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Smart Selling Starts with AI (Don’t Forget the Personal Touch)

Article Highlights:

  • Smart tools and thoughtful prep turn one-time buyers into loyal customers.
  • Personalization and AI create sales experiences that feel effortless.

If you were a customer, would you feel like your dealership gets you?

Tailored communication, relevant follow-ups, and smart AI tools that match leads with the right vehicles aren’t just extras anymore. They are expectations.

A great sale is never an accident. It’s built on preparation, attention to detail, and a personal touch that keeps people coming back.

What Customers Actually Want

A personalized, forward-thinking approach isn’t just good customer service; it’s a strategic business move. According to a recent McKinsey report, companies that excel in personalization generate 40 percent more revenue than their competitors. Why? Because their customers appreciate personalization. They remember how you made them feel, and they return to you because you made their lives easier.

Personalized communications go beyond using a first name in an email. They’re about using available data: previous purchases, service history, or online browser history. This information helps shape a conversation that feels relevant and intentional.

Picture this: A salesperson sees on their lead sheet that Daniel, a repeat customer, is coming in later. When the salesperson looks at Daniel’s profile, they notice that he’s purchased two vehicles from the dealership, regularly brings them in for service, and racks up a lot of kilometres. Daniel’s profile also reveals that when he was in the dealership recently, he mentioned to a different salesperson that he was looking for an SUV. With that in mind, they decide to highlight SUVs known for their fuel efficiency, offering Daniel options that fit both his driving habits and lifestyle. This thoughtful approach not only addresses Daniel’s practical needs but also shows the dealership pays attention to the details that matter to him most.

By combining purchase history, service loyalty, plus salesperson highlights, your team is empowered to deliver personalized conversations. You are telling him: we see you and understand your needs.

The Secret to Smarter Selling

You can’t do everything alone, especially as demands increase. At a dealership, artificial intelligence serves as a helpful tool: it cuts down on guesswork and keeps the staff focused on what really matters.

Artificial intelligence shouldn’t replace your salespeople; it should empower them. Instead of digging through spreadsheets or relying on gut instincts, salespeople can use AI tools to instantly identify which leads are most likely to convert, which customers are overdue for a service, and what vehicles they might be considering next. AI doesn’t just provide information; it prioritizes it by helping them cut through the noise and focus on what matters most. Used well, AI can become the difference between juggling everything at once and running a smooth operation that feels effortless to the customer.

A Better Experience

Thoughtful preparation and knowing your guests help build trust and strengthen your relationship with them.

When dealerships blend human connection with smart technology, they create a customer experience that feels effortless and enjoyable. It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing it better with intention, relevance, and speed. So, whether you’re prepping the showroom or making a follow-up, the secret to success is the same: know who you’re selling to and have the right tools to support your success.

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Marketing Communications Intern

Emma is a Marketing Communications Intern at Reynolds and Reynolds. Throughout her internship, she has supported marketing efforts for many different Reynolds’ brands. Emma is in her final semester at the University of Cincinnati, majoring in Marketing with a minor in Psychology.

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