Know-How Exchange : Advertising/PR

Yes, you could. But remember that idea has been written hundreds of times. on the flip side, it's always good for a reminder. You can write about that, but few artticles are written around -- when it's to a point where you are throwing good money after bad. When it's just time to upgrade. Your dealers handle service issues and they handle new sales. Your goal is to make an informative article that will also attract advertisers.

I've always treaded lightly around religious holidays. Other than Christmas, you run the risk of offending people.

Michael

The key for car dealers is making it worth their while. In most markets, they aren't afraid to spend money. As a general rule, they're practical businesspeople. If it makes sense and will make them money, they're in.

Your idea about preparing for a trip is a good one, but is best saved for a more travel-heavy holiday (like Christmas or Thanksgiving). I have two suggestions.

1. Dealerships tend to have sales on holidays when people are getting days off work. If that's the case in your area, do a simple feature on the deals people will find in town around that time. Call the dealers and find out what they're doing. Then call them back and ask if they want to advertise next to the article. Depending on your market, this may limit your advertising as some dealers decide the mention is enough, but if the feature is being sponsored, it's a different story.

2. Find out what consumer issues are affecting the dealers and what dealers suggest consumers do to alleviate that. Low credit scores and less cash-flow is a real problem. But write it from a dealer's perspective - ask them for what advice they have for consumers. Trust me... their F&I managers (the guys who help you get funding and other aftermarket products) know EXACTLY what's going on in your neck of the woods and what's really relevant in your area. And they want to help your readers because it helps them.

What should they do to improve their credit score? What should they bring to the dealership? Are there advantages to buying a used car? What's positive about the economy? (This one's key as people are really in need of good news.)

Perhaps have the car dealers offer a discounted car wash/oil change/tune-up/tire rotation in time for Easter (to ensure that you arrive safely, etc.). Once people are at the dealer, then it's up to the dealer to upsell as appropriate additional services or a replacement car.