Car Dealerships using social media

We have just created a social network for the Phoenix Car Company who have dealerships throughout central Scotland selling Honda, BMW, Mini, Mitsibushi, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia and Suzuki. The aim of the network is to build brand loyalty by enabling customers to communicate with each other and the dealerships. Already the company can see the benefits of the network with some valuable discussions and blog posts.

In once instance a customer with a complaint eventually closed his discussion because he was happy that the issue had been resolved to his satisfaction. This was not only achieved by the dealership getting involved, customers took part in the discussion which contributed to the positive outcome.

Consumers want transparency and this network certainly offers a much higher level of access to the company than any other car dealership we know.

The company are also using video content to great effect; salesmen are creating their own walk around video of cars and posting them to the Phoenix YouTube Channel. The content is cheap to produce and enables the company to highlight exceptional deals very quickly and effectively.

We are also creating a series of videos to introduce customers to people within the organisation that they might not always see but who play an integral part in the company's success. We have already interviewed the Diner staff at Phoenix in Linwood where you can get fresh homemade food whilst you contemplate your purchase. Future video will include; interviews with mechanics, bodyshop staff and, administration personnel. This video content not only highlights the company's commitment to transparency but, will also "humanise" the organisation.

Whilst Phoenix operate in central Scotland, they are keen to encourage members from much further afield; research shows that customers will travel to buy the right car and, the Phoenix Linwood proximity to Glasgow Airport means they often get customers from the South. Indeed, the network has even attracted members in America. The site is intended for anyone, anywhere, who is interested in any make of car.

You can visit, and join, the network here.