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As many of you already know, Yahoo has started to use Microsoft’s search engine technology to power their search results. Have you compared your existing search dealership results in Google to the “new” Yahoo?  Try some simple search patterns on Yahoo today.

For example, if you are a Chevrolet dealer in Paramus New Jersey test out a few basic phrases:

• New Jersey Chevrolet Dealer
• Paramus Chevrolet Dealer
• Chevrolet Impala Paramus
• Chevrolet Service Paramus

There are differences in how the Microsoft technology and Google technology work and after you have studied this for a while, those differences become clearer. I would like to challenge all readers to take a moment to take 10 popular search phrases that are part of your SEO strategy and check your rankings in Yahoo.

You can place you name beside each listing to see which your business controls and the work to raise those positions over the next few months.

Practicing What We Preach

For PCG Digital Marketing, the new Yahoo is actually recognizing our leadership in content publishing. We practice what we preach.  Some of our top keyword targets are “Automotive SEO“, “Automotive Reputation Management”, “Automotive Social Media“, and “Automotive Microsites”. You can see that our focus on SEO has rewarded us with good placement in Yahoo.

If your Yahoo results and Bing results are not as strong as Google, or visa versa, it’s a good time to roll-up your SEO sleeves and make some investment in updating your Automotive SEO strategies.

In these snapshots taken on 8/30/2010, TK stands for www.tkcarsites, PR stands for Paul Rushing from www.dealerbytes.com and ADM stands for Ralph Paglia’s ADM Community.  These are companies that are active members of the automotive digital marketing forums.

Yahoo Search: Automotive SEO

Automotive Reputation Management

Yahoo Search: Automotive Microsites

Yahoo Search: Automotive Social Media

I often remark why it will be difficult to publish a traditional book on Automotive SEO when the rules pertaining to Google search results continue to change. On Friday August 20th, Google announced another change in how organic search results will be displayed in SERP’s.  The 10 organic listings shown on any search is called a Search Engine Results Page (SERP).

According to a post on Google’s Webmaster blog, large websites that have strong consumer interest, can now have more than two organic search results. This is a big change because if website can get four organic listings, they will dominate the top places where consumers click above the fold.

 In the example on the Google blog, a museum can have four organic listings at the top of a SERP:

This change would seem to apply to larger website that have a well organized website structure.   You can always tell a large, well organized website because it has Google Sitelinks.  Sitelinks are helpers to get consumers to popular inside pages on your website.

Car dealers who have a number of sitelinks already under their main page would most likely be a candidate.  In the graphic below, Google created Sitelinks for Checkered Flag’s main website because it is well organized and there are a number of brands that they sell:

Sitelinks can not be added by a dealer but once Google decides to add these links, you can delete any that you don’t want to show using Google Webmaster Tools.

Is This a Good Change?

The reactions on the Google Webmaster Blog are mixed but for car dealers I like this change.  This will definitely help with Google Page One Management when car dealers have lead collectors and distractions showing on Google Page One for their dealership name.  It may also drive more traffic to relevant inside pages to facilitate a better consumer experience.

So this brings up another reason why all pages on your website need to be optimized for the best user experience because Sitelinks and their new SERP feature will be driving consumers to popular inside pages. 

What are your thoughts on this change in how organic search results will be displayed?

 Are you a “hands on” digital marketer in your dealership.  Could you use some extra tools to increase your SEO relevancy, links and rankings?  If the answer is yes, please join us for a Webinar on August 18th from 11:00 – 1:00 pm.
 
Space is limited to 100 logins from car dealer employees only.  This offer is only valid for current employees working at a car dealership with an email address registered to a dealership.  This limitation is because of the free offer to have access to PCG technology that has not been offered before.

Webinar Registration Link

Reserve your Webinar seat now at:  https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/603596369.  Since this offer is only for 100 dealerships, we encourage you to register quickly while space is open.  There is no cost for the webinar.

Ever wonder what free tools are available for Search Engine Optimization for automotive dealers?

Find out from PCG Digital Marketing experts the best tools in the industry that are just a click away.  You’ll also get access to tools developed by PCG and for the first time, 100 dealers will get login accounts to utilize these tools.

This is a must see webinar for Automotive Internet Managers focusing on getting results from the little time available in your week to do research and development for expanding your brand online.

This webinar will be conducted by Brian Pasch, CEO of the PCG Digital Marketing. Brian has penned a series of white-papers to help automotive professionals understand the challenges and opportunities that exist with online marketing.

Details

Title: Free Automotive SEO Tools by PCG Digital Marketing
 
Date: Wednesday, August 18, 2010
  
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM EDT
 
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.
 
This webinar is open only to employees of dealerships. The tools and logins are designed for internal employees of car dealers and not consultants and vendors.  Registrants must have valid car dealership email and no Google, Hotmail, Yahoo, etc. email accounts.