Used Car Dealer’s Google Business Profile Guide

This guide walks used car dealers through the steps to establishing their Google business profile and enhancing their online presence.

The biggest mistake a used car dealer can make is failing to establish a strong online presence. It is crucial for your dealership to stay ahead of the competition. One of the most valuable and underutilized tools is your Google Business Profile. This guide walks you through the essential steps to increase your dealership’s Google Business Profile. It will help you get the maximum views and have the best impact by showcasing your used cars to potential local customers.

1. Understanding the Customer’s Journey

When buying a used car, a potential customer has to make lots of decisions before driving to a dealership. They usually start online and begin their search with keywords like used cars. Most potential customers would scroll through the first couple of pages. If your dealership isn’t on the first two pages, you will miss your first opportunity. The potential customer will see at least fifty to one hundred cars from the first two page results.

But the potential customer now decides they need to narrow down their price range. Now, they do another search using the keywords “used car under $15,000. If your dealership doesn’t clarify the car’s pricing in their profile, you will miss a second opportunity. If the same dealer is in the first and second searches, people generally scroll past them. Because the potential customer has already seen the cars they listed.

Your dealership has one last shot. The potential customer is looking at your profile pictures and customer review ranking. Your dealership is finally in front of a potential customer. You have good reviews and they click on your business profile. The potential customer reads your reviews and likes what people say about your great customer service. But yet again, they don’t pick your dealership because you only have a few pictures. You thought you did everything right, but you are missing a few key elements.

2. Claim and Verify Your Google My Business Profile

The first step and most important opportunity is claiming and verifying your dealership’s Google business profile. Not claiming your business can make the difference between your used dealership appearing on page 2 or page 6. This ownership ensures that you have control over the information displayed on your profile. Follow the simple verification steps provided by Google to complete this crucial setup.

3. Provide Accurate and Detailed Business Information

Ensure your business information is accurate, including your dealership’s name, address, phone number, website, business hours and don’t forget to identify holidays that you are closed. Accurate information builds trust with potential customers. Your business description is your opportunity to make your used car dealership and services unique. Also you need to include surrounding areas that you service in the description and incorporate keywords related to used cars.

4. Showcase High-quality Photos

Photos speak volumes, especially in the automotive industry. Upload high-quality photos of your dealership’s exterior, interior, available inventory, and salespeople. Ask the customer picking up their new car if you can take a photo. Smiling customers engages potential customers but also enhances the overall appeal of your dealership.

5. Leverage the Extra Features

There is a Q&A that allows potential customers to ask questions directly on your profile. You have to think of five questions a customer may ask and you give the answer. There is a chat bot feature that can respond promptly to inquiries, providing helpful and accurate information. This engagement not only aids potential customers but also enhances the overall interactivity of your profile. Potential customers can also text, call, or book appointments directly through your business profile.

6. Encourage and Manage Customer Reviews

Positive reviews build credibility. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile. No matter if the review is positive or negative, always respond promptly. Replying to negative reviews shows customers that you are really concerned about improving your business. Answering reviews will increase your dealership’s online reputation.

7. Make Weekly Posts

Post updates, promotions, and events directly on your Google Business profile. Just like Facebook, regularly posting content keeps your profile ranking, relevant, engaging, and customer-focused.

Key to successful used car dealer business profile

The key is consistency in maintaining your used car dealerships Google business profile. Regularly updating your business profile posts, offers, and inventory. A dealer has to actively answer customer reviews. The dealership also needs content that a customer would want to share.

How Turbocharge Marketing Solutions can help your used car dealership?

We can provide the backup you need. For a low monthly fee, we will maintain your Google business profile to increase website traffic, local search results, produce weekly business profile, and answer all your customer reviews. We will also provide analytics and insights that will allow you to better understand your potential customers.

We know your time is precious and how much work you already do running your dealership. We will work together, giving your dealership the security it needs to thrive. We are Google business experts solely for used car dealers and can help you feel confident that your dealership is on the right path to success.