October 2025

We’re Finalists in the UK Search Awards 2025!

Proud to be recognised for results that drive growth

We’re excited to share that our SEO and PPC work has been shortlisted for the UK Search Awards 2025, one of the UK’s leading awards in digital marketing.

Since 2010, the awards have celebrated the very best in SEO, PPC, and content marketing. Being named alongside some of the nation’s largest and most innovative brands is a huge milestone for our team.

We’re proud to be finalists in the Best Use of Search – Automotive (Large) category! This award celebrates automotive search campaigns that deliver technical innovation, generate leads, and drive real commercial results.

So what got us noticed?

Our submission showcased a campaign that delivered strong, tangible results for one of our dealerships, combining Google Vehicle Ads (PPC) and SEO strategy to boost local visibility and sales – including a 12% increase in sales.

As an established independent used van dealership based in Middlesex, they wanted to increase their online visibility in a competitive market, particularly among London-based buyers, and ultimately to sell more vehicles. We developed a digital marketing strategy that attracted people at every stage of the buying cycle, boosting their visibility in search results, raising brand awareness, and driving more buyers to their site.

The result? Quality leads that converted into more sales:*

10 more vehicles sold per month
12% increase in sales
24% better conversion rate
39% increase in local visibility

What makes this recognition special?

Being shortlisted isn’t just about rankings – it’s about driving improvements and delivering strong performance. It highlights our ability to combine strategy, creativity, and data-driven insight to help dealerships grow and succeed in a competitive market.

It’s also exciting to see our work listed alongside campaigns for big automotive brands like Toyota, Kia, Triumph, and Volvo – proof that our campaigns stand out in the industry.

The winners will be announced on 3rd December, so keep your fingers (and toes) crossed for our amazing Digital Marketing Team!

See the full shortlist

* Sales and conversion based on total sales for Jan-Mar 2024 compared to Jan-Mar 2025. 10 vehicles per month based on total increase in sales Q1 2024 vs Q1 2025 divided by number of months. Increase in local visibility based on Feb-Apr 2024 vs Feb-Apr 2025 for London Keyword Impressions (Google Search Console).

awards UK Search Awards

From Scroll to Sold: Turning Clicks into Customers

The car-buying journey is now firmly digital, with most shoppers starting on smartphones or computers via search engines, comparison sites, social media, and dealership websites.

Around 90% of car buyers begin their journey online¹. In the UK, almost all new-car buyers use digital tools to purchase their vehicle – 24% rely on them entirely, while 68% combine them with in-person visits². These early touchpoints let customers compare models, check prices, explore finance, and take virtual tours before visiting a forecourt.

For dealers, the challenge is to be visible across channels and deliver a seamless journey from first click to final sale, with information carrying smoothly from online to in-store. Done well, this multi-channel approach engages buyers earlier, builds trust, and drives stronger returns. Next, we’ll explore how to use digital marketing at each stage of the sales funnel to maximise these opportunities.

0 %

say a dealership’s website quality impacts their decision³

0 %

completed the entire car purchase digitally⁴

0 %

of customers want a mix of online and in-person buying^⁵

What Is the Sales Funnel - and Why Does It Matter?

The Sales Funnel

Reach customers at every funnel stage to strengthen your sales strategy.

The Sales Funnel

Reach customers at every funnel stage to strengthen your sales strategy.

The sales funnel represents the journey your customers take – from the moment they realise they need a vehicle, to the point they complete a purchase (and beyond). In a digital-first world, dealerships need to match their marketing efforts to each stage of that journey, using the right message, in the right channel, at the right time.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical funnel stages, and what kind of digital marketing solutions are available to help support and optimise each of those stages.

Top of the Funnel

Awareness & Discovery

Customer situation

“I need a new car, but I’m not sure where to start.”

Your goal

Focus on brand awareness to get your dealership seen by the right people, at the right time.

This is where visibility is everything. Car buyers are using search engines, social media, and marketplace listings to explore options. If you’re not showing up, you’re not in the race.

Things to consider

Optimise your dealership website to appear in organic search results for the terms/words that buyers are already searching for on search engines. SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) services are a very effective way of addressing this.
Boost your dealership’s visibility through targeted ads across top search engines like Google, and social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. These ads have the benefit of being highly tailored based on your specific stock, audience and location information. If lack of time or expertise is holding you back from executing such a plan, then partnering with a third party so they can devise and manage social media marketing campaigns for you is an effective way to cover these channels.

Top Tip

Have you updated your Google business profile recently, or at all?

Updating your Google Business Profile is a powerful yet often overlooked way to boost your dealership’s local SEO and online visibility.

Top Tip

Have you updated your Google business profile recently, or at all?

Updating your Google Business Profile is a powerful yet often overlooked way to boost your dealership’s local SEO and online visibility.

Middle of the Funnel

Consideration & Research

Customer situation

“I’m comparing options and shortlisting potential dealers.”

Your goal

Capture attention and build trust as buyers evaluate their options.

At this stage, buyers want details: vehicle specs, reviews, finance options, and trust signals. It’s crucial to build credibility and offer a frictionless browsing experience.

Things to consider

PPC (Pay-Per-Click) campaigns are a powerful way of attracting ready-to-buy customers directly to your dealership’s website. By targeting specific keywords and search terms that your potential buyers are actively using, PPC ensures your vehicles and services appear right when and where it matters most – at the top of search results.
A website that loads fast with user-friendly landing pages, works seamlessly on mobile, and makes it easy to browse stock, value part-exchanges, and book test drives will help build credibility with consumers. Website design services are a great way of addressing this.

Top Tip

PPC isn’t a “set it and forget it” strategy. To get the most out of your marketing spend, your campaigns need regular attention.

You need to monitor performance, refine your targeting, test new ad copy, and adjust budgets where needed. Ongoing optimisation helps you generate better quality leads – without increasing your spend.

Top Tip

PPC isn’t a “set it and forget it” strategy. To get the most out of your marketing spend, your campaigns need regular attention.

Bottom of the Funnel

Decision & Action

Customer situation

“I’m ready to buy! What’s the best, easiest, most convenient and trustworthy way for me to do so?”

Your goal

Make the buying process as easy and reassuring as possible.

Now it’s about converting interest into action. That means making enquiry, finance application, and contact processes seamless and compelling.

Things to consider

According to Google, there has been a 27% year-on-year increase in buyers clicking on online vehicle ads. This trend highlights the importance of showcasing your dealership’s live vehicle stock directly in search results. By utilising Google Vehicle Ads (GVA) you can do this effectively. GVA also come with real-time updates – including price, mileage, and photos.
Drive enquiries with targeted campaigns and tailored landing pages for specific vehicles or offers. For this you could think about optimising your landing pages so they’re conversion-focused.
Did you know that 68% of customers shop outside of standard opening hours? An effective method to address this is to use online lead generation software, which captures the leads and integrates with your back-end systems for faster, smarter follow-ups, even when your dealership is closed. This enables customers to build and reserve their vehicle deal in full, 24/7.

Top Tip

Let Google do the heavy lifting with Vehicle Ads.

Google Vehicle Ads (GVA) use AI to automatically create and display your ads across multiple platforms – including Search, YouTube, Gmail, and even News.

It’s a smart option if you’re not confident in writing ad copy or fine-tuning targeting. With GVA, your stock gets seen by more in-market buyers, without the manual legwork.

Top Tip

Let Google do the heavy lifting with Vehicle Ads.

Google Vehicle Ads (GVA) use AI to automatically create and display your ads across multiple platforms – including Search, YouTube, Gmail, and even News.

It’s a smart option if you’re not confident in writing ad copy or fine-tuning targeting. With GVA, your stock gets seen by more in-market buyers, without the manual legwork.

Our solutions in Action

When an established independent used van dealership in Middlesex partnered with Click Dealer’s digital marketing experts, their main goal was to boost online visibility in a highly competitive market – particularly among London-based buyers.

We built a digital marketing strategy that didn’t just target people ready to buy, but also those at the very start of their van-buying journey. This gave the dealership greater exposure and helped them reach a much wider audience.

By combining SEO with PPC campaigns, we ensured the dealership appeared throughout the buying cycle. This boosted their visibility in search results, increased brand awareness, and brought in more qualified buyers.

more vehicles sold per month

0 %

increase in sales

0 %

better conversion rate

0 %

increase in local visibility

The result?

The dealership saw a steady flow of high-quality leads that turned into real sales, giving their business a measurable boost. More buyers across London were discovering their vans, engaging with their listings, and choosing them over the competition.

This growth showed how a carefully executed digital marketing strategy can transform increased online visibility into tangible, lasting business results.⁶

Digital Marketing Made for Motor Retailers

Our automotive marketing experts are ready to help you hit your marketing goals and drive real results. Speak with our award-winning team to discover how the right campaigns can increase your leads, boost sales, and deliver a measurable return on investment for your dealership.

ClickPPC

Pay-Per-Click Advertising

Google Ads campaigns built to bring in buyers.

ClickSEO

Search Engine Optimisation

Boost rankings and bring more customers to your website.

ClickBlog

Blog & Writing Support

Keep your dealership website fresh with Google-optimised web content.

GVA

Google Vehicle Ads

Put your live stock at the top of Google search.

¹Around 90% of car buyers begin their journey online: Automotive World

² 24% rely on digital tools entirely, while 68% combine them with in-person visits: Auto Trader, 2024

³ 75% say a dealership’s website quality impacts their decision: Cox Automotive, 2023

⁴28% completed the entire car purchase digitally: AM Online, 2023

⁵86% of customers want a mix of online and in-person buying: Autocar, 2025

⁶ Sales and conversion based on total sales for Jan-March 2024 compared to Jan-March 2025

10 vehicles per month based on total increase in sales Q1 2024 vs Q1 2025 divided by number of months

Increase in local visibility based on Feb-Apr 2024 vs Feb-Apr 2025 for London Keyword Impressions (Google Search Console)

6 Key Benefits of Using a Dealer Management System

A tablet, a laptop and a mobile device showing different screens of ClickDMS

For dealerships across the UK, the benefits of a Dealer Management System (DMS) are clear – it’s essential for driving efficiency and maintaining a competitive edge. By using an all-in-one DMS, you’re streamlining processes and improving efficiencies. Spend less time on double keying of data and additional admin, and more time selling!

1. Streamlined Operations & Stock Control

A DMS centralises functions like stock management, lead handling, sales progression, and performance reporting into a unified platform – no more switching between systems and re-entry of data. This approach saves time and reduces human error.

A DMS needs to support your dealership, right from stock management and quickly responding to leads, all the way through to fully stacked sales deals and KPI reporting.

With ClickDMSᵀᴹ, you have the all-in-one tool to help you efficiently buy, advertise, finance, and sell vehicles combined with a full reporting suite and key insight data.

2. Effortless Multi-Channel Advertising

Modern DMS solutions integrate effortlessly with your dealership’s website and major portals like Auto Trader, CarGurus, and MOTORS. This means stock updates are synchronised in almost real-time, with no need to manually relist or duplicate efforts.

By using pricing insights to understand what the ideal market price is for each vehicle, you can adjust and update on the go. Helping you maximise the profit from every deal.

3. Robust Lead Management & Deal Progression

Lead generation doesn’t stop when the showroom closes. 68% of people are searching and reserving their next vehicle out of normal business hours. By capturing those people ready to buy, and securing that deal – you and your sales team are walking in to sales when you open up your dealership.

ClickEngage™ empowers customers to build full deals (including part exchange, add-ons, and even applying for finance) online 24/7, which then arrive ready to action from the DMS. This ensures you never miss a lead. Plus, with every penny counting, giving customers a way to include value-added products to their deal, such as paint protection and warranty, you’re helping increase your deal value with no additional effort.

4. Comprehensive Reporting & KPI Tracking

Hard numbers drive better decisions. A good DMS with full reporting tools, provides you with key data on margins, profits, lead conversions, VAT reporting, and vehicle performance – right down to make/model analysis. This allows retailers to prioritise the most profitable lines and refine strategies.

5. Time-Saving Integrations

Your DMS is your dealership’s back-office solution. With everything in one place, integrations with other key suppliers and partners, and support for Making Tax Digital – your DMS can help you save time and streamline your processes.

When you’re switching between systems and rekeying information – you’re doubling your efforts. With one streamlined platform, you can reduce the risk of human error and cut your admin time.

6. Scalability, Security & Future-Readiness

Whether you’re just starting out, or you’re a large car supermarket, you need a DMS that meets your needs and adapts alongside your business. As you grow, adjust your stock profile, or adjust your priorities – having a reliable DMS that caters for you is key.

We’ve been working in the automotive industry for over 20 years, working with retailers of all sizes. When your business grows, your DMS grows with you. Keeping you safe in the knowledge that your data is hosted securely.

ClickDMS on an ipad with Single Vehicle Ad page, a desktop with ClickDMS homepage and a mobile showing responsive menu

Not spoken to us for a while?

Our DMS has had a revamp! Upgrading your DMS isn’t just about aesthetic, it’s about empowering your dealership to work smarter, faster, and more efficiently every day. Our in-house teams are continually developing and enhancing our platform to bring valuable features and updates into the system.

Find out why UK dealerships are choosing ClickDMS™ to support their dealership:

Within the DMS we can manage all the customer information in one place, helping us give better customer service. It helps us keep up to date with enquiries, customer expectations and trend analysis. We can also monitor pricing and market data – all in one place within the Worklist.” – CC Cars Ltd

Book a free consultation and explore ClickDMSᵀᴹ today, and experience first-hand how a DMS developed with dealers, for dealers can transform the way your dealership operates.

Book a free consultation →

Dealer Management System dms

Optimise Google My Business: Local SEO Fundamentals for Car Dealerships

Google My Business Fundamentals:

Local SEO for Car Dealerships

Get Found Where It Matters Most

When nearby buyers search “used cars near me,” are you appearing in the top results?
That’s the power of local SEO – and it starts with your Google Business Profile (GBP), formerly known as Google My Business (GMB).

Your GBP is the digital shopfront for your dealership. It helps customers find your opening hours, directions, reviews, and contact details – all before they even click through to your website. Optimising it correctly can mean the difference between getting the call or losing it to a competitor.

What Is Google Business Profile (GBP)?

Your Google Business Profile is what powers the map listings and the “local 3-pack” that appears above organic results in Google Search. It displays key information about your dealership, including:

Name, address, and phone number
Opening hours and service categories
Customer reviews and photos
Directions via Google Maps

For car dealers, this profile is often a buyer’s first impression. A complete and active GBP signals to Google – and your potential customers – that your business is real, responsive, and relevant.

What Is Local SEO – and Why Does It Matter?

Automotive local SEO focuses on improving your visibility for searches made in and around your location. When a customer looks for “car dealerships in [Your Town],” Google considers three core factors:

Proximity: How close the searcher is to your dealership
Relevance: How well your listing matches what they’re searching for
Prominence: How trusted and active your business appears online

An optimised Google Business Profile directly influences all three. That’s why local SEO is no longer optional – it’s the foundation of being found by real, in-market buyers.

Want a deeper dive into the strategy behind it? Watch our Get Found to Get Leads webinar for a full walkthrough of automotive local SEO best practice.

5 Actionable Steps to Optimise Your Dealership’s GBP

Ready to get hands-on? Here’s how to strengthen your profile today:

Complete every field. Fill in all your business details – address, hours, services, website, and category. The more accurate your data, the more likely you’ll appear in Google Maps results.
Add high-quality photos and videos. Showcase your forecourt, team, and vehicles. Images build trust and help listings stand out.
Post updates regularly. Share offers, events, and new arrivals to keep your profile active. Google rewards consistency.
Manage reviews and Q&A. Respond to every review – positive or negative. It shows accountability and encourages engagement.
List your specific services. Add items like MOTs, finance options, or used-car stock. This helps you rank for more targeted searches.

These simple improvements can transform visibility and increase footfall to your showroom. For more advanced help, explore our car dealership SEO services to see how professional optimisation can take you further.

Take Control of Your Local Presence

Mastering your Google Business Profile is the first step to owning your local market. Every completed detail and timely update moves you closer to the top of local search results – and to more leads.

You can manage it yourself with the steps above, or let Click Dealer handle the heavy lifting through expert automotive local SEO support.

Watch the Get Found to Get Leads webinar to see exactly how it’s done, or book a consultation with our team to start improving your local search performance today.

Book your free consultation

GBP Google Google Business Profile Google Maps local seo seo