Mark Gilbert ATN: Benefits of Increasing Online Sales

 

Mark Gilbert ATN on Online Sales: Goal and Benefits

Every business aims to sell its goods and services to a target audience that has similar wants and needs. To achieve this, companies turn to software and applications that can help them expand their customer base, increase profits, and grow their business. According to Mark Gilbert ATN, selling online is one of the best methods for achieving these goals.
However, it is essential to understand the strategies that work best for online sales. With the vast array of software and applications available, businesses must stay informed about the latest trends and best practices to stay ahead of the competition. By doing so, they can tap into a larger target audience and reap the benefits of increased profits and business growth.

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Benefits of increasing online sales

There are numerous benefits to increasing online sales of your products, and earning a higher profit is the main one, says Mark Gilbert ATN. With an increase in profit, you can spend more money on marketing, refining your brand, and sourcing new products.

Here are some more benefits of increasing online sales:

Gathering more data on your customers: Tracking customer behavior can help you and your marketing team succeed because you understand which products customers want and how they found your store. Use this data to determine which products generate more sales so you can adjust your other products to be more successful, notes Mark Gilbert ATN.

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Improving your reputation: When customers shop your online store and leave positive reviews and ratings on your website, this shows other people that your business is trustworthy and sells high-quality products. A good online reputation may attract more customers and encourage repeat purchases, says Mark Gilbert ATN.

Having space for new products: The more products you sell, the more space you have to introduce new products into your online store, adds Mark Gilbert ATN. When you limit the amount of time a product is for sale, customers are more likely to make a purchase as soon as they can because the item may not be available later.

Mark Gilbert ATN has written and released a series of blogs on online selling, online car sales, automotive showrooms, and more. Check his posts by visiting this page.

Mark Gilbert ATN: Get a Leg Up in Business Via Social Media

 

Mark Gilbert ATN talks about how to use social media to boost online sales.

Mark Gilbert ATN: No Business Like Social Media Business

The influence of social media as a pivotal tool for online businesses is undeniable, with Instagram serving as a prime example. A remarkable statistic reveals that about 900 million users on Instagram actively follow businesses, constituting a substantial 90 percent of the platform's entire user base.

In the realm of business, Mark Gilbert underscores the high probability that your target audience is active on social media. It's likely that potential customers are eagerly awaiting your engagement or actively searching for your business. Fortunately, there are many effective strategies to enhance your brand presence on social media. Yet, like any worthwhile venture, it's crucial to start by mastering the fundamentals.

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For instance, consider one of the most basic things, which is knowing your target audience. 

Because the benefits of social media come from your audience, you want to make sure that you're targeting the right people. If you don't know your target audience, you should work to identify them. That way, you can use whatever social media platform you choose effectively.

If you own a business that already has a following on social media platforms, you can use that and look at your existing audience. Look at all the things your followers have in common. You can also connect accounts and consolidate followers. Instagram and Facebook are connected. Look at factors like demographics, location, and more. 

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Mark Gilbert suggests doing your research, finding out what other brands your followers follow,
and knowing what's important to them. Do research as to why they love what
you're selling. A lot of this information can be found by examining your analytics on social media. Your web analytics will provide this demographic information, as well. 

Mark Gilbert of Scottsdale ATN is a veteran of the automotive sales industry. He shares his knowledge and experience in automotive marketing and sales with readers everywhere. Read more of his articles by clicking here.

Mark Gilbert ATN: What Makes an E-Commerce Business Successful?

 

Mark Gilbert ATN: Four Signs of a Successful Online Business

Developing a great idea for an online business is a fantastic starting point, but it's important to keep in mind that it takes more than a good idea to build a successful online business. In fact, many new business ideas fail to take off because they don't receive the attention and effort they need to succeed. In today's competitive e-commerce landscape, a strong online presence is essential for any new business looking to break into the market.

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Industry expert Mark Gilbert ATN identifies three key signs that indicate your online business is on the path to success.

1. Consistent revenue growth

A clear sign of a thriving online business is consistent revenue growth. Mark Gilbert ATN emphasizes that tracking your income over time is essential. If you notice a steady increase in revenue, your products or services are in demand, and you're effectively reaching and converting your target audience. It's crucial to adapt and scale your business to maintain this growth.

2. Positive customer feedback

Happy customers are the force that drives a successful online business. Mark Gilbert ATN highlights the importance of collecting and analyzing customer feedback, especially online. Positive reviews and testimonials posted on online platforms reflect a satisfied customer base. Consistently good feedback signals that you're meeting your customer's needs, strongly indicating long-term success.

3. Repeat business and customer loyalty

Repeat customers are a goldmine for online businesses. Experts highlight the significance of measuring customer loyalty and retention rates. If customers keep returning for more and are loyal to your brand, it's a sign that you're delivering value and maintaining high-quality standards.

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4. Strong online presence

Mark Gilbert ATN also stresses the importance of a robust online presence. An active and engaged social media following, high website traffic, and a well-established brand image online indicate a successful business. An effective online presence attracts new customers and keeps existing ones engaged and informed.

Achieving success in the online business involves consistent revenue growth, positive customer feedback, repeat business, and a solid online presence. By focusing on these elements, you can navigate the competitive landscape and build a business that stands the test of time. Remember that success is an ongoing journey, and these indicators will guide you.

Equip yourself with expert insights from Mark Gilbert ATN. He shares insights on the automobile and e-commerce industries on this page.

Mark Gilbert ATN: Overcoming Common Online Sales Hurdles

 

Mark Gilbert ATN on the Many Challenges in Online Selling

Selling online seems like a breeze, but some common challenges overwhelm even the most seasoned sellers. That's where Mark Gilbert from ATN comes in. He shares his insights on how to conquer these hurdles and find success in the world of online sales.

Branding

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Online selling is like a huge marketplace with sellers galore. It's easy to get lost in the crowd. Mark Gilbert ATN stresses the importance of having a clear strategy. To stand out, you need to know your customers inside and out. How do you do that? Data analytics can be your best friend. Analyzing customer behavior and adapting your marketing strategy accordingly can help you shine in the crowded online market.

Cybersecurity

Security is a big deal when you're selling online. Your customers trust you with their personal information and hard-earned money. That is why putting top-notch security measures even for up-and-coming brands is necessary. Cybersecurity is about protecting both your business and your customers. Secure payment gateways, keeping up with cybersecurity trends, and staying vigilant are key.

Logistics and shipping problems

Getting products to customers on time is a significant challenge. Customers expect quick and reliable deliveries. Build efficient supply chains and partner with trusted courier services. It ensures that your customers get their orders promptly and in excellent condition.

Consumer loyalty

In online selling, trust is like gold. Dealing with returns and addressing customer complaints can be daunting. Mark Gilbert ATN suggests offering responsive customer support and maintaining transparent return policies. It builds trust and also keeps your customers happy and loyal.

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Mark Gilbert ATN knows that online selling can sometimes be challenging. It is competitive and demands security, efficient logistics, and customer trust. But with a solid strategy, robust security measures, streamlined logistics, and a customer-centric approach, you can navigate these challenges successfully. These insights can be your compass in the vast ocean of online sales. Gear up, face the hurdles, and turn your online business into a thriving success.

Stay tuned for more valuable insights from Mark Gilbert ATN as he delves into the path to success in the fiercely competitive online business landscape. Subscribe to this page for updates.

Mark Gilbert of Scottsdale, AZ's Tips for Car Marketing

 

Mark Gilbert of Scottsdale AZ: Digital Online Marketing Tips

Seasoned automotive marketers know how to reach the right audience through effective digital marketing tactics. Know which strategies work by reading this guide to automotive digital marketing strategy.

Here are the most effective digital marketing strategies you can work with, according to Mark Gilbert from Scottsdale, AZ.

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Video Marketing with YouTube Creators

There is one common thread that sums up how consumers behave today. They do online research first before buying any product.

According to Think with Google, 92% of car shoppers conduct their online research by watching videos. Among them, 63% prefer a 360-degree video inside a car instead of a test drive.

The same study also found many customers prefer YouTube creators collaborating with car companies. The engagement rate for YouTube creator videos is 64% when they reach the 10-minute mark.

When automakers make their videos, the engagement rate falls to 1%. The engagement rate for car brands is 74% when their YouTube videos are less than a minute.

Optimize Your Website for Mobile

Mobile devices play a huge role for automotive marketers. It is about offering the best user experience across multiple devices, notes Mark Gilbert Scottsdale AZ.

According to Google Analytics data, users leave the site when a video takes more than 3 seconds to load. Mark Gilbert of Scottsdale, AZ, suggests checking your domain on Google's Test My Site and seeing what changes you can make.

As mobile devices have smaller screens, they can be hard to navigate. Make your website menu simple and place your contact address for users to find easily.

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Local SEO with Google My Business

Local SEO helps in all the stages of the buying process but impacts mostly later stages when customers are ready to make a purchase. For automotive marketers and car dealers alike, local searches are essential.

You also have to understand the different ranking factors on Google when it comes to local searches. A study by Moz.com suggests that there are unique local organic ranking factors.

Google suggests proximity, relevancy, and online reviews for showing up on top of local searches.

Read more about digital marketing in the auto industry by subscribing to this page for Mark Gilbert of Scottsdale, AZ.

Mark Gilbert ATN: Can Virtual Showrooms Help Dealerships?

 

Mark Gilbert ATN on the Benefits of Virtual Showrooms

In a world that's constantly evolving, it's no surprise that our shopping habits are changing too. With advances in technology, we've seen the rise of virtual showrooms as an innovative new way to shop for products of all kinds. From clothes to electronics, there's seemingly no limit to what we can purchase online. But perhaps the most exciting application of virtual showrooms is in the world of vehicles. With life getting increasingly busier, the convenience of being able to browse and purchase a car from the comfort of your own home is a game-changer. Mark Gilbert ATN explores the benefits of virtual showrooms and how they are changing the car buying experience.

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What exactly is a virtual showroom?

A virtual showroom is an online platform that showcases a wide array of products, in this case, cars, using cutting-edge technology. It allows customers to browse various makes and models from their homes. Customers can view high-resolution photos of the cars, access detailed car specifications, and even take a virtual tour of the car's interior.

Benefits of virtual showrooms for dealerships and car sales

Wider Reach: With a virtual showroom, car dealerships can reach a wider audience. Customers from anywhere around the globe can access the showroom and view the cars on offer, says Mark Gilbert ATN. It can lead to a broader customer base and increased sales.

Convenience: A virtual showroom allows customers to browse through cars from anywhere, at any time of the day. They can access the showroom from their smartphones, laptops, or tablets, eliminating the need to visit a physical dealership.

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Increased Sales: With the convenience of a virtual showroom, Mark Gilbert ATN believes that customers are more likely to engage in the car buying process. They can compare multiple cars, see financing options, and even schedule test drives, boosting sales.

Reduced Overheads: Car dealerships can reduce overheads such as utilities, rent, and maintenance costs associated with running a physical dealership. It allows them to allocate more funds toward marketing and other business areas.

Mark Gilbert ATN has written and released a series of blogs on online car sales, automotive showrooms, and more. Check his posts by visiting this page.

Mark Gilbert ATN: Important Reminders for Online Shoppers

 

Mark Gilbert ATN: What to Remember When Buying Online

Online shopping is widely practiced nowadays, says Mark Gilbert ATN. Millions of people purchase everything they need and want over the internet daily. Unlike brick-and-mortar businesses, though, online stores are sometimes not what they seem. As such, people are encouraged to buy from online establishments that have seals of approval. 

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Today, Mark Gilbert ATN shares some things people should be wary of when purchasing goods from an online seller.
 
First, keep in mind that some sellers post fake reviews. Yes, people may look at the reviews of an establishment and see glittering five-star ratings across the board. These are the establishments that people need to look out for. Checking if these reviews are real is basic. Just see if the profiles of the reviewers are accessible. If they are not, there's a big chance someone from the establishment created them.
 
Another thing online shoppers need to be careful of is the full cost of products. Mark Gilbert ATN mentions that there are times when additional fees, such as shipping and packaging, aren't shown until much later. There are also times when the details are much more mundane. Sometimes, products are sold with "free shipping" but with additional fees such as yearly subscriptions or memberships. 
 
There are other things online shoppers need to be wary of, such as counterfeit goods. Even the biggest sites sometimes carry them. Shipping problems are also a huge issue. According to Mark Gilbert ATN, sometimes orders never arrive.

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However, identity theft is one of the most serious threats to online shoppers. It is crucial to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions, especially when giving out personal information. One effective way to tackle this problem is by investigating the seller's credibility before giving out any details. It helps to ensure that you are dealing with a legitimate business and that your personal information will be kept secure.

Mark Gilbert ATN is a veteran of the automotive sales industry. He shares his knowledge and experience in automotive marketing and sales with readers everywhere. Follow this page for updates.

Mark Gilbert Explains How SMS Can Be A Marketing Tool to Drive Sales

Mark Gilbert feels that with tens of thousands of dealerships and car lots that are found throughout the country, the competition can be incredibly fierce. It’s vital to leverage any sales advantage that a location can get. This kind of competition means that an excellent dealership will also have to think about getting creative with the way they handle their marketing to drive up sales.

One of the methods that other areas might not have thought of is the use of SMS as a marketing tool. It makes perfect sense if you think about it: everyone is always on their phones these days. So, Mark Gilbert recommends trying to get a leg up on the competition and use mobile users to your advantage. Try these techniques if you have a subscriber list in your hands.

1. Use SMS to boost promos
Got a new promo on your dealership that you’re trying to get traction on? Send out an SMS blast to your subscriber list to let them know. Give them the info: When what, and how long it’ll be on. Make sure to add a link they can click on!

2. Use it for customer support
If you’ve got mobile communication for your customers, then you can also open it up as a customer support method. Mark Gilbert knows the importance of catering to the customers’ needs. They might find it infinitely more convenient to reach your dealership through SMS rather than having to call.

3. Prompt during the holidays
During the holiday seasons, people get a little looser with their budgets. They might be more willing to spend a little in celebration, or as a gift for someone. So make sure you stay on their mind by sending out a holiday greeting or promo through SMS. Mark Gilbert believes that a little bit of creative marketing can go a long way. And with mobile usage rapidly rising, this is one of the most innovative ways to boost your sales.

Mark Gilbert: Three Things Your Dealership Might Be Doing Wrong

According to Mark Gilbert, car dealerships are not really known for stepping out of their comfort zone when it comes to management. A recent poll reveals that car salespeople rank low when it comes to consumer trust. Clearly, there are a lot of things that could use a bit of tweaking, particularly in terms of customer experience.

If you feel your dealership is not performing to its potential, Mark Gilbert thinks you might be doing any of the three things below.

1. Being too specific. We have access to a lot of data that tracks how many cars of each model and color are sold at any given time. But Mark Gilbert says fewer than 20% of customers end up buying the specific car that they were looking for at first. Instead of closing the door on indecisive customers, the smart thing to do is to offer them something else. If they have second thoughts about their first choice, perhaps the next options will reel them in.

2. Not knowing when to let go of a customer. Mark Gilbert shares that one of his pet peeves when he was buying cars at other dealerships was being shadowed by a salesperson all the time. He understands that salespeople are only doing their jobs, but some people need to figure things out by themselves before deciding on a purchase. This attitude shown by some salespeople only shows that they don’t trust their customers to make the right choice. The best thing to do is to be polite and respect the customer’s time and space.

3. Not investing in employee development. Most car dealerships consider training an expense. However, Mark Gilbert says you cannot afford to not train your people. Whether they are salespeople or mechanics, your employees need to know more about the cars they sell or service, the people who come into the dealership daily, and how to figure out the best car for one’s needs. Failing to figure this out is equivalent to abandoning promising leads.

Mark Gilbert on Clever Lead Generating Ideas to Car Sales Using Your Website

Mark Gilbert knows, one of the main goals of any dealership is to make sales. But it’ll take more than a smile and charisma to generate many leads out on the sales floor or online—car dealerships need to get a little more creative these days when it comes to attracting potential buyers.

The one thing that hasn’t change though is that a great car sales team seeks out what the buyers want and what they’re looking for. And then that team finds a way to address that need within the dealership. You just have to be a little creative about it.

Consider the following smart tips and tricks:

1. Populate your blog with great information
Mark Gilbert understands that buyers trust dealers and dealerships to know what they’re talking about. If they sound informative, exciting, and full of valuable knowledge about the industry, they most certainly know what they are doing. It leads customers to trust them more. So why not try populating your dealership’s blog with great information about cars? Once they see that you are credible, potential customers will soon be referring back to you.

2. Make that website mobile friendly
Speaking of your website, you’re missing out on a lot if your website isn’t mobile-friendly. Not everyone shopping online will be coming from a computer. The mobile marketing field is increasing by the day. Mark Gilbert believes that your next customers may be browsing your site as they ride home, frustrated by public transportation.

3. Tap into that FOMO
Strike when the iron is hot. If you sense that there might be a big sales season on the way, bolster customers further by holding a big dealership sales event. People are more likely to take advantage of what they feel are promos or big campaigns, as they wouldn’t want to miss out. Mark Gilbert can’t emphasize enough how important it is to be a little more creative and to think outside the box when it comes to approaching potential customers. It’s a brave new world; it’s time to try something new.

Mark Gilbert Gives Tips for Used Car Dealerships

Mark Gilbert's career in the automotive industry is a success story of the most classic kind. He started from the ground up, beginning as a salesperson on the floor to becoming a dealer principal in several thriving dealerships.

He understands better than most people about how difficult it can be to start, let alone run, a dealership, including ones that deal with used cars. Some people naturally mistrust the industry that might make it even more difficult. Hence, he has come up with a few tips to help budding dealerships get started.

1. Research, research, research Mark Gilbert can't stress enough the importance of knowing your market and your industry. Don't think you can start a used car dealership on the fly. Before you can get started, you need to know about the consumers in your area, what they look for in a dealer, as well as the qualities that they trust.

2. Learn your competitors There are plenty of dealerships in the sea, so to speak, that's why you need to learn your competition. Figure out how they do it, and then figure out how to do it better. See how many vehicles they have, the choices offered, the age of the stock, and, most importantly, their prices. Are you able to compete with them, asks Mark Gilbert? Can you make your offerings more competitive?

3. Develop "the talk." There's a reason that used car salespeople are known for their ingenious way of talking. The art of the sale is something that has to get developed over time. It helps to be able to read your customers, listen to them, not being pushy, and building a good rapport. Building trust with local customers is a must in the used car industry.

Mark Gilbert stresses that beyond the financial and logistical concerns, a used car dealership runs well when the people in charge know what they're doing and how to do it.

Mark Gilbert on How to Start a Successful Car Dealership

Mark Gilbert continues to stress to everyone he’s had the pleasure of training or communicating to on a speech: think before you act. In these days of split-second decisions and impulsive actions, thinking about a course of action, adequately planning a strategy, and then working on it, can go a long way. This concept is especially important when starting a car dealership. Starting a business like this one needs specific preparation. Here are some vital automotive industry expert tips:

1. Understand your costs One of the first things that must be addressed immediately is the cost. Unlike other businesses where a small startup capital is enough, Mark Gilbert explains that a car dealership won’t come cheap. Consider:

• Costs of inventory
• Cost of the sales facility
• Employee salaries and benefits
• Prices of surety bonds with your state’s DMV

Including insurance, legal personnel, accounting personnel, and bookkeepers, the value of the upkeep is something that must be prepared for. An owner must be able to handle these costs or must find investors to shoulder them.

2. Get the right people
Making the car dealership a success means giving it the right workforce. Skilled staff with real motivation and drive can take even a small dealership and elevate it to success within a short period. Consider their experience, their personality, and, most importantly, their history in other places. Mark Gilbert recommends a robust interview process to get to know the candidates.

3. Know the Parts of the Showroom
A car showroom and its staff should be like a well-oiled machine. When staffing the different roles that run around the showroom and the offices, you need to know the function and importance of every job. Otherwise, how will you determine a strategy that maximizes the skill and ability of the whole team?

Mark Gilbert underscores the fact that a car dealership is a complex business that needs careful planning and preparation. It’s not something you want to get into on a whim. By knowing what to expect and getting a team ready for it, you can brace yourself for the start of a challenging but rewarding journey.

Mark Gilbert: How to Use Social Media for Your Dealership

According to Mark Gilbert, social media has become a major influence on buyers’ decision making processes. A vast majority of car buyers have accounts on Facebook and Twitter and most millennial buyers also have Instagram installed on their mobile devices. Any strategy to reach out to these markets must incorporate social media marketing; otherwise, Mark Gilbert says, they run the risk of missing out on potential sales. Below, Mark Gilbert lists different social networks and how dealerships can get the most out of them.

1. Facebook. As of 2015, 84% of potential customers are on Facebook. This figure is likely to be higher in 2019. With Facebook rolling out the Marketplace platform, dealerships suddenly have a dedicated venue for promoting their inventory. You can place ads and specify the geographic areas where you’d like to promote your dealership. This strategy results in higher click-through rates (almost 200 percent) than Facebook ads for other types of products or services.

2. Twitter. In 2013, Twitter users posted more than 320,000 tweets about cars daily; 75% of these tweets were related to either buying or owning cars. Social media marketing platforms can target these users and either send direct messages or make focused advertising visible on their timelines. For the same year, Twitter was directly or indirectly responsible for around $716 million in car sales – a drop in the bucket compared to other advertising media, but still a significant amount.

3. Instagram. This mobile-focused media-sharing app, owned by Facebook, has a massive user base among millennials. Instagram provides an excellent platform for sharing photos and videos that feature cars in actual use, whether it’s a lazy drive by the seaside, at a campsite, or at a tailgating event at a college homecoming game. With more than 5 million Instagram users in the U.S. alone that claim cars are their number 1 passion, the app holds endless possibilities for promoting your dealership.

Mark Gilbert Observes Dealership Need for Compliance Officers

Mark Gilbert joins other trainers and automotive dealership stakeholders in acknowledging that one main issue in the industry is the lack of competent employees like service technicians and compliance officers. According to some, these two positions are most vital to the field.

The National Automobile Dealership Association estimates that out of all the showrooms and groups nationwide, only 14 compliance officers are accounted for in the organization. Supposedly, most dealerships are using outsourced personnel for the post, which some think tanks warn against. In addition, the post is not actually a required position to fill, so most in dealership managements just let it be.

Supposedly, having an in-house compliance officer has more advantages than downsides. According to Mark Gilbert, one main reason to retain an officer in the position is they are the most knowledgeable when it comes to rules and regulations. They can serve as regular liaisons between the company and the local agencies.

Experts also agree that with someone knowing the ins and outs of bureaucracy, a compliance officer is versatile enough to step into other roles when needed.

Join Mark Gilbert with a healthy discussion of the latest in automotive dealership news and industry updates! Follow and subscribe to the page today.