? for the PP Brain Pool. Online Marketing
 

I am running a new direct vehicle sourcing program that has been a more generalized than my previous luxury car program. Focusing on 05-08 F150's, Accords, & Jettas.

Discount Preowned cars in Fort Myers by Unvintage

Anywho, I am currently posting links on craigslist, using Google Adwords, and banners on some related forums.

I'm looking for a better conversion rate between inquires and sales. Right now I'm at an average of 122:1. Most inquires from craigslist are non english speakers, kids, or people that have no concepts of the program. I should record the calls and submit it to AFV.

What are some more reliable ways to advertise a program like this to the internet public? Thought about doing some auto mag print ads but they are pricey and I'm not sure if print is dead or not.

Print is not dead but it is dying.

You can go about this two ways.

DRTV model: Shotgun it to figure out where/who your customer is then focus on the demographic.

Traditional model: Figure out the demographic and maximize marketing dollars.

Has your customer base been more local than national so far?

You could join lots of forums ...
lets say even one like Pelican Parts ...
ask a question as to how to get the word out ...
you could even put a link in that question ...
;)

All in FL so far.

Kinda expected that.

In my opinion building a local rep is going to be easier than national.

150's, going for the trade guys?

Accords and Jettas, HS and College students?

Both big word of mouth demographics.

A lot of car marketing/advertising tries to sell the image.

If those are your targets I'd view it as "Cars for people with needs who can't afford to make a purchasing mistake" and how to reach them will reveal itself.

I'm doing a ton of local networking i.e. chamber of commerce, local car shows, etc.

Your conversion rate is 0.80%

That's really not bad Terry... For you an inquiry is probably akin to a click-through on a website. an average high consumer goods conversion rate is probably 3-7%. On specialty and high-end items it's 0.5% to 1.5% on average. Our customers are averaging 0.80% right now as well and they are motorsports distributors

That said our TARGETED audience promtions range in the 3% range, but our average ticket is probably $250 where yours is much higher so you would expect a lower rate.

However there are really two things you should be looking at:

1. Are the people that are inquiring serious, or really unqualified buyers. If largely unqualified then you are probably marketing in the wrong place.
2. How can you turn more of the qualified buyers into customers? What's your hook? (obvious I know, but had to be stated).

I'd focus on both, maybe even start asking people (especially the converted ones) where they found you and start focusing efforts on those places. Ask them why they decided to go with you, add that to your sales pitch going forward.

have you checked out caliberdata.com they have a unique deal that you pay nothing to advertise on web until someone actually buys something from you.