In today's digital age, content marketing has become one of the most effective ways for businesses to promote their products and services. For car dealerships, it is crucial to have a strong content marketing strategy that not only attracts new customers but also retains existing ones. User-generated content (UCG) is the most trustworthy type of content that a dealership can have when trying to sell new cars and gain repeat business. In this blog post, we will discuss why UCG is so important and provide statistics to support our claim.
User-generated content (UCG) is any type of content created by users or customers, rather than by the business itself. This includes reviews, social media posts, photos, videos, and more. UCG is a powerful tool for businesses because it helps to build trust and credibility with potential customers. When people see other customers sharing their positive experiences with a business, they are more likely to trust and engage with that business themselves.
When it comes to car dealerships, UCG is especially important for a few key reasons:
1. UCG Builds Trust
As we mentioned earlier, UCG is one of the most effective ways to build trust and credibility with potential customers. According to a survey by BrightLocal, 91% of consumers read online reviews before visiting a business, and 84% trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. By showcasing UCG from satisfied customers, car dealerships increase their chances of attracting new customers and gaining repeat business. It's like getting a personal recommendation from a friend who you trust. People are more likely to engage with a business through UGC because it takes the pressure off of being sold. Nobody wants to be bombarded by slimy sales reps when buying a car.
2. UCG Increases Engagement:
UCG also helps to increase engagement with customers. When customers share their experiences with a dealership on social media or review sites, it opens up the opportunity for the dealership to respond and engage with those customers. This can lead to increased loyalty and repeat business.
3. UCG Provides Valuable Feedback
Finally, UCG provides valuable feedback for car dealerships. By monitoring reviews and social media posts, dealerships can gain insights into what their customers like and don't like about their services. This feedback can be used to improve the customer experience and make the dealership more attractive to potential customers.
1. According to a study by Stackla, 86% of consumers say authenticity is important when deciding what brands they like and support. UCG is one of the most authentic forms of content a business can have because it is created by real customers.
2. BrightLocal's survey found that 68% of consumers are more likely to use a local business if it has positive reviews. By showcasing positive UCG, car dealerships can increase their chances of attracting new customers.
3. A survey by AdWeek found that 76% of consumers trust content shared by average people more than content shared by brands. UCG is a powerful way for car dealerships to tap into this trust and credibility.
4. According to a study by Bazaarvoice, products with reviews have a 12.5% higher conversion rate than products without reviews. By encouraging customers to share their experiences with the dealership, car dealerships can increase their chances of making sales.
5. Another study by Bazaarvoice found that 51% of millennials trust user-generated content more than other types of content. This is an important statistic for car dealerships to keep in mind, as millennials are a key demographic for car sales.
6. Finally, a survey by BrightLocal found that 92% of consumers now read online reviews for local businesses, with 40% of consumers reading 1-3 reviews before making a decision. By encouraging UCG and monitoring reviews, car dealerships can make sure they are putting their best foot forward online.
In conclusion, user-generated content (UCG) is an incredibly valuable tool for car dealerships looking to attract new customers and gain repeat business. By showcasing positive UCG, car dealerships can build trust and credibility with potential customers, increase engagement, and gain valuable feedback. The statistics we've shared make it clear that UCG is one of the most authentic and trustworthy forms of content a dealership can have. For car dealerships looking to stay competitive in today's digital age, investing in UCG should be a top priority. LocalShift helps your dealership not only get UGC but also helps showcase it in an effective way so you can sit back and watch your bottom line grow.
