-
-
“Our relationship with SmartPillars continues to be profitable. Their development skills combined with timely support have built a healthy and much appreciated partnership”. -President, Large Partner
© Copyright
SmartPillars. All Rights Reserved.
FAQ
Which ad sites does SmartPillars software help me advertise on?
How does the SmartPillars solution increase the effectiveness of ads?
How does the SmartPillars solution increase the number and accuracy of on-line ads?
What is flagging and ghosting? How can SmartPillars assist with flagging and ghosting of ads?
If an ad is flagged, it was flagged by a user on Craigslist, or by Craigslist itself. This means that an ad did go live but a user thought it was inappropriate (for example, if you post an ad in the wrong city, the section was incorrect or the content of your ad appears spammy). Ads being ghosted/deleted usually occur when the content of your ad triggered a spam filter on Craigslist. SmartPillars complies with ad site Terms of Use which reduces flagging and ghosting. For example, we limit the number of ads posted daily and the frequency in which the same ad is posted. Also, we provide the most comprehensive flagging and ghosting reporting available. You don't have to search and confirm that each ad is posted. We continuously work to update templates to reduce flagging.
Why it is important to comply with an ad site's Terms of Use?
With some sites, every time an ad is posted, you must click an "I accept" button, agreeing to the Terms of Use page. In it the dealer agrees to pay $100 for each ad that is posted by outside the Terms of Use. If a dealer is non-compliant with the Terms of Use, ads will be permanently blocked from the site. Lastly, the sites may sue for non-compliance.
Why should the dealer install software on their computers?
The SmartPillars software needs to be installed on a computer within the store. Craigslist does not allow proxy servers. Using them is a violation of rules and the dealer IP address could be turned off.
What can SmartPillars software do that non-compliant posters cannot?
First, we stay abreast of Terms of Use and build our software to help automatically comply with the site’s Terms of Use. For example, we make sure ads are not posted in the two different markets at the same time. Second, with our software, cars are automatically when they are sold. Third, we provide ghosting and flagging reports. Fourth, our software allows a dealer to change the content of ads once they are posted.
Can a dealer post an item in two different markets?
If business has 90 items in stock they can post those items in up to three different local markets. However, they can not post the same item in each market so what our software does is split the inventory into 3 groups so that 30 items will be posted in one market, 30 in the second and 30 in the third. Posting the same product, at the same time in two different cities violates the Terms of Use for ad sites.
How many cars can a dealer post per day?
There are no exact rules on this. It is our experience that craigslist does not like most businesses to post more than 30 ads per day in major markets. You will see competitors posting more, but it is our opinion that this will eventually be interpreted as spamming, and your account or IP address will eventually be flagged, ghosted or blacklisted. So therefore, we believe it is important for you to spread your ads for a single account over 7 days. For example: if you have 70 cars, you can post 10/day. If you have 140, you can post 20/day.
Can the dealer post similar cars in the same ad
Yes, we provide this feature for Promote Pillar and Promote Pillar Gold only.
Can the dealer see how many clicks they are getting on the ads?
Yes, we provide a report showing how many times each ad was viewed. Our reports also indicate if an ad has been flagged or ghosted. With our Gold Service, we monitor this and assist with reposting. We also report on click stats by make, model and price so dealers can make educated buying decisions.
Can emails from the consumer go to any CRM system?
Yes, SmartPillars can forward an email in ADF/XML as well as text format to CRM software. This is not available for DIY Basic.
How do you get access to inventory?
We work with all the major feed providers. We get data feeds from them and compose ads based on this information. We don’t poll the DMS, nor can we access any files on the dealer’s computers.
How often do you receive inventory feeds?
We get inventory feeds every night. Changes to inventory will show up in the ads the following day. However, ads can be updated or deleted at any time during the day in the ’Manage Inventory’ area.
Can the dealer change ads before the daily feed (for example, if a product sells)?
Yes, we have the only tool that will allow you to make an adjustment to your ad in between feeds. For example, if you notice the price is wrong, you don't have to wait until the next day to make a change or you dont have to delete the ad. You can simply make a change anytime by going to 'Adjust Prices'. This change will go to all the advertising platforms in one stroke so you dont have to go one by one to make the change. This is a very powerful part of our tool.
How can the dealer view which ads are active?
SmartPillars provides a report listing all active ads. Dealers can click directly to an ad from this report.
How are ads created?
SmartPillars creates ads from the templates that the dealer chooses at signup. We can also create simple text ads. The dealer can change templates at any time. We also have a section in the product called 'My Profile' where the dealer puts contact names and numbers, disclaimers, slogans and titles. This information will show up in all ads and can be updated at any time.
Can you provide landing pages?
Yes, we provide landing pages for Promote Pillar and Promote Pillar Gold. This feature is not available for DIY Basic. For DIY Basic, we will link directly to the landing pages provided by the feed provider.
Can the dealer send data to AutoTrader?
Yes, if the dealer has an account AutoTrader, we can transfer data to them.
Can the dealer send data to Cars.com?
Yes, if the dealer has an account with Cars.com, we can transfer data to them.
Does the dealer need to install any software on their PC?
Yes, in order to comply with site rules, ads have to be posted from your computer and network. The dealer should install the software on three computers. Installation is simple and takes five to seven minutes. We recommend the dealer installs the software on three computers so if one machine is turned off, your ads continue to post.
What does the dealer need to do to set up an account at each location?
The dealer needs a PC and an internet connection. You simply install our browser/application on your desktop and then just stay connected to the internet. We recommend you install the software on three machines, so if one goes offline, your ads will keep posting.
How will the dealer know if a computer is off?
Our customer support staff checks every day to see if a dealer’s ads are posting. We send an alert to the dealer’s webtop and call to help troubleshoot the problem.
Why are phone verifications necessary?
Craigslist routinely calls to verify whether or not a dealer’s ads are being posted from their IP address and not a proxy server. The dealer will get an alert on their Webtop if a phone verification is needed. With Gold Support, our support staff can also assist the dealer.
Will the dealer need a separate SmartPillars account for each location?
Yes, to stay in compliance with Craigslist’s Terms of Use, each location needs to download the SmartPillars software.
What kind of training do you offer?
We are available for training at any time. Simply send an email to sales@smartpillars.com to schedule a time.