Portfolio to help dealers sell more cars via the web

Portfolio, Europe’s leading supplier of showroom and online used car marketing services and a part of the Manheim Group, officially announced today a strategic relationship with Google in which it has become an Authorised Reseller of Google AdWords. Portfolio’s new Google AdWords service is an online advertising programme designed to help dealers of all sizes use the web to find new customers by presenting relevant adverts to prospective buyers seeking specific vehicle models or dealer services within their chosen geographical area and at exactly the time they are searching.

With 88% of car buyers using the internet as the primary source of information during the purchase process (Source: CAP Gemini Cars Online Study August 2008), and Google’s 87% reach of Internet users in the UK (Source:Hitwise, July 2008), search advertising platforms, like Google AdWords, are rapidly becoming a core part of a dealer’s online marketing strategy. Advertising through Portfolio’s Google AdWords service can provide dealers with instant access to local consumers looking for the very cars they stock and for other services such as aftersales, servicing and MOTs. As an Authorised Google AdWords Reseller, supported by its in-house Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Team comprising of qualified Google Advertising Professionals, Portfolio is equipped to help dealers exploit truly the power of AdWords, improving their website visibility, driving targeted traffic to their websites and generating more and better qualified sales enquiries. Using the cost-per-click (CPC)model, clients only pay when an interested user clicks on their advert.

This new service includes comprehensive, full-service management of AdWords search advertising campaigns on behalf of dealerships. Experienced in-house SEM consultants provide professional account management by creating custom campaigns for each dealer designed to fit the dealer’s specific stock profile and brands in the case of franchised dealers. The service also comes complete with ongoing campaign monitoring, measurement and testing to consistently deliver optimum performance and results. Advanced targeting options, customisable adverts and detailed reports also enable dealer clients to evaluate the benefits and performance of their online advertising efforts.

John Simpson, Managing Director of Portfolio said: “These are tough trading times that require dealers to spend every pound wisely. Our Google AdWords service is a most cost effective way to target accurately online consumers. The knowledge and experience we have gained from becoming an Authorised Google AdWords Reseller helps our clients obtain positive, measurable results from even the smallest of advertising budgets - delivering consistently positive returns on investment. The service complements our other online marketing products such as dealer websites and online vehicle locators. This partnership positions Portfolio as the only automotive specialist Authorised Google AdWords Reseller operating anywhere in Europe, and clearly establishes Portfolio as the top resource for online automotive marketing.”