“It is a privilege to speak at the upcoming Synergy Sessions and I am truly excited to help dealers better understand the online marketing initiatives employed by the top e-Dealers in the country,” commented James. “Besides learning successful strategies that drive unique and return visitors to their website, dealers will learn how to duplicate their traditional marketing principles and apply those same time-tested techniques to their Internet marketing. The combination of emotional advertisements, effective call-to-action techniques, and robust inventory information will not only drive more traffic to your website, but will also drive more traffic to your lot.”

Th Synergy Sessions are targeted to more experienced dealership personnel including Internet sales professionals and fixed operations managers. Attendees will already know the basics, so speakers will be covering the specifics required to maintain and grow an already engaged department that can't seem to get to the next level. Speakers will address the quickly changing landscape of the automotive industry, using cutting edge technology to build relationships, drive more qualified traffic to your website, how to hire winners and more importantly how to keep them.

The conference will be held at the W Hotel - 333 Poydras Street; New Orleans, Louisiana 70130. For more information on the event, please visit www.synergysessions.com.

"In today’s world, consumers don’t just want on-demand information – they expect it," commented HomeNet CEO Jesse Biter. "IOL goText makes it easy for dealers to empower prospective buyers by equipping them with real-time access to robust inventory information anytime, anywhere. IOL goText is a terrific addition to the IOL suite and we expect that this powerful marketing tool will give dealers a competitive edge in their respective markets."

HomeNet’s popular Inventory Online (IOL) Marketing Suite currently serves more than 12,000 automotive dealership locations throughout the United States and Canada, processing over 2.5 million vehicles each day. The IOL goText feature is fully integrated into the webIOL system, where it automatically formats, optimizes, and syncs a dealer’s on-lot inventory for the mobile web. Once optimized, IOL goText instantly distributes vehicle inventory with one click, providing easy-to-use tools to connect buyers with the dealership using simple SMS text messages.

Similar to text message voting popularized by American Idol, consumers can access the dealer’s inventory via their mobile phone by keying a short Go Code(TM) (a simple keyword unique for each dealership) into the body of a text message and then sending it to 48696. The codes are marketed through the dealer’s TV, print, radio and billboard campaigns, making traditional automotive advertising "clickable", trackable and measurable.

The reply message that comes back to the user includes information on the dealership and a mobile Web link to a media rich version of the dealer’s showroom. Every vehicle listing viewed by the user on the mobile Web has a way for the buyer to send a text message to the dealership, initiate an email or live phone call, or notify the dealer that they would like to be contacted by phone or email.

Go Codes can also be extended with the last eight digits of the vehicle identification number (VIN) or the dealer’s stock numbers to take a mobile consumer directly to a specific vehicle.

To learn more about IOL goText, dealers should contact the HomeNet Sales team at 877-738-3313.

HomeNet, Inc. is a privately owned automotive technology provider. Founded in 1996, HomeNet's core focus is providing innovative technology solutions to help automotive dealers increase online sales. HomeNet offers its products to a variety of customers including dealers, OEMs, website providers, CRM providers, digital lot management firms, finance/leasing agents, auction agents, and more. The company is based on Christian principles and is headquartered in West Chester, PA, with satellite offices in AZ, FL, GA, IA, IL, TX, and UT. For more information, please visit www.homenetinc.com.

"We are truly humbled to be recognized by the same people we work so diligently to serve each day - the dealers," commented HomeNet CEO Jesse Biter. "This award affirms our commitment to an unwavering customer-first philosophy in which we strive to earn our reputation one vehicle at a time. Our team looks forward to continue providing best-in-class inventory solutions, accompanied by the unparalleled customer experience that our dealers have come to expect from HomeNet."

This is the fourth year that Auto Dealer Monthly has recognized the companies that have consistently exceeded the expectations of their dealership customers. The nominating process is a method in which dealers and dealership personnel can collectively voice their opinion of the products/services, customer support, and the overall value that nominated companies provide to their dealership. CLICK HERE to view the complete 2008 list.

HomeNet's proprietary Get. Edit. Deliver. technology distributes enhanced vehicle inventory data for thousands of automotive dealers throughout the United States and Canada. HomeNet’s signature solution, the Inventory Online (IOL) Vehicle Marketing Suite, is an industry-leading vehicle inventory management and marketing system. IOL’s suite of web-based applications help dealers to efficiently manage their entire online inventory from one centralized location and distribute emotional vehicle advertisements to any online destination. The IOL system also streamlines the inventory aggregation and enhancement process, enabling vendors to better focus on lead generation for their dealership customers and not inventory management/support. As one of the most respected data aggregators in the industry, HomeNet has built successful partnerships with dozens of leading automotive companies. IOL currently processes more than 2.5 million vehicles each day for over 12,000 dealership locations.

About Auto Dealer Monthly
Auto Dealer Monthly is a publication of Agala Investment and is delivered to more than 35,000 subscribers nationwide. Auto Dealer Monthly is the day-to-day resource for automotive dealerships of all sizes. It is known for offering business solutions to automotive executives by providing information necessary to make wise decisions regarding products, services or process changes in daily operations. Auto Dealer Monthly is edited for auto dealers. Publishing and editorial decisions are based on the editors' judgment of the quality of writing, the timeliness of the article, and the potential interest to readers of Auto Dealer Monthly. For more information regarding Auto Dealer Monthly, call 888-300-8844 or go to www.AutoDealerMonthly.com.

About HomeNet, Inc.
HomeNet, Inc. is a privately owned automotive technology provider. Founded in 1996, HomeNet's core focus is providing innovative technology solutions to help automotive dealers increase online sales. HomeNet offers its products to a variety of customers including dealers, OEMs, website providers, CRM providers, digital lot management firms, finance/leasing agents, auction agents, and more. The company is based on Christian principles and is headquartered in West Chester, PA, with satellite offices in AZ, FL, GA, IA, IL, TX, and UT. For more information, please visit www.homenetinc.com.

“Our Dealer Sales Team has done an exceptional job of promoting the HomeNet brand and building relationships throughout the dealer community,” commented HomeNet CEO Jesse Biter. “The dealer side of our business has increased substantially and we expect this growth to continue as we further equip the IOL suite with even more lead-generating features. The updated product enhancements, including IOL VideoLink and IOL goText, are squarely focused on one thing - delivering more quality leads. By embracing current marketing trends such as online video and mobile marketing, dealers will ultimately gain a tremendous competitive edge in their respective markets. We are absolutely thrilled every time we hear another success story and look forward to helping more dealers to harness the enormous capabilities of effective online marketing.”

HomeNet plans to jumpstart the staffing surge by doubling its sales force, effective immediately. The company will then continue to hire new reps on a regular basis to support the anticipated sales growth in the months ahead. Expectations are set for the sales team to triple its capacity within 12 months, as HomeNet continues to capture more market share as a leading full-service provider of Internet Marketing solutions.

HomeNet’s Inventory Online (IOL) marketing suite is a vehicle inventory management and marketing system, designed to help automotive dealers generate significantly more leads from their website and online classifieds. Currently processing more than 2.5 million vehicles daily, IOL’s suite of web-based applications streamline the process of converting raw vehicle data from the DMS (dealer management system) into emotional online advertisements anywhere on the Web. Complete with DMS polling, Premium VIN Enhancement, an intuitive online interface, automated distribution to 3rd-party services, and much more, IOL is the most comprehensive solution serving the automotive industry.

HomeNet, Inc. is a privately owned automotive technology provider. Founded in 1996, HomeNet's core focus is providing innovative technology solutions to help automotive dealers increase online sales. HomeNet offers its products to a variety of customers including dealers, OEMs, website providers, CRM providers, digital lot management firms, finance/leasing agents, auction agents, and more. The company is based on Christian principles and is headquartered in West Chester, PA, with satellite offices in FL, GA, IA, TN, TX, and UT. For more information, please visit www.homenetinc.com.

"CarTango.com is designed to provide a better experience for the primary purchasers of automobiles in the United States - women," says CarTango, Inc. Founder and CEO Daniel Osborne. "Women directly purchase over 50% and influence the purchase of over 80% of all vehicles sold. Unlike any other site on the internet, the functionality and exclusive features of CarTango.com were specifically designed to address the wants and needs of this powerful female demographic. CarTango ultimately makes it easier for women to locate and purchase their ideal new or used car, at the best price because it eliminates the frustrating aspects of the car-buying process that typically inhibit female consumers."

For a limited time, HomeNet’s IOL Pro customers will be eligible to receive a FREE 60-Day CarTango test drive.  In addition, dealers will lock in a savings of nearly 30% off the monthly membership fee for their first year of service when they continue after the trial period.  As an added bonus, CarTango will do a press release/event for dealerships who are the first in their respective area to register. For more information regarding this special promotion, dealers should contact HomeNet’s Sales Department at 877-738-3313.

HomeNet’s Inventory Online (IOL) marketing suite is a vehicle inventory management and marketing system, designed to help automotive dealers generate significantly more leads from their website and online classifieds.  Currently processing more than 2.5 million vehicles daily, IOL’s suite of web-based applications streamline the process of converting raw vehicle data from the DMS (dealer management system) into emotional online advertisements anywhere on the Web. Complete with DMS polling, Premium VIN Enhancement, an intuitive online interface, automated distribution to 3rd-party services, and much more, IOL is the most comprehensive solution serving the automotive industry.

CarTango, Inc. operates CarTango.com, the internet's first female-centric website specifically designed to help women find their perfect automotive match, at the best possible price and without the hassle. CarTango.com is comprised of a suite of indispensable tools designed to help women navigate and manage the entire car shopping process; accurately determine which vehicle best suits their needs and personality; locate the perfect car via a database of new and used inventory listings; anonymously communicate with dealers about vehicles they have for sale; and when ready, invite dealerships to compete for their business. Currently, more than 25,000 new and used car dealerships promote over 750,000 vehicles on CarTango.com. Visit www.cartango.com for more information.

HomeNet, Inc. is a privately owned automotive technology provider.  Founded in 1996, HomeNet's core focus is providing innovative technology solutions to help automotive dealers increase online sales.  HomeNet offers its products to a variety of customers including dealers, OEMs, website providers, CRM providers, digital lot management firms, finance/leasing agents, auction agents, and more.  The company is based on Christian principles and is headquartered in West Chester, PA, with satellite offices in FL, GA, IA, TN, TX, and UT.  For more information, please visit www.homenetinc.com.

“It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to speak once again and I am truly excited to help dealers better understand the online marketing initiatives employed by the top E-dealers in the country,” commented James.  “Besides learning successful strategies that drive unique and return visitors to their website, dealers will learn how to duplicate their traditional marketing principles and apply those same time-tested techniques to their Internet marketing.  The combination of emotional advertisements, effective call-to-action techniques, and robust inventory information will not only drive more traffic to your website, but will also drive more traffic to your lot.”

The conference will be held at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Conference Center in Orlando, FL. The conference in Las Vegas last October drew over 540 attendees and featured 45 exhibitors. There were over 300 registered dealers, GMs, Internet Sales Managers, e-Commerce Directors and BDC/CRM Managers. For more information on the event, please visit www.digitaldealerconference.com.

“We have been blessed with tremendous growth over the past several years and a big part of our success has been our unyielding customer-first mentality,” stated HomeNet CEO Jesse Biter. “Our dedicated Client Services team truly is the backbone of our organization and they work incredibly hard to exceed the expectations of over 11,000 dealership locations nationwide. We are pleased to offer the extended support hours and will continue to reinvest significant company resources back into both our products and most importantly, our customers.”

HomeNet’s Inventory Online (IOL) marketing suite is a vehicle inventory management and marketing system, designed to help automotive dealers generate significantly more leads from their website and online classifieds. Currently processing more than 2.5 million vehicles daily, IOL’s suite of web-based applications streamline the process of converting raw vehicle data from the DMS (dealer management system) into emotional online advertisements anywhere on the Web. Complete with DMS polling, Premium VIN Enhancement, an intuitive online interface, automated distribution to 3rd-party services, and much more, IOL is the most comprehensive solution serving the automotive industry.

HomeNet, Inc. is a privately owned automotive technology provider. Founded in 1996, HomeNet's core focus is providing innovative technology solutions to help automotive dealers increase online sales. HomeNet offers its products to a variety of customers including dealers, OEMs, website providers, CRM providers, digital lot management firms, finance/leasing agents, auction agents, and more. The company is based on Christian principles and is headquartered in West Chester, PA, with satellite offices in FL, GA, IA, TN, TX, and UT. For more information, please visit www.homenetinc.com.

To download the complete podcast, please click here.

WEST CHESTER, PA – February 7, 2008 – HomeNet, Inc. is set to exhibit at the 91^st NADA Convention and Expo, February 9-12 in San Francisco, CA. Located at Booth # 3601W, the rapidly-growing automotive technology provider will unveil several new upgrades to its popular Inventory Online (IOL) marketing suite. As a special gift to dealers, HomeNet will be giving away free bottles of its private-label Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 to those who participate in a full IOL product demonstration.

“This will be the sixth consecutive year we have exhibited at NADA and we are more excited than ever to be a part of this tremendous event,” stated HomeNet CEO Jesse Biter. “As an organization, we really feel that we are bringing some significant momentum with us to San Francisco this year. IOL recently surpassed another major milestone and now markets 2.5 million vehicles at over 11,000 dealer locations nationwide. We have some very powerful new features that will further cement IOL’s position as the most comprehensive vehicle inventory management and marketing solution in the industry.”

HomeNet’s team of Internet Marketing experts will be on hand to showcase new IOL product enhancements including: ‘CARTXT’, an application that instantly sends vehicle information to mobile phones; ‘Lease It Now’, an integrated system that provides on demand lease payment information; ‘VideoLink’, a multimedia video marketing system; ‘IOL Auction Manager’, an integrated eBay management and Craigslist distribution tool; and ‘IOL Price Analysis System’, a new service which helps dealers to better price their inventory. In addition, convention attendees will also get to preview the new and improved ‘Pocket IOL’, a handheld vehicle marketing device that enables dealers to take their own photos with ease.

HomeNet’s Inventory Online (IOL) is a vehicle inventory management and marketing system, designed to help automotive dealers sell more cars online. IOL’s suite of web-based software applications streamline the process of converting raw vehicle data from the DMS (dealer management system) into consumer-friendly virtual advertisements anywhere on the Web. Complete with DMS polling, Premium VIN Enhancement, an intuitive online interface, automated distribution to 3^rd-party services, and much more, IOL is the most comprehensive solution serving the automotive industry.

HomeNet, Inc. is a privately owned automotive technology provider. Founded in 1996, HomeNet's core focus is providing innovative technology solutions to help automotive dealers increase online sales. HomeNet offers its products to a variety of customers including dealers, OEMs, website providers, CRM providers, digital lot management firms, finance/leasing agents, auction agents, and more. The company is based on Christian principles and is headquartered in West Chester, PA, with satellite offices in FL, GA, IA, TN, TX, and UT. For more information, please visit www.homenetinc.com.

# # #

Media Contacts:
HomeNet, Inc. - Andy McBride and Rob Amos • 610-738-3313

]]> http://www.homenetnews.net/archives/62/feed/ http://www.homenetnews.net/archives/61 http://www.homenetnews.net/archives/61#comments Tue, 05 Feb 2008 15:54:27 +0000 rea Uncategorized http://www.homenetnews.net/archives/61 WEST CHESTER, PA – February 5, 2008 – Automotive technology provider HomeNet, Inc. announced today that it has bolstered its partnership with automotive website provider TK Carsites, Inc. Under terms of the agreement, dealership customers will now manage enhanced website and inventory marketing solutions via an integrated single sign-on platform.

“Partnerships are very important to TK because we have always focused on what we do best – websites and SEO,” commented Richard Valenta, TK Carsites President & CEO. “We try to not do everything ourselves which is why we seek to align ourselves with industry leaders such as HomeNet. Dealers know that HomeNet has the top inventory solution and we want our customers to have the very best.”

TK customers have been utilizing HomeNet’s Inventory Online (IOL) marketing suite to get, edit, and deliver their vehicle inventory for over two years. Previously, dealers would manage website content and inventory data from two separate web-based systems. The new integration will streamline this process, giving dealers the ability to seamlessly update both their website and their inventory via a single sign-on platform. This eliminates the need to maintain two user accounts, saving the dealer valuable time in which to spend communicating with prospective buyers.

“TK provides a very compelling, full-service marketing system for dealers that is well-positioned to increase its market share,” stated HomeNet CEO Jesse Biter. “HomeNet is privileged to work with such a fantastic partner and we are very pleased to offer the enhanced IOL integration. We look forward to serving the inventory needs for TK’s customers for many years to come.”

HomeNet’s Inventory Online (IOL) is a vehicle inventory management and marketing system, designed to help automotive dealers sell more cars online. IOL’s suite of web-based software applications streamline the process of converting raw vehicle data from the DMS (dealer management system) into consumer-friendly virtual advertisements anywhere on the Web. Complete with DMS polling, Premium VIN Enhancement, an intuitive online interface, automated distribution to 3rd-party services, and much more, IOL is the most comprehensive solution serving the automotive industry.

TK Carsites, Inc. is a developer of Internet related products for Automotive Dealerships nationwide. They are not just a technology company; they are a marketing company that uses the Internet to drive more sales to auto dealerships. TK Carsites, Inc. currently has a base of over 1,000 dealerships in 48 states. They have the resources to help increase online exposure and improve auto dealership sales. For more information, visit www.tkcarsites.com.

HomeNet, Inc. is a privately owned automotive technology provider. Founded in 1996, HomeNet's core focus is providing innovative technology solutions to help automotive dealers increase online sales. HomeNet offers its products to a variety of customers including dealers, OEMs, website providers, CRM providers, digital lot management firms, finance/leasing agents, auction agents, and more. The company is based on Christian principles and is headquartered in West Chester, PA, with satellite offices in FL, GA, IA, TN, TX, and UT. For more information, please visit www.homenetinc.com.

TK Carsites, Inc. – Richard Valenta • 714-937-1239
HomeNet, Inc. - Andy McBride and Rob Amos • 610-738-3313