ARI, a provider of technology-enabled services that help dealers, distributors and manufacturers in selected vertical markets increase revenue and reduce costs, is adopting a new approach to trade shows, with a stronger focus on education and voice of the customer, rather than immediate sales.

At GIE+Expo 2011 in Louisville, Ky., ARI’s Booth in the Dealer Resource Pavilion is designed and staffed to serve as a forum for interaction with the people behind ARI’s tools.

“Product managers, technical support specialists, and web performance and education experts will discuss the latest features and enhancements, gather customer feedback, and provide best practices on lead generation and management, SEO, SEM and more,” explains Cheryl Pabich, Director of Marketing at ARI. 

In addition, Pat Lyons, a longtime ARI customer and owner of Pat’s Power Equipment in Charlestown, R.I., will share how he has leveraged PartSmart, WebsiteSmart and FootSteps to increase sales and profits.

ARI’s product managers will conduct concise, interactive product demonstrations to highlight all the new features and integrations. Multiple presentations of WebsiteSmart, FootSteps, PartSmart and SearchEngineSmart will be held in ARI’s booth (number 200):

Thursday, October 27

  • WebsiteSmart: 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
  • FootSteps 3.0: 12:30 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.
  • PartSmart: 1:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
  • SearchEngineSmart: 10:30 a.m.

Plus: Education session by ARI’s Director of Education Bob McCann titled “Generating and Managing Online Leads for Higher Sales Conversion Rates,” from 2-3:30 p.m. In this interactive session, McCann will show dealers how to turn their website into the profit-maker it should be.

Friday, October 28

  • WebsiteSmart: 12:30 p.m.
  • FootSteps 3.0: 9:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.
  • PartSmart: 1:15 p.m. and 4:15 p.m.
  • SearchEngineSmart: 11:15 a.m.

Saturday, October 29

  • PartSmart: 9:30 a.m.
  • WebsiteSmart: 11:30 a.m.
  • FootSteps 3.0: noon

ARI to Introduce FootSteps 3.0 at GIE+EXPO

FootSteps 3.0, ARI’s new version of its lead management solution, has new features and functionality designed to further help OPE dealers, OEMs, and distributors sell more parts, accessories, and service.

“It’s integrated with PartSmart, the industry’s leading parts lookup software, to turn one-time buyers into customers for life,” says Cheryl Pabich, Director of Marketing at ARI. “FootSteps 3.0 gives users the opportunity to capture customer information at the time of service — before or during the lookup process — from an Illustrated Parts Lookup, Model or Pick List screen.”

FootSteps 3.0 is an easy-to-use, affordable program that allows users to execute a consistent, professional communication strategy with prospects and customers to keep products top-of-mind.

“Today's Web-savvy buyers expect an almost immediate response to their inquiry,” says Pabich. “In many cases, a prompt, professional response can make the difference between a closed sale and a lost opportunity. FootSteps 3.0 helps users exceed buyers' expectations by delivering an immediate response while simultaneously automating the lead distribution process — getting every lead into the hands of an available and qualified salesperson.”

FootSteps 3.0 streamlines processes to give users a bird’s eye view of their lead management performance and results, and provides the visibility they need to drive more sales. Unique in its ability to consolidate leads from multiple sources, FootSteps 3.0 enables users to track, manage, and report lead management functions – all from one solution with end-to-end automation.

About ARI

ARI Network Services, Inc. (OTCBB: ARIS) was incorporated in Wisconsin in 1981 and is a leading innovator of products and solutions that serve several vertical markets with a focus on the outdoor power, power sports, marine, RV, and appliance segments. Products and services include eCommerce-enabled websites, lead generation/lead management services, search engine marketing, and electronic catalogs (parts, garments, and accessories).

ARI markets its products and services through multiple sales channels and geographic markets serving approximately 18,000 equipment dealers, 125 manufacturers, and 150 distributors worldwide. ARI has customers in over 100 countries with the primary market being the Americas served by multiple U.S. offices. The company also has a sales and service office in the Netherlands serving the EMEA and APAC markets.