It feels like everyone is trying to be an influencer these days, but can incorporating 'viral content' into your marketing strategy really work for your local dealership?

In this episode of Dealer Confidential, host Ilana Shabtay speaks with Jon Frederick, founder and CEO of Freddy Media, about the evolving role of social media influencers in the automotive industry. They discuss the benefits of user-generated content (UGC) for dealership sales and explore strategies to leverage social media for driving sales within the dealership's local community and beyond.

Here's what one anonymous dealer had to say:

Dear Ilana,

I'm glad that dealerships are getting fresh blood in their teams, but their priorities aren't always right. I see it a lot that they spend so much time trying to go viral online, when they should be spending more time following up on leads or calling the dealership's existing clients. Young salespeople need to stop trying to be influencers!

Sincerely,

A Less-Than-Fresh Auto Veteran

Ilana and Michael dive into:

• If young salespeople are right to be focusing on social media;

• The generational gap in the approach to social media in the automotive industry;

• The value of content creation in building brand trust;

• Who should be responsible for online brand promotion.

After working in retail automotive for 10 years and completing his MBA at University of Florida, Jon Frederick founded Freddy Media which supports content creators and brand create impactful collaborations. Jon specializes in creating automotive media products and bringing them to market.