For every 100 email form leads, 30 people never receive any form of two-way communication. Yet, when someone chats or texts, that’s a 100% contact rate−so why aren’t more dealers optimizing these channels?

This week on Auto Marketing Now, join Brian Pasch and Jeff Sterns, VP of Sales with CarChat24, to learn how Signal R is changing the way dealerships communicate.

Connectivity

CarChat24 is proof that all chat platforms are not created equal. Besides offering a robust chat platform and great analytics, CarChat24 surpasses the competition with their Signal R technology.

When chat began in 1999 with Jabber, communication was enabled by an Ethernet cable connected to a machine. Today, all communication is wireless, meaning consumers can enter certain areas and consequentially experience an interruption in service.

Signal R fixes this issue with its long polling and searching capabilities. The platform is connected in a hierarchy, which allows chat services to stay connected to the top one or two at all times. This constant connection allows operators to pick up right where they left off if there is an interruption in user service.

Since its implementation, Signal R has generated a 30% jump in chat conversions.

Managed Chat

CarChat24 is also equipped with video and hot transfer features. Videos can be played directly in the chat with both parties connected for a more engaged chat session. Meanwhile, hot transfers allow the representative to see if a sales associate on the floor is available to do a live vehicle walk-around for a consumer.

Dealerships can choose whether or not they want to utilize the CarChat24 operator services, or if they want to handle chats internally. Since roughly half of dealership chats are missed, we recommend taking advantage of the CarChat24 managed services.

Text

If a customer enters a conversation via text, they don’t want you to call them. CarChat24 offers a texting feature with opt-in text messages for both inbound and outbound communications. Remember, dealers should never be texting customers from their own, personal phones.

Chat is a very cost-effective way to get customers connected−in fact, 1-2% of all unique traffic to a dealer’s site will chat. Consumers want more ways to connect, so utilizing chat, SMS, and Facebook messenger as conversion options will open the door for greater engagement. Dealerships should also change their landing page and social CTAs to promote chat, text, and conversions with Facebook messenger to give consumers more ways to connect.

To maximize your ROI, CarChat24 is fully integrated with VistaDash, the only platform designed to track engagement for smarter marketing decisions.

For more on the latest industry technology, be sure to tune in to Auto Marketing Now every week!

About the Author

PCG Digital Marketing is an award winning digital agency headquartered in Eatontown, NJ. We help our clients get found online through innovative search, social and online advertising campaigns.