Ford and FordDirect Appoint SOCi as U.S. Platform of Record for Select Localized Marketing Initiatives

Rhea-AI Summary

SOCi Inc. has been appointed as the platform of record for localized marketing by Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) and FordDirect, effective June 23, 2022. This strategic partnership has led to impressive growth metrics for Ford's dealerships, including a 240% increase in Facebook impressions and a 414% rise in engagement since utilizing SOCi's platform. SOCi's automated processes have improved the accuracy of dealer listings, achieving 99.5% claim rates on Google. The collaboration emphasizes the need for optimized localized digital marketing to enhance customer engagement amidst fierce competition.

Positive

• 240% increase in Facebook impressions since using SOCi.
• 414% rise in social media engagements attributed to SOCi.
• 99.5% of Ford's dealer locations claimed on Google.

Negative

• None.

SAN DIEGO, June 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SOCi Inc. Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) and their joint venture partner, FordDirect, announced today that they have appointed SOCi as its platform of record for localized marketing, available to all of its Ford and Lincoln Dealerships in the U.S.

Since the Ford family of brands began using the SOCi platform in February 2022 to manage business listings and social profiles for its Dealerships, the automaker has experienced triple digit month-over-month increases in Facebook impressions (240%), post volume (288%), and engagements (414%).

"As we began to search for a new local marketing platform, we knew we needed a vendor that would offer superior customer support and a seamless experience to improve adoption rates. We found that in SOCi," said Jenna Thompson, Ford's Digital Retail Marketing Manager. "With SOCi, we can localize social content at scale. In just a few months together, there's been an increase in our social presence and engagement that would not have been possible without the SOCi platform."

Ford and FordDirect approached SOCi to help secure buy-in from local dealers with a seamless, white glove process for localized social media management, which would increase social engagements for its dealerships. According to SOCi platform data, localized content that takes local community sentiment into account receives on average a 67% lift in engagement over more generalized posts. Further, according to SOCi's 2022 Localized Marketing Benchmark Report (LMBR), automotive dealers outperformed all other verticals in terms of localized marketing, indicating intense competition for Ford and a heightened need to rise above other automakers in its digital marketing efforts.

SOCi also provided a scalable, automated process for Ford and Lincoln to update dealer listings daily, helping ensure that consumers have the most up-to-date information about local dealer locations. In a Ford-specific LMBR audit based on 2022 LMBR data, Ford has claimed 99.5% of its dealer locations on Google (compared to the 81.62% Competitor Benchmark) and 63.1% of the listings appear in the Google 3-Pack (compared to the 51.92% Competitor Benchmark).

"Amid such a competitive digital marketing landscape, it is our role to deliver the most cutting edge technologies together with optimal strategies and support to maximize success," said Afif Khoury, founder and CEO of SOCi. "We've already seen these efforts pay off in our partnership with the Ford team and their investment in a superior localized digital marketing strategy."

To learn more about how SOCi's all-in-one platform helps brands design industry-leading localized marketing strategies, visit www.meetsoci.com.

About SOCi
SOCi is the marketing platform for multi-location brands. We empower businesses like Ace Hardware, Sport Clips and Anytime Fitness to scale marketing efforts across all digital channels in a way that's brand directed, locally perfected, and data connected. As one central place to scale marketing, SOCi makes the impossible possible by enabling top brands and their locations to strengthen and scale their digital presence across limitless local search and social pages while protecting what matters most, their reputation. For more information on how SOCi can help fuel your localized marketing success, visit us at www.meetsoci.com or message us at hello@meetsoci.com.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company's Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, as well as connected services. Additionally, Ford is establishing leadership positions in mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 182,000 people worldwide. More information about the company, its products and Ford Credit is available at corporate.ford.com.

Media contact
Avery Nunez
BLASTmedia for SOCi
soci@blastmedia.com

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SOURCE SOCi

FAQ

What recent partnership did Ford (NYSE: F) announce regarding localized marketing?

Ford Motor Company announced a partnership with SOCi Inc. for localized marketing, as of June 23, 2022.

How much have Ford's Facebook impressions increased since using SOCi?

Ford has seen a 240% increase in Facebook impressions since implementing SOCi's platform.

What percentage of dealer locations has Ford claimed on Google?

Ford has claimed 99.5% of its dealer locations on Google.

What is the impact of SOCi's platform on Ford's social media engagement?

SOCi's platform has led to a 414% increase in social media engagement for Ford's dealerships.

When did Ford start using the SOCi platform?

Ford began using the SOCi platform in February 2022.