inventory.