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The Importance of Push Notifications for Consumer-Facing Automotive Mobile Apps

by Auto Dealer Marketing

Part 3: Types of Push Notifications for the Automotive Industry

Push notifications can be a highly effective way to communicate with customers in the automotive industry. They can be categorized into various types, each serving a specific purpose to enhance customer engagement and drive business results.

1. Promotional Notifications:

  • Purpose: To inform customers about special discounts, new models, trade-in offers, or seasonal sales events.
  • Example: “Unlock Summer Savings! Get up to $1,000 off select models this weekend only. Visit us today!”
  • Benefit: These notifications can create a sense of urgency and encourage customers to take advantage of limited-time offers, driving foot traffic to the dealership and increasing sales.

2. Service Reminders:

  • Purpose: To send reminders for scheduled maintenance, oil changes, tire rotations, or vehicle inspections.
  • Example: “Reminder: Your car is due for a 6-month service. Book your appointment now to keep it running smoothly!”
  • Benefit: Regular service reminders help maintain customer vehicles in optimal condition, build trust, and foster long-term relationships. They also ensure steady revenue for service centers through repeat business.

3. New Inventory Alerts:

  • Purpose: To notify customers when new models or specific vehicles they are interested in become available.
  • Example: “Good news! The new 2024 Sedan you were looking for is now in stock. Schedule a test drive today!”
  • Benefit: Keeping potential buyers informed about new arrivals can accelerate the sales cycle by matching customers with the vehicles they desire, enhancing satisfaction and increasing sales.

4. Recall Notices:

  • Purpose: To keep customers informed about important safety recalls and encourage them to schedule necessary repairs.
  • Example: “Safety Recall Alert: Your vehicle requires an urgent safety update. Contact us immediately to schedule your free repair.”
  • Benefit: Ensuring customer safety and compliance with manufacturer recalls builds trust and protects the dealership’s reputation while minimizing potential liability issues.

5. Event Invitations:

  • Purpose: To invite customers to test drive events, dealership open houses, or auto shows.
  • Example: “Join us for our Annual Test Drive Event this Saturday! Experience the latest models and enjoy exclusive offers.”
  • Benefit: These events can drive engagement, create excitement around new models, and provide opportunities for face-to-face interactions, which can lead to sales and stronger customer relationships.

6. Loyalty Program Updates:

  • Purpose: To inform loyal customers about their rewards, special offers, or exclusive events as part of a customer loyalty program.
  • Example: “Congratulations! You’ve earned a free oil change as part of our loyalty program. Redeem it on your next visit.”
  • Benefit: Recognizing and rewarding loyalty helps retain customers and encourages repeat business. Exclusive offers and updates keep loyal customers engaged and satisfied.
More Examples of Effective Push Notifications in the Automotive Industry

1. New Model Launch:

  • “Exciting News! The all-new 2024 SUV is now available. Book your test drive today!”
  • Impact: Creates excitement and urgency around new model releases, driving customers to the dealership for test drives and increasing the likelihood of sales.

2. Service Reminder:

  • “Hi [Customer Name], it’s time for your vehicle’s 6-month service. Schedule your appointment now for a hassle-free experience.”
  • Impact: Keeps vehicles in optimal condition and ensures regular service appointments, fostering long-term customer relationships and consistent service revenue.

3. Special Offer:

  • “Limited Time Offer! Get $500 off your next vehicle purchase. Visit us today!”
  • Impact: Encourages immediate action and drives traffic to the dealership, increasing sales through attractive financial incentives.

4. Recall Alert:

  • “Important Recall Notice: Your vehicle needs an urgent safety update. Please contact us to schedule your repair.”
  • Impact: Ensures customer safety, builds trust, and minimizes liability by promptly addressing recall issues.

5. Event Invitation:

  • “Join us for our Annual Test Drive Event this Saturday. Experience the latest models and enjoy exclusive offers!”
  • Impact: Drives engagement and excitement, providing opportunities for customers to interact with the brand and experience new models firsthand, which can lead to increased sales.

6. Loyalty Reward:

  • “Congratulations! You’ve earned a free oil change as part of our loyalty program. Redeem it on your next visit.”
  • Impact: Rewards customer loyalty, encourages repeat visits, and strengthens the relationship between the customer and the dealership, leading to sustained business growth.

Conclusion

Push notifications are a versatile and powerful tool for automotive businesses. By using different types of notifications strategically, dealerships and service centers can keep customers informed, engaged, and satisfied. This leads to higher customer retention, increased sales, and a stronger overall relationship with their audience. Leveraging push notifications effectively can provide a significant competitive advantage in the automotive industry.
For additional information on how you can incorporate Push Notifications into your marketing and retention strategy please fill out a request at https://www.dealerappvantage.com/contact-us
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The Importance of Push Notifications for Consumer-Facing Automotive Mobile Apps

by Auto Dealer Marketing

Part 2: Push Notification Stats for the Automotive Industry

Understanding the impact of push notifications through statistical data can help automotive businesses appreciate their value and effectiveness. Here are key statistics that highlight why push notifications are a valuable tool for dealerships:

1. Higher Open Rates:

Automotive-related push notifications often see higher open rates compared to other industries, averaging around 10-15%. This indicates that users are more likely to open notifications related to their vehicles, whether it’s about new models, service reminders, or special offers. The higher open rates suggest that customers find these notifications relevant and useful, which in turn increases the chances of driving them to take action.

2. Increased Retention:

Dealerships and service centers using push notifications report a 3-5x higher customer retention rate. Retention is crucial in the automotive industry, where building long-term relationships with customers can lead to repeat business, loyalty, and referrals. By sending regular updates and reminders, businesses can keep customers engaged and less likely to switch to competitors. For example, a customer who receives timely reminders for their car’s maintenance is more likely to return to the same service center.

3. Enhanced Engagement:

Customers who receive regular push notifications are 50% more likely to engage with the dealership’s app or website. Engagement is a critical metric as it shows how actively customers interact with the business’s digital platforms. Increased engagement can lead to more opportunities for upselling, cross-selling, and providing a superior customer experience. Notifications about new blog posts, videos, or interactive content can draw users back to the app or website, creating more touchpoints for engagement.

4. Opt-In Rates:

Approximately 70% of automotive app users opt-in to receive push notifications, indicating a strong interest in staying informed. This high opt-in rate reflects the value that customers see in receiving timely updates about their vehicles and related services. It also highlights the trust and interest customers have in the content provided by the business. High opt-in rates provide a larger audience for marketing messages, which can translate into better overall performance for push notification campaigns.

5. Conversion Boost:

Push notifications can lead to a 30% increase in service appointments and vehicle sales. This significant boost in conversions demonstrates the effectiveness of push notifications in driving specific actions. For instance, a notification about a limited-time discount on vehicle servicing or a new model release can prompt immediate customer responses, leading to increased bookings and sales. Conversion rates are a direct indicator of the return on investment for push notification campaigns.

6. Impact of Frequency:

Sending at least one push notification per month can significantly improve customer retention and engagement. Consistent communication helps maintain a connection with customers, reminding them of your services and keeping your brand top-of-mind. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance to avoid overloading customers with too many notifications, which can lead to opt-outs. A well-timed monthly notification about upcoming service needs, new offers, or dealership events can keep customers engaged without being intrusive.

These statistics demonstrate the powerful impact push notifications can have on the dealerships. By understanding and leveraging these metrics, automotive businesses can optimize their push notification strategies to enhance customer engagement, retention, and conversions. The data underscores the importance of regular, relevant, and personalized communication in building strong customer relationships and driving business success.
For additional information on how you can incorporate Push Notifications into your marketing and retention strategy please fill out a request at https://www.dealerappvantage.com/contact-us
Stay tuned for part three, “Types of Push Notifications for the Automotive Industry”.
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The Importance of Push Notifications for Consumer-Facing Automotive Mobile Apps

by Auto Dealer Marketing

Part 1: Why Automotive Businesses Should Use Push Notifications Regularly

In the competitive automotive industry, maintaining a strong connection with customers is essential for success. Push notifications offer a powerful means of engagement, delivering timely and relevant information directly to customers’ devices. Here’s why dealerships should incorporate push notifications into their regular marketing strategy:

1. Immediate Communication:

Push notifications allow dealerships and service providers to reach their customers instantly with updates on new models, special offers, and service reminders. This real-time communication is crucial for time-sensitive promotions or urgent recalls, ensuring that customers receive important information without delay.

2. Enhanced Customer Engagement:

Regular notifications keep customers engaged with your brand, encouraging repeat visits to your showroom or service center. For example, sending updates about upcoming sales events or exclusive test drive opportunities keeps your brand top-of-mind and fosters ongoing interaction with your audience.

3. Personalization:

Notifications can be tailored based on customer preferences, vehicle ownership, and browsing behavior, ensuring more relevant communication. Personalized messages, such as a reminder for an oil change for a specific model or a notification about a new accessory that fits their car, resonate more with customers and increase the likelihood of a positive response.

4. Increased Conversion Rates:

Targeted messages, such as limited-time offers or new inventory alerts, can drive customers to take action, boosting sales and service appointments. For instance, a push notification highlighting a weekend sale on SUVs or a special financing offer can prompt customers to visit your dealership and make a purchase.

5. Cost-Effective Marketing:

Compared to traditional advertising, push notifications are an economical way to reach a large audience with minimal investment. While TV ads or billboards can be expensive and have limited targeting capabilities, push notifications allow for precise targeting at a fraction of the cost, maximizing your marketing budget.

6. Boost After-Sales Service:

For service centers, push notifications can remind customers of upcoming maintenance, recalls, or special service promotions. Regular reminders about scheduled maintenance or tire rotations help ensure that vehicles are kept in optimal condition, fostering customer loyalty and generating steady service revenue.

7. Data and Insights:

By analyzing push notification performance, businesses can gain valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences, helping to refine marketing strategies. Metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates provide a clear picture of what types of messages resonate with your audience, allowing you to continually improve your communication efforts.

By integrating push notifications into their marketing strategy, automotive businesses can enhance customer engagement, drive sales, and improve overall customer satisfaction. This modern communication tool is not only effective but also provides a competitive edge in an industry where timely and relevant customer interactions are key to success.
For additional information on how you can incorporate Push Notifications into your marketing and retention strategy please fill out a request at https://www.dealerappvantage.com/contact-us
Stay tuned for part two, “Push Notification Stats for the Automotive Industry”.
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Ayudando a las concesionarios conectarse con la comunidad latina

by Auto Dealer Marketing
Maximize engagement with a multi-language app.
DealerApp Vantage is now available for our Spanish-speaking markets.

Sabias que:

  • El 80% de los adultos latinos dicen que acceden a Internet a través de un dispositivo móvil como un teléfono celular o una tableta

  • El 94% de ellos ganan más de 50k

  • El 71% de ellos son hispanohablantes 

  • El 89% tiene entre 30 y 49 años

Realmente no necesitamos predicar estos hechos; Probablemente esté viendo esto a diario en su sala de ventas.

Pero, ¿cómo es su experiencia de compra?

¿Cómo es tu experiencia como vendedor?

Para ambos, la experiencia se describiría mejor como frustrante. Falta de comunicación, confusión y agotamiento. Incluso cuando tiene un empleado que habla español, es probable que este sea el caso.

Ahora imagina cómo es su experiencia en línea. Y dado que los hispanos tienen el doble de probabilidades de acceder a Internet en un dispositivo móvil, debe preguntarse: ¿Cuál es la experiencia de mi comunidad latina en mi sitio móvil?

DealerApp Vantage es el único proveedor de soluciones móviles que crea aplicaciones para concesionarios en español. Incluso los fabricantes se están quedando cortos, ya que menos del 10% de sus aplicaciones están disponibles en español. 

Esto no es una declaración política, ¡es una iniciativa empresarial!

DealerApp Vantage ha estado sirviendo a la industria automotriz durante más de 15 años. Proporciona funciones de primera clase para que sus clientes compren, atiendan e interactúen con su negocio.

Con características como

  • Inventario interactivo
  • Ventas digital
  • Programador de servicios
  • Notificaciones push
  • Geo fencing
  • Programa de recompensas
  • Almacenamiento y uso compartido seguro de documentos
  • Y mucho mas…

Nuestras aplicaciones se adaptan a su negocio, se personalizan para sus necesidades y se crean para ofrecer todos sus valiosos servicios y productos a través de su propia aplicación de marca descargable. Los beneficios y oportunidades se multiplican en un grupo automotriz, donde con una sola descarga puedes dar acceso a tus clientes a todos tus productos y servicios con facilidad. Para facilitar el uso y la gestión, crearemos una aplicación en la que sus clientes puedan alternar intuitivamente entre inglés y español. 

 

No hay duda de que su comunidad latina recompensará sus esfuerzos para abordar sus necesidades automotrices. La única pregunta es: ¿Cuándo podemos programar su demostración de DealerApp?

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MDocs – A Case for the Obvious & the Necessary

by Auto Dealer Marketing
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Not one day goes by that I don’t have to field a call from a customer who needs a copy of a contract.

Every dealer I have worked at and visited has said the same thing. Sometimes it’s stated with a sigh of discontent, defeat, or even anger. And realistically, who wouldn’t? We print out physical copies and have pretty little folder or package to put it in, we even purchase branded flash drives and make a digital copy, we also have them emailed to the customer. But when it comes to the moment they need that contract to initiate a claim without a second thought they call you.

On the other side of this experience is the customer who expects you to provide immediate access to the needed documents and be able to send it to them instantly.  They are standing at the counter of another shop or dealer surrounded by others waiting to be attended to but they are the bottleneck slowing down the process because they do not have their contract. Even more aggravating, they are on the side of the road broken down with babies in the back seats crying trying to find the contract they were told to keep in their glove box but of course it’s not there. Hours later, they finally receive a copy of the contract from you. Sometimes it is too late, they have already paid out of pocket and now must submit the bill to hopefully get reimbursed.

To both parties it is a nuisance. And it seems totally unnecessary given all the technology and access available today. Yet the struggle remains.
 

MDocs is a part of a collective mobile solution for dealers. Dealer groups or standalone stores are provided with a brand customer facing mobile app that facilitates all dealer interactions. DMS integration provides safe and secure identification of your customer and allows you to deliver a seamless experience whether they are physically at the dealer or a few hundred miles away.

MDocs is a cloud-based document storage solution for customers to receive, upload, and share pertinent documents. The dealer has a secure permission-based portal to upload contracts and receive documents from the customer. The customer has a dealer branded app where they can see documents or upload items like a driver license, registration, or insurance card. These transactions are protected through encryption to meet all privacy guidelines and keep your dealer protected and compliant.  

Here are a few of the major benefits:

Accessibility:

One of the primary advantages is accessibility. Users can access their documents from anywhere with an internet connection. This flexibility allows instant access to the contracts they need regardless of their physical location. This will also permit them to share documents with the dealer to facilitate test drives, rentals, loaners, and digital retailing.

Security:

MDocs cloud storage invests heavily in security measures to protect user data. This includes encryption, data redundancy, access controls, and regular security updates. Storing documents in the cloud can be more secure than keeping them on local servers or devices. Unless you have already contracted vendors that allow for encrypted emails and text messages your team has already violated FTC data privacy law.

Scalability:

Cloud storage solutions are highly scalable, allowing businesses to adjust their storage capacity based on their needs. Whether a company is a one store or a large enterprise, cloud storage can accommodate growing amounts of data without requiring any upfront investment in hardware infrastructure.

Cost-effectiveness:

MDocs storage is more cost-effective than on-premises storage solutions. Dealers avoid the need to purchase and maintain expensive hardware and software infrastructure. Additionally, cloud storage eliminates costs associated with physical storage space, such as maintenance, upgrades, and physical security. Additionally, this solution is part of a customer facing dealer branded mobile app the reflects all the services and products your dealer offers.

As you can see the solution is not only obvious but necessary. Your customers expect convenience and accessibility. More than ever they also expect you to protect their data. MDocs becomes the best approach to meet the high demands of our business in a way that benefits customers and dealers all the while meeting the mandatory compliance standards.


It’s obvious you need to schedule a demo to see what other benefits can be achieved with DealerApp Vantage.

Top 8 Reasons why Car Dealers need a Mobile App

Boosting App Engagement: 5 Strategies for 2024

by Auto Dealer MarketingCar Sales

Simply put, just having an app isn’t enough….

In today’s digital age, auto dealerships are constantly seeking innovative ways to engage with customers and enhance their overall experience. However it’s essential to implement strategies to maximize customer engagement. First and foremost it’s important to establish your mobile app must be part of your sales process. The sales team is your frontline champion for marketing the app to the customers sitting in the chair right in front of them. Contact us to learn best practices for your sales and service teams. Beyond that, to stay competitive and gain the advantage more is needed. Here are five PROVEN methods for your dealership to maximize your mobile app growth and success:

A dealership-branded mobile app serves as an excellent retention tool and has been adopted by many stores, large and small – CBT News

Mobile Site Banner

A strategically placed banner on the your mobile website can effectively promote the app and encourage downloads. This banner should highlight the benefits of using the app, such as access to exclusive deals, convenient service scheduling, or personalized vehicle recommendations. By integrating the app promotion into the your online presence, they can capture the attention of website visitors and convert them into app users. We work along with your website provider to get this implemented for you.

Push Notifications

Push notifications are a direct and immediate way to engage app users. You can leverage push notifications to alert customers about special promotions, service reminders, new vehicle arrivals, or exclusive events. By delivering timely and relevant messages, dealerships can keep their app top-of-mind for users and encourage them to return for maximum retention.

Geofence Messages

Geofencing technology allows you to send targeted messages to app users based on their physical location. For example, when a customer enters the vicinity of your dealership send them a welcome message. Sponsoring a local event? Send your customers an automated geofence message thanking them for their support. This is your opportunity to get creative here! They can receive a notification reminding them to schedule a service appointment or offering a discount on parts and accessories. By leveraging geofence messages, you can deliver relevant and timely content that enhances the customer experience and drives foot traffic to your locations.

On-Site Signage

Utilizing signage material within your dealership’s physical locations is another effective way to promote the app and encourage engagement. This could include posters, banners, or digital displays featuring QR codes or short URLs for easy app download. By integrating app promotion into your dealership’s physical environment, can reach customers at the point of sale and encourage them to download the app for specials and rewards using our build in loyalty rewards program.

Email Blasts

Email marketing remains a powerful tool for engaging with customers, and your dealership can leverage your email lists to promote the mobile app. Send targeted email blasts highlighting the benefits of downloading the app, such as access to exclusive offers, loyalty rewards, or personalized vehicle recommendations. By segmenting your email list and tailoring the messaging to specific customer interests and preferences, effectively drive app downloads and increase engagement among your audience.

With your branded mobile app you have a valuable opportunity to enhance customer engagement and drive business growth. By implementing strategies such as push notifications, mobile site banners, geofence messages, on-site signage material, and email blasts, you can effectively promote your app and gain crucial customer retention. By leveraging the power of mobile technology, you will build stronger relationships with your customers and stay ahead in today’s competitive automotive market.

Schedule a demonstration today to be part of this success!

Top 8 Reasons why Car Dealers need a Mobile App

Top 8 Reasons why Car Dealers need a Mobile App

by Auto Dealer MarketingCar Sales

Why a branded mobile dealer app is a necessity in 2024

The move to a more digital automotive shopping experience has been long coming, but, admittedly, slow moving. However, 2020 has forced the industry to finally accelerate in this area all the way down to the dealership level. Over the past two years consumers have been meticulously trained to have complete end-to-end purchase experiences digitally. With this shift, it’s more imperative your dealership is remaining ahead of the curve with a branded mobile app. 

As stated in a ‘CBT News’ article, “A dealership-branded mobile app serves as an excellent retention tool and has been adopted by many stores, large and small.”  A link to the full article is here. Let’s note some more specific reasons why your dealership needs a mobile app.

 

A dealership-branded mobile app serves as an excellent retention tool and has been adopted by many stores, large and small – CBT News

Engagement

Consumers are more and more dependent on apps today than ever. From banking, retail, food delivery, etc. Consumers simply do business on their mobile devices. A branded mobile app carves out a critical piece of digital real estate on their most used device. Push Notifications are the centerpiece of keeping customers engaged and retained. Service reminders and sales specials can be placed right on their lock screens. Take personal truly to the next level with automated geo-fencing messages that generate when customers arrive to the dealership or any related areas. 

Customer Experience

Bring the dealership experience right to the customer in so many ways. Allow quick and effortless inventory shopping with full images and vehicle details. Allow consumers to schedule test drives, service appointments, get prequalified, or apply for finance all directly from the mobile app. Have virtual one on one meetings with your consumers with live video calls, perfect for a virtual tour around the showroom floor or for service technicians to give consumers a live rundown of issues with vehicles that were found during the repair process. The digital retailing experience starts with the mobile app. 

Customer Targeting

With a mobile app you are able to get valuable insights from your customers’ browsing habits and act on them with analytics data from the mobile app. See what your customers like and ways you can appeal to them better for a better experience for them. Create segments of your customer base to send targeted messages to particular groups or vehicle owners. 

Retention

As stated in the beginning of the post, customer retention is a strong point of any good mobile application. Keep your loyal customers returning with a fully customizable loyalty rewards program. Fully integrated service scheduling with Xtime allows customers to make an appointment in a matter of seconds. Retention is largely related with engagement. An engaged customer is a retained customer. Leveraging all of the tools of the mobile application will keep your dealership top of mind and make sure they stay engaged and committed to your dealership. 

Customization

Being able to customize the app may not at first thought have any impact on your customer’s app experience, but customization is another critical part of keeping the customer engaged. M-Link allows dealers to make instant changes to their Home Screen and menu layout on the fly to keep up with seasonal changes, ongoing trends, and whatever customers are demanding at a given time. Having a customizable loyalty rewards program keeps things exciting for new and creative ways to earn points in sales or services. This allows for more unique marketing efforts as well. You can even create customized pages in the app for more individualized needs. Have a body shop? Create a functional accident reporting screen for customers to upload photos and/or a video of their damage, all on the fly. 

 

The global pandemic has changed the world, and many of those changes are here to stay. We’re now doing much of our business from home, and that includes working, schooling, and shopping. Smartphones have become the new shopping mall, and that’s the main reason why every retailer, even car dealers, need a mobile app of their own. 

Schedule a demonstration today to be part of this success!

Online Service Appointments: Funnel Revenue to Your Fixed Ops

Online Service Appointments: Funnel Revenue to Your Fixed Ops

by Auto Dealer Marketing

A mobile app can increase revenue to your Fixed-Ops with Online Service Appointments.

Speed and convenience are big winners in a crowded marketplace. Car dealerships are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to connect with their customers. As a car dealer, you will come across all kinds of people. 

Some might not even have a smartphone. However, it’s important for you to make sure that you embrace digital technology and provide services that are useful not just for your customers, but also help you grow your company.

Online service appointments are an excellent choice. Every day, many customers will bring their car to your dealership to get them serviced. 

It’s a common way of making sure that your car remains neat and clean. It’s also a big cash cow for dealerships themselves. Therefore, you will have to make sure that you provide them with a convenient method for booking their appointment.

Throw Tradition Out the Window

The older, traditional method for setting up service appointments is incredibly boring. It creates a lot of trouble and is generally very difficult to manage. You have to individually write down appointments and then manage them altogether. However, with online service appointments, things become much easier.

Adoption can be a bit difficult. You have to make sure that you get more and more people to adopt the online model, and this is going to pose quite a few challenges. There are several things that you can do to promote this business concept and get more people to start using your online appointment scheduling on your new Mobile App.

  1. Highlight the Benefits of Online Service Appointments

Instead of simply promoting, you need to really show and tell your customers the advantages. One of the main reasons why so many customers like to stay away from technology is because they simply don’t understand how it works. 

Most people are so comfortable in booking their next service appointment over the phone, so they don’t want to try anything else.

However, what these people don’t get is that online service appointments can be incredibly simple to manage. They can simplify matters to a considerable degree by providing a basic platform through which users can book their next appointment. 

The next time a user visits your dealership, show them the process and walk them through it. If they get the basics, they will easily book online.

  1. Know Where to Find Customers

If customers aren’t using social media or any other platform, you won’t be able to target them via email or other methods such as social media. Instead, you will have to take a slightly different approach to really reach out to them. It’s going to require a bit more patience, but it’s definitely going to be effective.

If you have a consistent group of recurring customers, talk to them in detail face to face and explain the features. It’s important for you to highlight the main features right off the bat because many people might not stick around for the full lecture.

This might be your only opportunity, so it’s important that you market it as a really big thing.

If a customer likes what you have to say, they will show more interest, and this is your opportunity to grab their attention. Once you do, it shouldn’t be difficult to highlight the benefits.

  1. Start with the Tech-Savvy

Tech savvy people are generally quite willing to adopt new platforms and simpler ways of doing business. If you have a platform for service appointments, they won’t really mind jumping on to it. It’s so much easier for you to focus on these people in the beginning.

For instance, start by offering a discount to customers who book online. Almost immediately, you will notice an increase in the number of people who jump on the platform. It’s important that you entice your customers by offering them something of value. Once you are able to hook them in, you can then offer recurring bonuses or create a loyalty program of sorts.

  1. Build a Relationship

Dealerships are known for their service standards. If you don’t create one, it’s going to be virtually impossible for you to have them stick around for a longer period of time. By offering an online chat option and giving them a platform where they can connect with you, it’s a great way to establish a rapport.

That’s not all; you will also need to make sure that you show up at the time of their appointments.

  1. Build Partnerships

Finally, you can also offer additional promotions by partnering with other businesses. This is another excellent way to improve your adoption rate quickly. It will immediately increase the number of service appointments dramatically.

 

If you want, you can schedule a demo of our mobile app service that is focused on car dealerships, and will help you get more customers through online bookings!

deploy your auto dealer app with just a few clicks.

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Learn How to Make an App in Five Different Ways

Learn How to Make an App in Five Different Ways

by Auto Dealer Marketing

Developing a mobile app is one of the best things that you can do to promote your business.

Numerous studies have shown that having a mobile app is important for businesses that want to compete in this day and age. It is the ultimate way to get access to a whole new market. More importantly, learning how to make an app is now much easier than ever before. You really don’t need to learn as much code or go through extensive courses before you are able to create your own app.

Instead, there are a number of different ways by which you can create an app. For those who want to learn how to make an app, here are five different ways to keep in mind.

1. Write the Native Code for it

Known to many as the basic way for creating an app, all you have to do is write the native code for the device that you are creating the app for. For instance, if you are developing an app for the iOS platform, you will want to write the code in Swift, which is the default programming language for Apple.

On the other hand, most apps for Android are coded in Java or Kotlin, so you can write apps in those. However, the limitation with this method is that you will have to maintain two separate codebases, which can be a problem for smaller businesses.

Learn How to Make an App in Five Different Ways

2. Using React Native

Another excellent option is to make use of React Native. It gives users the option of writing JavaScript code while using fully native widgets. The platform still makes use of JavaScript runtime libraries, but it doesn’t make use of WebViews. More importantly, the presentation is not HTML either.

React Native is community-driven, and also features a live reload option. It offers fantastic performance for mobile environments, and has a very modular architecture that closely resembles React. React Native is much more intuitive when compared with other hybrid apps. However, it still faces quite a few performance related problems because of its reliance on JavaScript’s bridging.

How to make an app with React Native

If you don’t know how to make an app yourself, you can always schedule a demo of our mobile app service that is exclusively targeted toward car dealers.

3. WebViews

One of the simplest ways to create mobile apps was to create hybrid apps. They were essentially touch-navigable web pages that were presented in the app container. The framework obviously limits user experience and makes use of the JavaScript bridging to connect with native services. It also has a negative impact on performance and is obviously not as intuitive as you might think. React Native is actually considered an upgrade over this.

Learn How to Make an App in Five Different Ways

4. Using Flutter

Another excellent option to use is Flutter. The development style offered by Flutter is quite reactive, very similar to React Native, but the reason why Flutter is more popular among developers is because Flutter gets rid of the runtime JavaScript libraries altogether. Instead, it compiles the code natively for use on different platforms.

This leads to a litany of advantages, starting from faster app performance and quicker loading times as well. As a car dealer, you will want to make sure that you create a mobile app that is responsive and loads up quickly. Obviously, you will have plenty of products on your app as well, so if the loading times are not decent enough, most users are simply not going to want to stay on the app for a prolonged period of time.

How to make an app with Flutter

5. Using Progressive Web Apps

One of the best things that you can do as a car dealer is to get an application made using progressive web apps, which many may consider the future. Web APIs now allow for greater interaction between devices and their corresponding web pages, which means that the pages can be cached, thus allowing users to work offline as well.

What’s our take?

Hiring a developer can be costly and you will always depend on them for further updates. Also, learning the programming language yourself has its benefits but there will be a learning curve that might be too long and impractical.

If you don’t know how to make an app yourself, you can always us turn-key services like DealeApp vantage.  Schedule a demo of our mobile app service that is exclusively targeted toward car dealers. A demo will help you better understand the capabilities of the service and allow you to explore the benefits and see how fast you can bring your dealer app to market.

Automobile companies often face a litany of challenges as they continue to grow. Car dealerships have to come up with unique and interesting ways to separate themselves from the pack. As a car dealership owner or service manager, it is your responsibility to make sure that you are able to create a product that resonates with your customers.

Simple features such as allowing customers to set up dates for servicing or for tracking their application progress and updating inventory regularly are essential and you need to incorporate those. Once you are able to do that, your app’s ratings are automatically going to improve.

Resources:

Top 8 Reasons why Car Dealers need a Mobile App

Top 8 Reasons why Car Dealers need a Mobile App

by Auto Dealer MarketingCar Sales

How a Mobile App Benefits Car Dealers

The global pandemic has changed the world, and many of those changes are here to stay. We’re now doing much of our business from home, and that includes working, schooling, and shopping. Smartphones have become the new shopping mall, and that’s the main reason why every retailer, even car dealers, need a mobile app of their own. Contact us today to schedule a demonstration!

1. Attract Views

These days, “window shopping” means shopping on a Windows (or Android, or Apple) device. People are staying home; they’re not going to car dealers’ lots to kick tires and see how they look behind the wheel. No, they’re clicking the links that catch their attention. If you want your links to be the ones clicked, then you’re going to have to know your market and what they’re looking for. The right mobile app platform can help you do that with geo-targeted digital marketing campaigns. Contact us to schedule a demonstration today!

2. Convert Viewers to Shoppers

Getting prospective buyers’ attention is obviously the first step to making a sale; however, you have to convince them not only that they want to buy a car, but that they want to buy from your dealership! Again, here’s where geo-targeted marketing strategies come in. The app platform can notify your sales staff when the prospect triggers a geofence, and your salespeople can step in with a personalized pitch. Let us show you how this works.

3. Give Shoppers Information

Making the customer aware of what you have to offer is the first step, but it’s the first step in a long journey. Most of today’s shoppers want to do a lot of research before making a purchase as large as an automobile, and you want to make it as easy as possible for them to do this. A good mobile app designed for car dealers puts all of this at their fingertips. They can look up makes, models, trim lines, options, incentives, and more on their own time and in their own way. Contact us today to learn more!

4. Make the Transaction Easy

Buyers may want a specific vehicle, but they also want an easy transaction. This means that they want and deserve transparency as far as pricing, incentives, financing options, warranty and service options, and more – and a lot of them want it presented in the dealer’s mobile app so that they can review it without feeling pressure in a dealership office. Let us show you how to make that happen with a demonstration of our mobile app.

5. Schedule Service and Maintenance

Yay, the buyer has bought the car! Now you want to keep them coming back to you for scheduled service and maintenance, and the best way to make this happen is to make it easy for them. By now, your customer should be completely familiar with your mobile app, so encourage them to browse the service department menu and schedule all their service and maintenance that way.

You can target them with special offers based on the recommended maintenance schedule, and you can increase customer spending by presenting complementary offers as well. This keeps your customer in your showroom and ensures that you will be top of mind for all automotive-related needs. Contact us today to schedule a demonstration of the mobile app that can make this happen.

6. Offer Rewards and Notifications

Car dealers can set up loyalty programs through their mobile app so that customers receive loyalty points for scheduling service or completing other activities, such as writing reviews of the dealership, making referrals, or any other related activities. They can trade in these points for discounts on service or dealership swag, which is also great for keeping your name and logo visible in the community.

You can also set your app to notify customers of events such as sales, new inventory, dealership events, manufacturer recalls and notifications, or anything else that you think they’d be interested in – and the app can even help you figure out what might interest the customer! Schedule a demonstration today to see more.

7. Sell and Service More Vehicles

This is the bottom line, right? All things considered, car dealers with a good mobile app are going to sell and service more vehicles – which is what every dealership needs to improve their bottom line. Contact us today to schedule a demonstration of the most comprehensive mobile app in the automotive industry.

8. Know That You’re in Good Company

If you think that this all sounds too good to be true, read what some other car dealers think about this mobile app.

“Delivering a superior experience across our dealerships is at the very center of our digital strategy. As our customers continue to move toward a mobile-first approach, Mobile Dealer helps us to deliver the best mobile customer experience when they buy and service from our family of dealerships.” –  LAND Auto Group, Kelsey Bilyk, Group Marketing Director

 

“Mobile Dealer has boosted our inventory views by over 110,000 over the past six months which has helped us to drive more sales growth. Over 75% of buyers that visit our lots already have the app downloaded. Each time I push an offer or new listing to our app, our sales call volumes increase two fold. Mobile Dealer delivers INCREDIBLE value to our digital marketing program.” – Ohio Trucks Group, Mike Linder, Marketing Manager

Schedule a demonstration today to be part of this success!