What’s more powerful - the billboard you buy, or the one your customers build for you online?

Why Your Reviews Are Worth More Than a Billboard

You could spend thousands on advertising, but nothing impacts a customer’s decision quite like what other people say about your dealership. In today’s world, reviews aren’t just nice-to-have, they are often the first thing a potential buyer sees before they even pick up the phone.

Here’s why your reviews, word-of-mouth, and referrals are your dealership’s secret marketing weapon - and how to make them work for you.

Social & Google Reviews: The New Reputation Currency

Think about it: most shoppers check reviews before they even visit a dealership. Google, Facebook, Instagram - each platform is a stage where your dealership’s reputation is on display.

• Positive reviews = trust: Consistently great feedback shows potential customers that you deliver quality and service.

• Encourage them naturally: Ask happy customers to leave a review. Make it easy with direct links or QR codes in follow-up emails.

• Respond to reviews: A quick “thank you” or thoughtful reply to negative feedback shows you care and builds credibility.

Pro tip: Short, genuine social reviews (text or video) are scroll-stopping content. Don’t just post them once - feature them across channels to amplify trust.

Word-of-Mouth: Your Customers Are Your Best Promoters

Every customer interaction is marketing. From the moment they walk in, to their test drive, to picking up their keys - they’re forming opinions they’ll share.

• Consistent branding matters: Every conversation, email, and post should reinforce your dealership’s personality.

• Positive experiences spread: A satisfied customer tells friends, shares their story online, or posts about it on social media.

• Prevent negative word-of-mouth: Never leave a customer frustrated -handle issues quickly, follow up, and turn complaints into opportunities.

Pro tip: Train staff to provide memorable, consistent service. Little things: friendly greetings, attention to detail, personalized follow-ups - are often what people talk about most.

Referrals: Turn Happy Customers into Lead Generators

Referrals are pure gold - they come with built-in trust. If a customer has a great experience, they’re likely to send friends and family your way.

• Encourage them: Referral programs aren’t always necessary - sometimes, just asking politely works wonders.

• Reward loyalty: Small tokens, shout-outs on social media, or service discounts can reinforce referrals.

• Tie back to reviews: Happy referrals often leave positive reviews, creating a cycle of trust and new leads.

Pro tip: Keep track of who’s referring and make it personal. A thank-you call or note goes a long way.

Your reviews, word-of-mouth, and referrals are more than just nice extras - they’re some of the most powerful marketing tools your dealership has.

• Monitor and respond to reviews consistently.

• Make it easy for customers to share their experiences.

• Train your team to provide memorable, brand-consistent service.

• Encourage referrals and turn happy customers into advocates.

In today’s market, reputation isn’t optional - it’s a driver of traffic, leads, and sales. Spend time on it, and you’ll see the difference in both your showroom and your bottom line.

Your reputation is one of your most valuable assets - let’s make sure it’s working as hard as it should. RMN Marketing can help you build, promote, and amplify the reviews that matter most.

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