In my first April post, I flashed a beacon of hope for realtors that there was still hope and that people were still planning to buy homes (http://www.businesscardcontacts.com/2009/04/realtors-homebuyers-are-still-out-there.html). So, it is only appropriate that in one of my first posts of May that I flash another beacon of hope. This bit of encouragement is for those in the business of selling cars.

According to an online survey conducted by R.L Polk & Co., more than half of consumers in the U.S are planning to purchase a car within the next two years. Although many consumers are wary of buying from American automakers, this is still a good sign for auto retailers.

The percentage of people looking to purchase varies among regions. The survey results show the Great Lakes as the region with the lowest percentage, but even they have 51% looking to buy cars within 2 years.

So, for car dealers in the Hudson Valley, and even those looking to sell their own car, the auto market is not frozen. More than half of consumers are still shopping for cars and planning to make this purchase within the next two years. Make sure that you have the kinds of cars that they are looking for in their inventory. They want reliable, affordable, efficient vehicles. And the Eco-friendly trend is here to stay.

June Bisel
BBG&G Advertising and Public Relations
BusinessCardContacts.com
845-695-1880
smartstrategies@bbggadv.com

Labels: consumer trends for autos, hudson valley auto market, marketing opportunities for auto dealers, marketing tips, trend in auto market

While social media is currently attracting the most industry attention, it is not the only way for businesses to target younger people online. And, it still has not proven itself to be a profitable means for advertisers to target and engage consumers. A new study from Information Resources, Inc shows that online coupon offers are still a very effective means of prompting young consumers to make purchases.

Labels: coupons, internet coupons, internet marketing, marketing tips

Sometimes, the key isn't who you know, but if the people you do know trust you and respect you. A key ingredient to success in business (so important that I had to say it 3 times in the title) is your ability to develop positive relationships with people. For those in retail settings, the first step is showing consumers that they are of great value to you. 

Labels: corporate relations, manufacturer relations, marketing tips, relationships

Research s key to any successful marketing program. Often it's also the main reason behind why other programs fail. We've all heard the phrase, "What you don't know won't hurt you." And as we all know, this phrase is usually used by someone trying to avoid telling you something that is going to hurt you. The same applies to marketing.

Labels: affordable marketing, hudson valley business journal, marketing research, marketing tips, research, successful marketing