Six car audio retailers have accepted the CEoutlook Challenge to put their digital online presence on STEROIDS.
We’ll be reporting on their results and what they did to achieve them over the next several months.
Those who accepted the Challenge include both larger and smaller retailers across the US as well as 6 leading suppliers.
CarFi, Springfield, MO, 2 stores; Rick Snelson, President
Auto Sound Specialists, Union City, CA; 1 store, Kenny McCardie, Owner
Audioworks, Milford, CT, 1 store, John Gaffney, Owner
Depot Auto Sound & Security, White Plains, NY, 1 store, Harry Lichtman, Owner
Audio Garage, Fargo, ND, 1 store, Nick Paulson, Owner
Audio Logic, Hollywood, FL, 1 store, Mike Dixon, President
The contest is sponsored by Kenwood, JVC, Sony, Pioneer, iBiquity, and Directed.
Under the contest, dealers receive a two-day digital makeover on the web. But the dealer only pays for one day and the other day is sponsored by the above companies.
The program boosts the dealer’s presence in search engine directories, online map directories (including Google, Bing, Apple etc.) and on social media.
The digital coaching is performed by New England rep Jon Dewar (who is also a former retail VP and field sales manager for Rockford). We reported on him as a 12 Volt Mr. Fix it here.
He explains that managing your store’s online presence must go beyond registering with Google.
“The importance of being listed properly on Google isn’t a secret to retailers. Interestingly enough, many stop there,” Dewar said.
“That’s where we come in. We take advantage of all online directories including maps to help visibility. Map directories are essential in searches from mobile devices, which now account for about half of all searches. When properly listed, mobile devices show where the retail location is in a local area, and if you are not listed . . . well you are not found,” said Dewar.
The consultations may also help retailers with other aspects of their businesses, as Dewar offers coaching for inventory management, supplier programs, store design and merchandising.
We hope the retailer results will inspire more dealers to boost their online presence!