A request for suggestions

[jimithingmi]

As some of you might know I am the Internet Sales Manager for a car dealership in Michigan.  Along with responding to and helping our Internet customers I am responsible for keeping our Website up to date and also deciding the direction and tools we use to advertise ourselves online

Comments

[xtrdnry_goddess]

Not sure I would go the social networking route, rather maybe creating pages on social networking sites such as facebook and myspace.
I would maybe explore adding like an "owner's lounge" ala MINI.
Maybe develop some features/news articles on the home page on topics like seasonal driving (packing up for roadtrips, winter/icey road conditions, etc.); how to economize your fuel consumption... maybe feature a mechanics corner (feature one of the guys in the back) talking about different topics under the hood... maybe you could do a spot about auto financing and how it applies to the credit crunch going on.

Are these enough ideas?

[_ninjakitty_]

I like xtrdnry_goddess' suggestions.

If you want people to find your page worth visiting, "friending" or whatever, you need to offer useful or entertaining content that changes regularly.

Social networks are a little different but I tell web site clients, if they aren't going to keep a section fresh, don't put it up.

Try to avoid feeling too commercial. Some users resent ads being brought into what they feel is their very personal community.

A Facebook Group for Graff owners might work, but it might hit that "too commercial" feeling. Tred lightly.

Take what I say with a grain of salt. I'm too old skool and like LJ better than facebook and avoid Myspace. =P