This year has been good for car sales with steady growth. But as we all know, the first place most car buyers go isn’t the showroom—it’s online. In fact, about 95% of car buyers start their search on the internet, often through a dealership’s website or social media pages. That first click matters. It’s not just an introduction; it’s a chance to make a great first impression and connect with potential buyers. As 2025 approaches, optimizing your online presence can be a simple but powerful way to keep dealership sales moving in the right direction.
Staying in tune with customer preferences
Today’s car buyers are savvy. They research, compare, and often make decisions before they even set foot in a dealership. By embracing digital tools like AI-driven customer support, you can offer the kind of real-time assistance that keeps your dealership top of mind. It’s not about being everywhere; it’s about being in the right places at the right times, making it easy for potential buyers to connect and engage with your dealership.
How to improve customer engagement online?
- Be responsive: When customers reach out online, they expect quick answers. AI-driven tools can provide instant responses, ensuring every inquiry is promptly addressed. This kind of real-time engagement builds trust and keeps the conversation going, making it easier for customers to move forward in their buying journey.
- Personalize the experience: People want to feel seen and understood, especially when making big decisions like buying a car. AI solutions powered by Generative AI technology can tailor responses based on customer behavior and preferences. For dealerships, this means delivering personal and relevant information and creating a more engaging experience that helps turn interest into action.
Maximizing profit with intelligent inventory management
- Offer more choices with fused inventory: Fused inventory is an AI-powered feature that enables dealerships within an auto group to share vehicle inventory data across multiple locations. Instead of customers being limited to the selection at their local dealership, they can browse vehicles from other locations within the group. This system allows customers to see a broader range of options, increasing the likelihood of finding what they are looking for. Auto groups can decide which stores’ inventories are shared, tailoring the visibility of vehicles to meet strategic business goals.
- Optimizing inventory: Fused inventory also helps balance stock levels more effectively. By sharing vehicle inventory data, dealerships can better manage and prevent overstock inventory. This balanced approach ensures that your inventory works efficiently across all locations, increasing sales opportunities and reducing holding costs.
Looking ahead to 2025
- Focus on operational efficiency: Streamlining processes like inventory management and customer support can free your team to focus on what drives growth—building relationships and closing sales. Embrace automation tools like DealerAI to provide a personal touch that sets your dealership apart.
- Meet customers where they are: Today’s car buyers expect a seamless online or in-store experience. Enhancing your digital presence isn’t just about keeping up with trends but meeting your customers’ needs. Expanding digital touchpoints, such as offering a 24/7 self-book appointments system, real-time inventory checks, and personalized online conversations, can create a more engaging and satisfying customer journey.
Ready to explore the next step?
Enhance your dealership’s digital strategy and explore AI-driven solutions options with an AI advisor, or visit DealerAI.com to see how you can lead your dealership into 2025 and beyond.
See How DealerAI Can Boost Sales and Revenue for Your Dealership