BAYER12

Do NOT use this plug-in, it will corrupt your blog

2016-06-16T01:57:00.002-07:00

Not only will it corrupt your blog but it will take you hours to delete each individual widget from your blog's sidebar - don't believe me, check my sidebar.

Here's the link, just DON'T go there: https://www.powr.io/tutorials/how-to-add-instagram-feed-widget-to-your-blogger-site

Coming up

2016-06-05T23:25:00.000-07:00

This week at Wheel Spin Media we cover among other things the newly designed Apple store in San Francisco, yes - the one with the mega-wide front sliding door and why the French government is banning all pre-1997 cars from driving in the city. Subscribe to WSM now and we'll keep you informed of all the latest auto industry news and views.

Volvo teases upcoming small car range

2016-05-23T18:28:00.001-07:00

Get the big picture now at Wheel Spin Media.

Top Gear teaser #3

2016-05-22T16:56:00.003-07:00

Check-out what's coming on the new TG.

‘Grammers’ get more car sales

2016-05-18T17:20:00.002-07:00

We all know that Facebook is by far the Internet’s most popular social channel but its ‘small brother’ Instagram, that photo-centric network is gaining momentum as a social advertising channel.

According to Social Media News, Instagram has over 5 million monthly active Australian users most of whom are Millenials aged 18-34.

Recent studies have also revealed that Instagram has 15 times the engagement of Facebook and 25 times the engagement of Twitter.

More importantly, 90% of all Instagram users check their feed every day.

If you’re not on Instagram, your dealership is missing out on engaging with thousands of potential car buyers.

Start getting more likes today by including Instagram in your dealership’s social media marketing mix.

Click here to connect with me on Instagram, or if you’d like us to set up and manage your Instagram account, email marketing@wheelspin.com.au now.

"Alfa Romeo has made a brilliant car." Top Gear

2016-05-11T22:09:00.000-07:00

Get the 'spin' on the Alfa that the UK's top auto publications are saying is Alfa Romeo's best car for years at Wheel Spin Media NOW!

A Ferrari 250 GT TdF! An Aston Vulcan! Blackpool! Rain! - New Top Gear Teaser

2016-05-05T16:33:00.001-07:00

Enjoy!

And the winner is...

2016-05-02T19:17:00.002-07:00

Congratulations to Siobhan Bayliss of Dealer Solutions for being the Winner of our ‘Sign Up for the Spin’competition. Your prize is 1 month’s FREE advertising valued at over $4,185.00 on WSM – the go-to auto site that’s starting to raise eyebrows all over the internet. Thank you to everyone who participated.

Shoot for MORE organic visibility

2016-04-27T18:34:00.000-07:00

With close to 13 million active users and only one million or so less than Facebook, dealerships that fail to incorporate YouTube in their internet marketing strategies are missing a massive opportunity to promote their brand, generate more sales and get a top-five organic placement in Google search.

Suntory, the savvy Japanese manufacturer of food and drink products did it by creating this off-the-wall video http://youtu.be/qHFr1_md3Ok0 featuring two Japanese school girls performing Ninja-like stunts while chasing each other around the central Pacific town of Atami. In just the first 11 days after its posting in July of last year it registered five million views on YouTube, and as of today it has received 8,128,892 views and 44,915likes.

The Red Bull sponsored ‘The Art of Flight’ http://youtu.be/kh29_SERH0Y which took two years to produce and cost $2,000,000 and has received 15,749,477 views and 71,348 likes on YouTube.

While the production budgets to make both of these would be out of the ballpark for even some of Australia’s biggest dealerships, Michael Dublin’s ‘Our Blades are F****ing Great’ http://youtu.be/ZUG9qYTJMsI commercial for the launch of his start-up Dollar Shave Club proves that you don’t need megabucks to grab millions of eyeballs.

This humorous video cost $4,500 to write, shoot and edit and in the first three months after it was posted on YouTube in March 2012, it racked up 4.75 million views thanks mainly to social media. Since then it has had a staggering 22,415,85 views and over 110,546 likes.

What’s more, all three videos started life on the Google-owned YouTube before they went viral.

Why YouTube?

It receives more than 1 billion unique viewers per month

Over 6 billion hours of video are watched each month on this channel – that’s almost an hour for every person on earth

100 hours of video are upload every minute

80 percent of YouTube traffic comes from outside the US

It is the third most visited site on the internet behind Google and Facebook

The platform gets 2,000,000,000 video views per day worldwide

829,440 videos are uploaded daily

The average internet user spends 15 minutes on YouTube per day

So how do you get in the game?

Firstly, get your own YouTube channel – it’s FREE!

Then brief a professional to create your videos and commercials such as Wheel Spin Digital Marketing or DIY with a video camera and some editing software or just point and shoot with your Smartphone.

What sort of videos should you be producing and uploading?

Customer testimonials

Product reviews

New vehicle releases

Staff profiles

Car safety features

Walk arounds

Case studies

‘How to’ demonstrations

New staff member introductions

Local events that your business sponsors

Branded commercials and videos

Then every time you produce a new video spread the word on social media. Remember, today’s consumer wants INFORMATION – NOT a sales pitch! Remember also that they have already formed an opinion about your product or service long before they purchase from you.

And by incorporating the magic of sight and sound in your content marketing, you can provide relevant, authoritative and trusted information that will help them with their buying decision.

Best of all, video lets you intercept and engage the buyer at any point in their journey – from the first spark of interest all the way through to buying from your company. Finally, according to Force Marketing, 84 percent of car shoppers plan to watch an automotive video the next time they are in the market for a car.

Will your dealership’s videos be one of them?

Bullshit rules - or does it?

2016-04-19T21:28:00.000-07:00

"...what social media sites are rapidly becoming is one more channel for traditional paid advertising."Bob Hoffman

Bob Hoffman opens a fascinating debate on the failed predictions of advertising experts over the past decade, with particular focus on the social media marketing of brands. What are your thoughts on this? More on http://adcontrarian.blogspot.co.uk and https://twitter.com/tweetsonbrands

Hands up if you'd like to WIN 1 month's FREE advertising?

2016-04-15T15:23:00.001-07:00

Wheel Spin Media is growing quickly, we’re a disrupter and emerging leader in delivering up-to-the-minute news and views to executives and thought-leaders in the Australian auto industry.

Recently we reported on the ludicrously successful launch of the Tesla Model 3, how Instagram drives car sales, and the partnership between Volvo and the Chinese government that will see 100 self-driving SUVs navigate some of that country’s most congested roads.

And until 30 April we’re giving you the chance to WIN 1 month’s FREE advertising space just by subscribing to Wheel Spin Media. Total ad space (1 x Leaderboard, 1 x MREC and 1 x Wide Skyscraper) value is $4,185 excluding creative and GST*.

Hurry! Offer ends 30 April! Subscribe now: http://www.wheelspinmedia.com.au

When Is Too Much Power Too Much?

2016-04-12T22:19:00.001-07:00

Targa Tasmania, which is celebrating its 25^th anniversary this year, roared into life on Monday with over 300 cars competing in this international event that covers 2000-plus kilometres over 40 competition stages on closed roads throughout the ‘Apple Isle’.

Competitors race in 11 categories and the event can be quite a challenging affair as five times winner Jason White discovered when he tackled The Sideline – one of the TT’s toughest stages in his imported 2016 Dodge Viper ACR extreme.

Jason White and his 'White Hot' Dodge Vipe

After blitzing the field in the prologue stage he and co-driver Eddie Maguire finished three seconds in front of their closet competitor, however the Viper was penalised 60-seconds for finishing the stage in too fast a time.

This will see White and Maguire having to make up a 57-second time gap on day two of the event but with a V-10 upfront that produces 481kW and 813Nm, that shouldn’t be too much of a problem for this experienced team.

It’s All About Words

2016-04-11T23:13:00.000-07:00

It may be a cliché, but in today’s digital space, content IS king.

To successfully market your product or service you MUST take ownership of your CONTENT. Here’s how blogging can boost your business.

A blog is a regularly updated page on your website with articles, podcasts, info-graphics and videos designed to attract and acquire new customers, build loyalty and strengthen your brand.

A blog will also boost your SEO on Google without paying for ads and enable you to capitalise on the key words people use to find your products and services.

Why blogging is good for business:

Companies that blog have 97 percent more inbound links
B2B marketers using blogs generate 67 percent more leads
Websites with blogs have 434 percent more Google indexed pages
Websites with blogs have 97 percent more indexed links

The stats speak for themselves:

50 percent of consumers read blogs
97 percent of companies that blog enjoy more inbound activity to their online pages
60 percent of all organic clicks go to the organic top three search engine results
79 percent of companies that have a blog reported a positive ROI for their inbound marketing programs
50 percent of consumers read blogs

Set your content loose today

Sharing your content across your digital channels strengthens your brand, drives traffic to your website and improves visibility on Google

You can build the perfect website, but its content can remain invisible to search engines unless you promote it. Questions? If you’d like to know more about content creation and blogging, leave a comment below or email me at charles@wheelspin.com.au

Top Gear's Promo Throws Up What's Ahead For 2016

2016-04-04T14:28:00.001-07:00

Enjoy!

How To Stay Up To Speed

2016-03-21T23:51:00.001-07:00

NOW you can subscribe to http://www.wheelspinmedia.com.au and never miss an auto industry insight ever again.

Sign-up before 30 April and you could WIN 1 MONTH'S FREE ADVERTISING on the internet's fastest growing auto website: http://www.wheelspinmedia.com.au. Hurry - offer ends 30 April.

Show Me The Leads And I’ll Show You The Money

2016-03-15T22:18:00.002-07:00

Today 80 per cent of all new car leads and almost 100 per cent of all used car leads, are driven by online channels such as social networks, email and PPC. Furthermore, car buyers spend more time researching online than for any other product.

What are you doing to capture these ‘receptive’ consumers? Is your online advertising optimised for effective lead generation?

Here’s what has proven effective for many of our dealer campaigns. Does yours have these magic bullets?

Attention-grabbing creative
Targeting a defined audience
Ample traffic
A compelling offer
An engaging website or microsite

Which tools should you be using?

SEM and SEM Call-Only
Google Display Network (Australia’ biggest display network)
Facebook
Local SEO
Remarketing (Facebook, SEO, GDN)
EDM
Web analytics
Customising Facebook’s audience for email and phone data bases
CPL driven strategy

Your online campaign should comprise:

Google Search PPC
Interests based targeting groups
Placement bid adjustment
Keywords based targeting
Auto sites targeting
Dynamic banner and ad text creation
Daily campaign optimisation

Compare these KPI’s with yours:

Actual website visits – $5,000 expenditure

Ad campaign A: 129

Ad campaign B: 2,377

Agency campaign: 4,414

Actual ad impressions – $5,000 expenditure

Ad campaign A: 277,778

Ad campaign B: 96,003

Agency campaign: 2,458,646

With buyers spending more and more time on digital platforms, can you afford not to master the lead generation strategies needed maximise your dealership’s sales opportunities.

Have Your Say Today

2016-03-07T23:50:00.001-08:00

Apart from the lack of new car sales, what are the key industry issues that are keeping you awake at night?

Is it the HALLABALOO surrounding the government’s proposal to allow private buyers to import a right hand drive car from the UK or Japan provided it is no more than 12 months old and has less than 500kms on the odometer?

Maybe you’re not quite sure how to respond to that negative comment a disgruntled customer left on your company Facebook page complaining about one of your sales consultants?

Which was even more upsetting after you read that UK article which revealed that two car dealers came in FIRST and SECOND in the Sunday Times 'Best 100 Companies To Work For' survey beating high profile organisations such as Nationwide Building Society, American Express, McDonalds and Halfords.

Or are you still grappling with how to transform your supply business after Ford, Holden and Toyota stop making cars next year - should you wind up or diversify?

Here’s your chance to speak your mind and reach hundreds of auto industry executives, thought leaders, consumers and dealers on the web’s newest and most exciting automotive platform:

www.wheelspinmedia.com.au

WSM publishes the latest and most insightful news and views to keep you fully informed and engaged with the latest happenings in the auto industry.

All you have to do is send us a Microsoft Word document complete with a headline, your name, company and title. A high-resolution photo is also required. Email to: editor@wheelspinmedia.com.au

It’s that easy, so HOP to it and start writing.

Geneva Show Stopper

2016-03-02T19:02:00.001-08:00

Bugatti launches the ultimate hypercar at Geneva Motor Show.

With 16-cylinders, four turbochargers, a seven-speed DSG gearbox and a LIMITED top speed of 420kph, the AWD Bugatti Chiron is the ultimate super sports car. Check the video now at www.wheelspinmedia.com.au

Get It Out There

2016-03-01T16:38:00.001-08:00

Do you have an event coming up such as new model launch, national conference or international study tour?

Then send us a your media release and reach hundreds of auto industry executives, thought leaders, consumers and dealers on the web’s newest and most exciting automotive platform: www.wheelspinmedia.com.au

WSM publishes the latest and most insightful news to keep you informed and engaged with the latest auto news and views.

Submissions should be in Microsoft Word complete with a headline, your name, company and title. A high-resolution photo is also required. Email to: editor@wheelspinmedia.com.au

Looking back

2016-02-28T19:38:00.002-08:00

Last week at www.wheelspinmedia.com.au we were the first automotive website to reveal all 15 winners of Australia’s Best Cars Awards for 2015/2016.

We also reported that no less than 11 of Google’s self driving cars were involved in non-fatal road accidents during rigorous testing held earlier this year in California.

On top of that we posted a cool video of the stunning new Renault ALPINE scheduled to go on sale in 2017.

And last but certainly not least, our staff writer reported that the electric QUANTiNO had recently been licensed for road use by the SGS-TÜV Saar.

To stay ahead of the curve, check-out www.wheelspinmedia.com.au daily.

photo credit: Looking Back via photopin (license)

Is your advertising getting any traction?

2016-02-22T21:47:00.001-08:00

…Or are you just wheel spinning and burning money?

Now you can market your product 24/7 to the relevant people who want to know - the people directly interested and engaged in the automotive industry, from CEOs to thought- leaders to car dealers and everyone in between.

Wheelspinmedia.com.au is fast becoming one of the internet’s most dynamic and exciting automotive websites generating thousands of page views after going 'live' only two weeks ago.

If you're looking for an effective way to promote your products, WSM’s special display ad options will help you broaden your reach and turn prospects into customers.

Fast facts:

· Updated daily

· High quality content

· Google optimised

· Comprehensive ad tracking

· Display sizes include Leaderboard, MREC and skyscraper

· Packages and rates to suit every campaign

· Content promoted on social media

Dial up more sales today!

· Click to download your FREE media kit https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxPQ_nlEp0jzTHpvQmx4Tk9QaW8/view?usp=sharing or call 0417 163 419 NOW

· Email: advertising@wheelspin.com.au

Volvo to release first keyless car

2016-02-21T18:36:00.001-08:00

Soon you will no longer have to worry about fumbling around for your keys in the morning. Volvo plans to become the world's first auto manufacturer to offer cars without keys from 2017.

This ground breaking move spells good news for existing Volvo customers. They will be offered an application for their mobile phones to replace the physical key with a digital key.

Check the full story now at www.wheelspinmedia.com.au

Remember Y2K?

2016-02-17T17:22:00.002-08:00

The infamous ‘Year 2000 bug’ that the pundits predicted would lead to massive global infrastructure failures by paralysing businesses, crashing air traffic systems and sending power plants into melt down mode.

As we all know, nothing happened. And according to many leading computer scientists and analysts of the time it helped put IT on the map.

Well some might say there’s a huge similarity between the Y2K doom and gloom and current high-octane debate about the proposed changes to the Australian Motor Vehicle Standards Act.

So what is all the wheel spinning about? Get the full story now at: www.wheelspinmedia.com.au

What are the risks in buying a franchise?

2016-02-14T18:47:00.001-08:00

Buying a franchised business is often seen by franchisees as a definite path to making large sums of money.

This may be true for some; however, there are a number of inherent risks in buying a franchised business for potential franchisees, which must not be ignored. These risks must be assessed, weighed up and considered in the overall decision of investing into a business.

Unreasonable expectations

Franchisees often have extremely high expectations of the business they are buying, including its earning and growth potential. Some of these expectations may have been set as a result of information provided by the franchisor but in many cases it is a general perception of what the business in question should make as opposed to the reality and factual figures.

It should be remembered that even the most recognised brands will yield different financial results in different areas. The financial success of a franchised business will depend on its location, visibility, amount of rent and outgoings payable, higher competition in a particular area and the ability of the franchisee to operate and grow their business. Read More NOW>>

Morgan 3-Wheeler Goes Electric

2016-02-08T15:02:00.001-08:00

The acclaimed English car company Morgan has confirmed plans to build an electric version of the original 3-wheel, 2-seat Henry Frederick Stanley (HFS) Runabout thanks to an a £6 million ($8.5 million) grant from the UK’s Advanced Propulsion Center.

The EV3is expected to go into small-scale production later this year, 106 years after Henry Morgan designed the original HFS Runabout, which went on to become one of the most successful lightweight cars of the early motoring days.

The Runabout’s success was the result of clever design where a powerful motorcycle engine and simple transmission was fitted to a lightweight chassis and body.

This meant drivers of more modest means could afford the freedom of the open road and the Runabout was in high demand and at the forefront of the mass production of automobiles.

Echoing the beginnings of the original Runabout, the Morgan ethos continues into the electric EV3 of the future with each vehicle being coach built and subjected to ongoing development. Current safety standards are high on the agenda along with the thoroughbred performance that underpins the Morgan name.

The grant, which was announced recently by the UK’s business secretary Sajid Javid, will also fund the development of a plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains which will feature in the EV3 and across the Morgan portfolio of vehicles.

‘This is a very exciting project for us,’ said Morgan’s Managing Director Steve Morris.

‘We have been involved in the research and development of new propulsion technology since the inception of the LifeCar project almost 10 years ago.

‘We are now ready to develop the best hybrid and electric drivetrain solutions for production implementation before the end of the decade.’

According to Morris, buyers of the electric model could expect the new technology and ‘broaden the appeal of the brand and attract new customers in our key markets’.