Demystifying SEO for Dealerships: A Webinar Recap

In our recent webinar, ‘A Dealer’s Guide to SEO,’ Laurren, Click’s Digital Marketing Manager, took the stage to unravel the mysteries of search engine optimisation and shed light on its paramount importance. She showed us how we can get our dealership websites ranking higher on Google searches and seen by more customers.

If you weren’t able to join the live session, don’t worry! It’s now available to watch on-demand. And if your time is limited, we’ve pulled out the highlights of what SEO is, in our webinar recap below, so no one misses out.

Understanding Search Enging Optimisation (SEO): Unveiling the Basics

What is SEO?

At its core, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is a dynamic set of techniques and strategies you can apply to your website, designed to boost its visibility on search engines like Google and Bing. Optimising a website using these techniques ensures that your dealership doesn’t just exist in the vast online landscape but stands out prominently when potential customers search for vehicles. Doing so is the difference between your website hiding on page 10 amongst your competitors or showing in top place of the search results.

Why is SEO Crucial for Dealerships?

Laurren eloquently emphasised the critical role SEO plays in helping your business rank higher than competitors. In a world where 92% of car buyers initiate their journey online, securing a prime spot on search engine results pages becomes a make-or-break factor for dealerships. By getting your vehicles and business in front of more potential customers, you’re increasing your chances of improving conversion rates and sales.

Statistics show that the first 5 sites listed on organic search results get almost 70% of all the clicks on average. Whereas the next lot of 5 only get 3.7%, which really highlights the importance of your website’s positioning.

Key Insights Explored During the Webinar

1. Unlocking the Power of Keywords

We kick-started the webinar by highlighting the significance of speaking the same language as search engines. Through keyword research, dealerships can align the content on their websites with the exact phrases potential customers use when searching online. This strategic move informs search engines that your website holds precisely what customers are seeking, giving you a competitive edge.

2. Crafting a User-Friendly Experience

A smooth user experience with fast loading times, mobile-friendliness, and clear signposts is crucial for successful SEO and ensuring your customers are not put off your site when browsing, navigating, and ultimately purchasing your cars and services.

3. Building Trust and Authority

Just like consumers trust reputable brands, search engines favour high-quality content, secure connections, positive online reviews, and consistent business listings in directories. These factors signal trustworthiness and a positive user experience, helping you get bumped up in the ranking order for searched results.

4. Long-Term Benefits and Cost Effectiveness

Typically, it takes 3-6 months for search engines to recognise your SEO efforts, meaning it’s not a quick fix, but a strategic investment with long-term returns. Once optimised, your website becomes a powerful magnet, attracting qualified leads consistently and potentially, without additional costs.

And because the impact of SEO extends beyond the initial investment, it makes it one of the most cost-effective marketing strategies, bringing you face to face with people who are already interested in what you have to offer. This lasting influence positions SEO as a smart and efficient choice for businesses looking to maximise their marketing investments.

During the webinar, Laurren presented a compelling case study featuring a small dealership grappling with online visibility challenges. Through Click’s strategic SEO efforts, the dealership experienced an impressive 4x surge in organic leads within one year, coupled with a remarkable 200% increase in sales from organic leads. This showcases the tangible impact of a well-executed SEO campaign.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Dealership with SEO

As the webinar concluded, one thing was clear – SEO isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the key to unlocking your dealership’s online potential. By grasping the principles of SEO and applying Laurren’s insights, your dealership can rise in the search pages, attracting eager car buyers and establishing itself as a trusted automotive destination.

Stay tuned for our upcoming blog, where we delve deeper into the SEO tips and tricks from Laurren, guiding you through actionable steps to kickstart your SEO journey. Or even better, hear it first-hand and watch the webinar for free.