Lessons Learned at the 11th Annual V-Twin Expo by Easyriders

ChopperExchange.com had the privilege of attending the 11th Annual V-Twin Expo by Easyriders in Cincinnati, Ohio at the beginning of this month.

In addition to meeting a lot of cool and interesting motorcycle dealers and manufacturers, we also had the opportunity to attend some insightful workshops hosted by Auction113.com and Cycle Source.

The biggest takeaway message from the expo is that social media marketing is currently the most powerful and inexpensive method for increasing sales, building brand equity, and maintaining customer loyalty. The biggest problem is that everyone wants to do social media marketing, but very few motorcycle dealers have the manpower and technical knowledge to successfully take advantage of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and other related websites.

Here are some interesting social media facts you may consider:

  • Facebook has more than 500 million users. That is more than the entire U.S. population!

  • Internet users spend 12.7% of their time on Facebook alone.

  • Companies are projected to spend $3.08 billion on social media marketing in 2011.

  • More people visit Facebook.com than Google.com!

  • Twitter has more than 105 million members.

  • More than 55 million tweets are sent on a daily basis.

  • More video is uploaded to YouTube in 60 days that all 3 major U.S. networks created in 60 years.

Almost every motorcycle dealer we spoke to at the expo expressed interested in social media marketing, but also complained that it is too time consuming. Dealers are overwhelmed by phone calls, e-mails, tweets, and Facebook messages.

We would like to hear your opinion. Are you currently utilizing social media marketing? What is your primary marketing method? Do you believe in the power of social media? Are most of your sales initiated online or in person?

Please e-mail your feedback to Mirela Setkic at Mirela@ChopperExchange.com