Mobile marketing in the automotive life cycle
If you care about consumer engagement, you can’t ignore mobile. Mobile is arguably the most important part of a modern marketing mix because smartphones are indispensable to our way of life - constantly glued to our hands. Think, when is the last time you left anywhere without your phone? Just take a look around the next time you’re standing in line or, better yet, take a look at your dealership’s waiting area – what is everyone doing? They’re all preoccupied with their phones.

As part of The Friedkin Group, GSM values regularly giving back to the local community through volunteer opportunities or donations. Recently, our Louisville team volunteered at the Dare To Care Food Bank. This wonderful organization "leads [Kentucky's] community to feed the hungry and conquer the cycle of need. [Dare to Care] fulfill[s] this mission through innovative programs, efficient operations and by partnering with local food pantries, shelters, and kitchens to get food to people in need." 

Are you wasting budget on a poor Paid Search strategy? 
Paid Search is an extremely valuable channel, but only when it’s backed by a strategic approach. Dealerships across the nation are feeling pressure to invest in digital, but they are falling prey to providers that push for expensive and ineffective Paid Search strategies. It’s time to stop wasting money on a strategy that doesn't drive results.

Keep your customers safe--
Declined service marketing should never be overlooked. It is a protective measure for consumers and dealerships alike. Failure to recommend a declined service repair could cost your dealership millions, or worse, it could cost a customer’s life. Informing customers of declined service repairs not only protects their safety, but it also prevents further damage to their vehicle and establishes trust with your dealership.

To remain competitive, dealers need to align their marketing with the way buyers think, research, and purchase. You attract people to your dealership by being helpful, relevant, and personal(ized). These are the cornerstones to relationship marketing and to providing consumer value.

Recently, GSM's Houston office celebrated Cinco de Mayo with a colorful in-office celebration. The party featured homemade guacamole, queso, and salsa competitions, a photo station, and themed games. However, while many enjoy this holiday for its tequila and taco-filled festivities, many do not know the origin of this historic day. We thought we'd share a little bit on the significance behind this celebration and show you how we celebrated.

Every year, The Friedkin Group recognizes the hard work and success of its associates by having an "Associate Recognition Day." Associates join in celebration of their accomplishments for the previous year with an off-campus or out-of-office event. 

There’s no doubt that the automotive consumer journey has changed as a result of emerging technologies and changing consumer preferences. Every generation is picking up new buying habits as digital and online tools make for a quicker and easier car shopping experience. From browse to buy, the pressure is on to meet the high expectations and high standards at each point in the automotive consumer journey.

Dealers in today’s marketplace must carefully choose strategies and solutions that will best serve their business. Virginia based dealership, Steven Toyota recently did just that and took new steps to be more responsive and improve communications with their customers. They adopted a dynamic, direct marketing strategy provided through GSM called Lifecycle Marketing powered by atom.

For the second year in a row, GSM and other fellow Friedkin Group associates participated in the annual FIT company challenge, a 3-course fitness contest designed for all fitness levels, ages, and fitness styles. FIT Company's mission is simple, "To help [companies] thrive through fitness. [They] want to help companies be their best by creating the most productive, focused, energetic, happiest, and cohesive teams possible."