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How to use your Top-Rated Dealer Award to set your dealership apart

Posted by Meg Bernazzani on March 24, 2022

Earlier this month, we announced our 2022 CarGurus Top-Rated Dealer Awards recognizing an exclusive group of our dealer partners who earned an average dealer rating of 4.5 stars or higher and collected at least four verified customer reviews in 2021. Congratulations on delivering exceptional customer service day in and day out!

While earning the award isn’t easy, promoting your accomplishment – and putting it to work for your dealership – is! Here are our top tips for showcasing your award using the assets available to all winners on a premium listings package:

Provide third-party validation with the award badge on your dealership website

Car shoppers highly value the transparency and third-party valuation that reviews offer – and you can use your award to build trust with these potential customers. Add the free Top-Rated Dealer digital badge to your dealership website, so shoppers know your service is backed by verified reviews.

Earn shoppers’ trust using in-store award assets

According to the soon-to-be-released CarGurus 2022 Buyer Insight Report, trust in the seller was the top reason why buyers said they felt like they got a great deal. That’s why it’s so important that you make your award known to in-store shoppers and use it to build trust. Prop up the Top-Rated Dealer plaque on your desk or hang it on the wall – just make sure it’s displayed for all to see. Haven’t claimed your free plaque yet? Simply follow the instructions in your award kit. 

As a Top-Rated Dealer, you also have access to in-store items like window stickers, outdoor flags, banners, and more. With your window stickers at the entrance to your dealership and additional items displayed in highly visible places around your showroom, your shoppers will know right away that they’re going to have a great experience buying from you.

Turn browsers into buyers by spreading the word on and offline

The Top-Rated Dealer Award logos are available to you right now – use them to your advantage by downloading them and incorporating them into your online marketing materials. For example, show off your accolade on your social media channels or use the email templates to share your accomplishment with past and present customers.

Want to reach people who aren’t in your database? Drop your dealership’s details into our customizable press release template, then issue a press release. Sharing your award with local publications is a great way to generate positive – and free! – press for your dealership.

Build customer loyalty by celebrating with past customers

Your Top-Rated Dealer Award is based on genuine reviews from your very own customers, so be sure to share your success with them via email. Thank them for their feedback and encourage them to visit your store the next time their car needs servicing or they’re in the market for something new. With news of your award, they’ll feel confident returning to your dealership as a loyal customer for their future vehicle needs.

Want to learn more about the Top-Rated Dealer Award and how to win? Visit the FAQs here.

For information about upgrading and putting the full power of the award to work for your dealership, contact your CarGurus rep.

Topics: awards, Marketing tips, promotion, Top Rated Dealer