Balihoo has recently launched a fantastic new function within our local marketing automation software - Microsites.  One of the key use-models of this functionality is for product manufacturers who sell their products through a set of regionally distributed dealers (channel).  These manufacturers are using microsite functionality to be the landing pages on the back-end of the dealer-locator section of their websites.  Let me demonstrate:  

I'm interested in buying a new motorcyle, from Brand X.  My first step is that I'll research the product online (which research proves) .  First, I'm going to go the website of the manufacturer.  Once I explore all of the options and determine what I'm going to buy, I'm ready to purchase it locally (this even has an acronym - ROBO - research online, buy offline).  I punch my zip code into their dealer locator, and up pops the 5 dealers in my immediate area.  Naturally, since I'm on the web, I'm happy to see that they all have websites.  As I click into the dealer that is closest to me, I'm directed to their website, which represents several motorcycle brands, and in fact the Yamaha is on sale on their front page.  Brand X has given me the info, the research and directed me to a dealer - however, because they lost control of that customer, they also lost the sale to Yamaha.  

Let's contrast that experience with a motorcycle brand that is doing it right - Honda.  (note - Honda is not a customer of ours, but they're doing a great job!).  See the video below for the exact Honda experience:  



Want to see how this could impact your brand?  Hit us up for a live demonstration, we would be more than happy to show you!