Business Tips & Resources for Weathering the Downturn
You’ve seen a lot of emails from us lately about weathering the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. We don’t expect you to keep all of that information top of mind, especially if you are being inundated with news every day, which is why we’ve provided an overview of the information we’ve sent out so far.
Support Availability
While our workstations have changed, our availability hasn’t. Please know that you can still reach us wherever we are from 6AM to 6PM PST. Our support team is working overtime to ensure all time-sensitive website requests are being made as fast as humanly possible. While everything else remains so uncertain, you can rest assured we are taking care of your website needs.
Complimentary Lead Contact Feature
We are continuing to add website functionality that enhances results on your platform. If you haven’t already, talk to your Client Solutions rep about the new Lead Pop, a mobile-optimized contact feature that has driven a 5-10% increase in leads for Dealer Spike dealers, available to add to your site at no cost.
Sales Optimization Tactics
As we all learn to navigate new waters, our dealer network is sharing some great tactics that have been helping them weather the decline of in-store customers. We hope you find these helpful:
- Posting multiple photos of their inventory - dealers have seen an average 160% improvement in lead conversion compared to listings with no photos
- Promoting digital shopping and services to help customers buy and/or make decisions without needing to visit the store
- Offering free shipping on orders and incentives for buying online
- Utilizing Facebook Marketplace to showcase inventory – dealers have reported that they receive nearly four messages a day from new leads via Facebook Messenger
- Using video conferencing like FaceTime, Google Duo or Zoom to walk customers through the showroom and show them specific products
- Offering free curbside pickup and drop-off for service appointments -- some dealers are going as far as offering services door to door
- Extending service hours
- Setting up email accounts for all parts and service employees
- Adding custom website banners and web pages with updates about your business along with a personal message to your customers about COVID-19
- Keeping customers informed via social media of your hours, services and preventative measures
Financial Relief Measures
Google has announced $340 million in ad credits for small and medium businesses who have been active advertisers since the start of 2019. Google will be distributing ad credits to eligible businesses in the coming months, so if you are a digital marketing customer, we will alert you to the availability and quantity of those credits.
The Coronavirus, Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act is now law, and soon $350 billion in aid will be available to small businesses who are struggling to make payroll, rent and utilities. The new initiative, called the Paycheck Protection Program, offers 100% federally guaranteed loans for businesses that meet the SBA eligibility requirements and certify that the loan will be used for mandatory payments only. Provided certain conditions are met, businesses are eligible to have loans forgiven. The SBA will release more Program details very soon, including a list of participating lenders.
We are here for you, and we will continue to update you with effective business practices and resources as we learn about them. Reach out to us today if you have any questions or requests.