CHICAGO — Cars.com announced its introducing a series of free monthly Webinars called dealeradvantage LIVE. These educational sessions are open to all dealers, regardless of whether or not they are a client of cars.com. Topics of the Webinars include how to use photos to promote inventory online to managing new car leads and more.

"Car buyers increasingly look to the Web — and to independent sites like cars.com — to make informed decisions about their next vehicle," explained Ralph Ebersole, cars.com training director. "As dealers invest in Internet advertising to reach this growing market, we want to provide an online forum for them to learn how to drive more traffic to their showrooms and close more sales."

Dealeradvantage LIVE will be held on the second Friday of each month for the rest of the year, according to company executives.

All scheduled sessions fall in the Eastern time zone. The lineup includes:

Sept. 15, noon: Picture More Sales: Using Photos to Drive Quality Online Traffic

— This session offers tips and techniques to help dealers use photographs to better merchandise their inventory to stand out from the competition and drive quality traffic, noted executives.

Oct. 13, noon: Managing Leads Part 1: What's Behind Your Online Leads?

— Executives said this session discusses the new car lead business and reviews the sales approaches and processes that work best for new-car buyers.

Nov. 10, noon: Managing Leads Part 2: Strategies for Improving Close Rates

— This session explores several strategies, including better defining the area from which leads are purchased and smoothing lead delivery for even flow throughout the month, explained company officials.

Dec. 8, noon: Your Online Gorilla — Putting Dynamic Display Advertising to Work

— This session provides advice on how to effectively complement Internet listings with dynamic and targeted display ads, according to executives.

"These events offer dealers a snapshot look at issues affecting their stores on a daily basis," Ebersole commented. "Industry experts and dealers will play a key role in directing the calls, using real-world examples to illustrate successful strategies and techniques.

"We take an objective look at how dealers use Internet advertising to build brand awareness for their dealerships, differentiate themselves from the competition and win more business," he concluded.

To register for individual sessions or the entire series, visit dealeradvantage.cars.com. Dealers must download free WebEx software at www.webex.com to participate in a session.