Online reviews vital for choosing a car dealer

There's no hiding place for lacklustre car dealers in the age of social media, with 70 percent of consumers checking online reviews before visiting a showroom.

Online reviews vital in choosing a car dealer

Nearly 70 percent of car buyers always check online reviews before contacting a dealer.

That’s according to an investigation into online dealer reputation, which suggests that over half of all car buyers select a dealer based on internet reviews.

Indeed, a quarter of buyers say online reputation is the most important factor when choosing a car.

‘Pay attention to your online reputation’

Amy Mueller, VP of communications at CarGurus, the company behind the investigation, hinted that there’s no hiding place for lacklustre car dealers in the age of social media.

“The growth of the internet and social media has made it easy for people to share their buying experiences – good and bad – with fellow consumers. As a result, it’s more important than ever to pay attention to your online reputation.

Car dealer online reputation

“Customer reviews set the tone for how your dealership is perceived by future customers. They’re crucial drivers of new sales, and your dealership can’t overlook their importance. Every review is an opportunity to engage with your customers and build your reputation, so make sure you’re taking advantage.”

Unsurprisingly, young car buyers place a great deal of emphasis on web feedback, with 91 percent of motorists aged 18 to 34 placing as much trust on online reviews as on word of mouth.

Managing a car dealer’s reputation

CarGurus has the following advice for car dealers hoping to maintain a good online reputation:

  • Encouragement: asking for feedback builds trust, boosts brand awareness and sells more cars
  • Monitoring: pay attention to reviews. Set up email alerts and monitor Google
  • Responding: acknowledge reviews – good or bad – as this shows that you take the feedback seriously
  • Use reviews: customer feedback makes for powerful marketing tools. Use the reviews on social media and in promotional material

Related Articles

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith
Gavin Braithwaite-Smithhttp://www.petrolblog.com
Writer with a penchant for #FrenchTat. Owns 15 vehicles of varying degrees of terribleness. Also doing a passable impression of Cousin Eddie in an Italian-German beige motorhome. Doesn't get out much.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Temerario! A deep dive into Lamborghini’s 920hp hybrid supercar

The hybrid V8-powered Lamborghini Temerario made its debut inside Britain’s first car factory. Tim Pitt speaks to the team behind it.

Vauxhall slashes prices for new Grandland Electric SUV

Reductions of up to £4,700 on the Vauxhall Grandland Electric mean prices now start below £40,000 for most models.

How to declare SORN and take your car off the road for winter

Planning to tuck away your classic car over winter? Here's how to make a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) and save money on car tax.

UK car industry demands urgent review of EV sales targets

Car manufacturers want immediate market intervention as weak demand for EVs and unsustainable costs undermine the automotive industry.