FINALLY! For all you dealers fumbling around in the darkness that is Social Media integration, it seems like somebody may have found the light switch…or at least turned on a night light.

Yesterday bing announced they would integrate Twitter updates in their search results. And because search engine land is more competitive than the NFC East conference, Google announced the same day that they, too, would integrate Twitter into their search results.

All of this is in attempts for the search engines to move to more of a “real-time” display of search engine results. Meaning, instead of typing in “Malibu Surf Report” and getting a PDF from 2003, you’ll now get real-time results from Tweeters on the sand in Malibu putting on their rash guards (in theory). This is a huge movement in the Search world, which has been really floating by over the years tossing around ideas of local search, vertical search and real-time search. Finally.

So what does that mean for you as an automotive dealer? It means getting your inventory on Google and bing directly…and in real-time.

How does it work?  The engines are going to crawl Twitter data no older than a week and display them in order.  What order?  AHHH, therein lies the question of all questions.  How does any search engine rank results - relevance and popularity.  So if your Tweet is relevant to the keyword search, and Tom’s Ford has more Twitter followers than Bob’s Ford, Tom is going to get the ranking for “2010 ford mustang”.

I am very happy to see things come together considering my last post, “YouTwitFace”, had the theme of a big thumbs down to dealership Social Media integration.  So for now, what I would recommend is promoting Twitter on your websites.  Offer incentives, coupons, car washes..whatever to people who sign up to follow you on Twitter and also facebook, who’s integration with the engines is just around the corner.

We’ll do our part by getting your inventory to Twitter.

Stay tuned.

Tweet ya later.

DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Carfax and eCarList have teamed up to help dealers more effectively market their online inventory.

Dealers using eCarList’s inventory management software can obtain Carfax information and make it available with their vehicles listed online. Used car shoppers get the information they need up front to make faster buying decisions.

“Our intent is to create a seamless user experience for online car shoppers,” said Len Critcher, eCarList’s CEO. “The Carfax brand is recognized throughout our industry and further reinforces the credibility of online data we provide. Forward-thinking dealers understand that the added value of the eCarList inventory management program helps generate sales and improve the online customer experience at the same time.”

Previous independent studies prove that cars sell faster and for more money when Carfax Reports are included with online listings. Subscribing dealers can purchase Carfax Reports directly from the eCarList platform. Online shoppers see vehicle history highlights like Carfax 1-Owner and reported accidents within the vehicle listing and get the full Carfax Report for free.

“Having Carfax Vehicle History Reports available through eCarList enhances the Park Place brand and helps us improve our customers’ experience,” said Frank Sobyak, director of Internet Business Development at Park Place Dealerships in Dallas, Texas. “Using these powerful tools we can easily identify the cars our customers want and reassure them that they’re getting only the highest-quality vehicles. Every vehicle we list on our site has a free Carfax Report to build customer confidence and support our fine reputation.”
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Our commitment to excellence in customer service continues as we launch the new eCarList Help Desk.

Two easy ways to use:

1. Simply submit a trouble/help ticket by emailing (support@ecarlist.com) and an account will be created for you.

2. Create your own account to track current, and past, ticket logs and have access to our growing eCarList resource help center.

Click below to view a brief video overview of the new Help Desk system.

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