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ATLANTA — In today's auto market, consumers are leaning on social media in their vehicle-research and shopping processes, and in light of this phenomenon, EasyCare has employed social-media tools of its own to educate these savvy shoppers about vehicle service contracts and attract them into EasyCare dealerships.

EasyCare discussed how it has utilized some of these Web resources to accomplish these ends.

The company has expanded its website (www.easycare.com) with additional comprehensive information designed to teach shoppers about vehicle service contracts prior to them heading to the dealership. By doing so, consumers have a better understanding and are more prepared.

The site also now includes a dealer locator functionality, and EasyCare continues to augment its site with more functions.

EasyCare is also teaming up with dealers via Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and EasyCare.com to help them offer consumers "credible content." 

What's more, EasyCare said it adds various new content, pictures and information to its Facebook page each day, and it has uploaded video to YouTube.

The company also has 600 followers on Twitter. It posts tweets not only on auto-related topics but about other interests shoppers may have.

Furthermore, dealers participating in the Motor Trend Certified Advantage program (which is powered by EasyCare) have taken photos of customers with their new rides and posted these to the individual dealership Facebook pages and the Motor Trend Certified Advantage Facebook page, as well.

This serves as a way for customers to share their excitement about buying a vehicle with their friends.

"We are always looking for opportunities to enhance the consumer's vehicle buying and ownership experience, and the Internet has enabled us to reach out to the consumer in new, fun, organic ways," stated Jennifer Silverberg, EasyCare's vice president of marketing and customer experience.

"Reaching out to consumers where they are and helping them make smart choices when they make their vehicle purchase at their dealership is a logical extension of our business," she continued.