Why Google Reviews Matter for Your Dealership’s Reputation
How To Show That Your Dealership Is Trustworthy
By Justin Ward & Ed Braunbeck
The reputation of car dealerships is too often on shaky ground. While you aim to offer honest, helpful, and quality service to your customers, the bad behavior of less-than-legitimate dealers can tarnish the trust for everyone in the industry.
But there are some things you can do to improve your reputation! Since customers start their journey digitally, you should too. Begin with an audit of your Google reviews- this is how you will stand out from the others as a reputable dealership.
Build Rapport With Your Future Customers
Studies show that 92% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase decision. Every positive review is a vote of confidence, a testimonial that builds trust and credibility with potential customers. That means a handful of negative reviews can send your sales skidding to a halt.
Google Reviews Impact Your Search Ranking
Spending money on an SEO specialist? Maybe you’re writing blogs and service pages with calculated keywords to boost your SEO. While Google doesn’t release the specifics of how its algorithm works, we do know that Google reviews heavily impact business searches.
Searching for “auto dealerships near me” will showcase the top dealerships that adhere by Google’s preferences. That means businesses with their Google Business profiles built out, high ranking articles and service pages, and high number of 5-star reviews should appear at the top of the search. While there are tons of internal efforts you can make toward boosting your SEO efforts, remember that external factors, such as online reviews, will make a huge difference at the end of the day.
How Dealerships Use Google Reviews To Build Trust
Here are a few tactics to try:
- Encourage every customer to leave a review: Make it easy for them by providing links or QR codes at key touchpoints, like receipts or follow-up emails.
- Respond to all reviews promptly and professionally: Thank positive reviewers and address negative ones with empathy and a commitment to resolving the issue.
- Showcase your best reviews: Feature them on your website, social media, and even in your showroom!
- Use Google Reviews data to inform your marketing and operations: Identify trends and tailor your approach to meet customer expectations.
- Consider using a review management tool: Automate tasks like sending review requests and responding to reviews.
- Claim your Google My Business listing: Optimize your profile for local search.
Beyond the Numbers: A Tool for Improvement
Every review, positive or negative, is a chance to learn and grow. Did a customer rave about your friendly service? Double down on that winning strategy. Did someone mention a frustrating wait time? Diagnose the bottleneck and streamline your processes.
Respond To Negative Reviews
Addressing negative reviews head-on shows potential customers you care about their experience and are committed to improvement. It’s a public display of transparency and accountability that goes a long way in building lasting trust.
Reliable Service Takes You To The Top
Google Reviews are a living, breathing testament to your dealership’s reputation. By nurturing them with care and attention, you’ll fuel a powerful engine of trust and performance, propelling your dealership to the top of the leaderboard.
Justin Ward is your main contact for dealership digital marketing, crafting strategies that drive engagement and boost sales. Together, they ensure your dealership thrives, offering comprehensive support from financial consulting to digital marketing.