TMCnet News
FordDirect Launches Social Media Management ServiceJul 20, 2012 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- FordDirect, a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and its franchise dealers, announced the launch of its new Social Media and Reputation Management Service for Ford and Lincoln Dealers. Powered by Digital Air Strike, the vision behind this service is to provide dealers with the proper guidance, tools and resources to enable them to effectively manage their online reputation and social media presence. According to a release, FordDirect is already providing syndicated Facebook content at no charge to about 900 Ford and Lincoln dealerships' through a partnership with the Ford Motor Co. Digital Team. FordDirect posts socially relevant topics on dealership Facebook pages, on average three to five times per week, focusing on vehicle and technology articles, photos and videos. "Facebook is a great way for dealerships to interact with new and current customers alike and share information about Ford and Lincoln products," said Valerie Fuller, COO of FordDirect. "However, dealerships often struggle to come up with ongoing posts and create engaging content that is socially relevant. FordDirect saw an opportunity to serve as trusted advisors for our dealers and solve this issue for them through our free content syndication service." Now to build on the success of the Facebook syndication, FordDirect is launching a full-service social media and reputation management service that will help dealers take control of their online brand on 20 social media and review sites. "More and more consumers are beginning their shopping experience online," Fuller said. "Whether going online at home or accessing the Internet from their mobile device, consumers already have an opinion of the dealership before they walk in the door. It is critical for dealers to interact with their customers online and be proactive in asking customers to share their experiences with others." The FordDirect Social Media and Reputation Management pilot found that while 80 percent of all online reviews are positive, only 20 percent of dealership reviews were positive. However, when dealerships asked customers to review their shopping experience, 75 percent of the feedback they received was positive. More information: www.forddirect.com/dealercenter ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) |