Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find answers to some frequently asked questions about Local Search for automotive dealers. If you have a question that is not addressed below, please contact us.

I have never run a local paid search campaign, is it easy to do?

Paid search is an easy and cost-effective way to engage online consumers. We manage your entire campaign and, unlike traditional newspaper and TV advertising, there are no production costs – just a monthly management fee and click charges when someone clicks and visits your virtual showroom.

How are you different from other search engine marketing providers?

In addition to being the largest automotive search engine marketing provider in the United States, we are upfront about how we drive the most cost-effective traffic to your virtual showroom. Unlike most providers, we will tell you how much money you are spending per click and we differentiate between click media costs and management fees.

How much does a local search program cost?

You pay only for actual clicks to your dealership’s website plus a fixed monthly management fee. There is a one-time program set-up fee and a percent of media surcharge if you would like to run campaigns for additional rooftops or affiliates with separate websites.

How much should I budget for media each month?

It depends, but based on search engine input and available keyword inventory, we suggest that participating dealers spend anywhere from $1,000 - $7,500 per month in click media charges. Some issues we’ll discuss when setting your budget include business size, company resources and financial situation, marketing goals and target markets.

How long will it take for my program to launch?

Your paid search campaign will be live within five to 10 business days.

Will I need special hardware or software in order to launch my program?

No, we will provide an easy to use, turnkey search engine marketing solution with minimal to no implementation required.

Will I need to put tracking on my Web site?

Depending on your site, you may receive a spotlight tag implementation guide with simple, easy-to-follow instructions for implementing tracking on your personal website. With your permission, we will work directly with your website provider to facilitate implementation.

How long until I start seeing results?

Consumers will start seeing your ads once your program is live. You can review biweekly and monthly reports, which detail performance in aggregate and by search engine, by visiting your online account. Lead tracking is reported once tracking is in place. It typically takes 60 to 90 days for the ad performance to ramp up and for you to see the full results from your paid search campaign.

How do I access my results?

Our secure Web portal enables you to easily manage your account, view results reports, check monthly statements and adjust your dealer profile. As a courtesy, we will notify you via email when your reports and monthly statements have been posted.

Where will my ads appear?

Your ads may appear in some or all of the following search engines and their syndication partners: Google, Yahoo!, MSN, Ask and AOL.

Can I change my ad on the search engines?

We encourage you to provide us with input on all aspects of your search program – including ad copy. We have a team of trained copywriters who write ads for your program at no additional cost. You may also try your hand at writing copy by submitting a copy request form and we’ll take it from there.

What types of leads will be tracked?

Once spotlight tags are implemented, we can, for example, track behaviors such as requests for a quote, test drives or additional information plus qualified activities such as search inventory, view model, maps and directions and view newspaper ads/specials. This enables us to optimize your investment in the right keywords, bid prices and ad copy to maximize click-through to your website.

How will I be billed?

You will be billed each month on the credit card that you supply at registration. Each month we will notify you via email that your statement has been posted to your account. Statements are provided as a courtesy and are not actual invoices.

How will I know how my program is performing?

We provide biweekly and monthly performance reports. You will have 24/7 access to your online account and results reports.

How do I receive leads?

Leads will be delivered the same way you currently receive leads from your existing online lead generation activities.

Do you sell leads?

No. We drive qualified traffic to your on- and off-line retail showroom and record leads as a measure of quality.

Should I be concerned about click fraud?

We acknowledge that invalid clicks exist; however, many of the publicized claims come from advertisers that don't have checks and balances in place to detect and evaluate significant fluctuations in campaign performance. The search engines detect and reconcile for click fraud at the end of each month. We bill you at month’s end, after we process these credits and apply the refunds directly to your account.

Can I  pause my campaign?

Yes.  If you want to pause your program for a period up to 45 days, you may do so by contacting us.  At that time, we will pause your program on the engines and, aside from any outstanding media costs, you will not be charged a Performics’ management during that 45 day period.  By the end of the 45 day period, you will need to either reactivate your program or terminate permanently.  In the event that you do not reactivate by the 45th day, your program will automatically be terminated.

How do I terminate my program?

If you want to terminate your program, you may do so by contacting us.  At that time, we will suspend your program on the engines immediately and, aside from any outstanding media costs, you will be charged a cancellation fee (equal to one additional month of management fees.)  In the event that you wish to reactive your program after terminating, additional fees may apply.