written by:  Sara Shiels

Toledo Harley-Davidson on Central Avenue and Signature Harley-Davidson in Perrysburg are where you're number one! We constantly put our best foot forward and give 110% to be just what you are looking for; from a great selection of new and used Harley-Davidson motorcycles and all of the parts and apparel that go with it, to service that keeps you in top shape and on the road. We also strive to be number one in the community by giving back and supporting local charities and organizations.

You don't need to own a Harley to be a part of the community and culture that is prevalent at Toledo and Signature H-D. Join us for one of our many events that are all about bringing people together for a good cause like our annual parking lot concerts at Toledo H-D or the Biker Bash at Signature H-D. These events, plus a number of rides we do throughout the season are to benefit local charities. We also support many local events with charitable contributions to help them raise funds at their events. We've worked with Mom's House, the Sickle Cell Foundation of Northwest Ohio and Planned Pethood just to name a few.

Looking for the Harley of your dreams? Toledo H-D and Signature H-D have an incredible selection of new and used Harley-Davidson motorcycles to set you up with the bike you are looking for.  We also accept trades of all makes and models and provide great financing options to make your dreams become a reality. Our MotorClothes and Parts & Accessories departments are here to make sure you have all of the gear and parts you need, with a staff trained to fit you and your bike properly. Our service department provides the best for your ride from our technicians that are PHD Certified by the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. These departments all come together to form two great dealerships striving to make you feel like you are number one and a part of the Harley-Davidson community!

Or maybe you just want a taste of the open road? Signature Harley-Davidson is your stop for Authorized Harley-Davidson rentals. With daily, weekend, weekly or even monthly rentals available, you can treat yourself to a genuine motorcycling experience any time you'd like. 

How about learning how to ride? If you want to experience the thrill of riding a Harley stop in to either of our dealerships for a spin on Jumpstart. We'll let you fire up a Harley right in our showroom, no endorsement or experience needed. You'll get to start the engine, shift through the gears and experience the excitement you can only get on a Harley. Or call or stop by Toledo Harley-Davidson to get information on the Rider's Edge program. This 4-day program provides a proven blend of classroom instruction and range riding that will leave you confident and ready for the road. When you complete and pass the class you'll receive an MSF Rider Course Completion Card that could exempt you from the written and/or riding portion of the motorcycle license test. Skilled rider courses are also available for those with experience and are looking to hone their riding skills.

It is with a positive approach to business and the community that both Toledo and Signature Harley-Davidson were recently honored with the Top 100 Award from Dealernews. Stop in soon to see what we're all about!

Toledo Harley-Davidson, 7960 W. Central Ave, Toledo, OH

Signature Harley-Davidson, 1176 Professional Dr, Perrysburg, OH

written by:  Marketing Consultant Patrick Giammarco, PWG Marketing

There is no doubt that the landscape of the media is changing and will continue to change at an increasing pace. The Internet has changed the way consumers gather information and make purchase decisions.  As a result, traditional media's place in the marketing mix has changed and now represents just one of a number of available options to be considered.

Below are four forces (re)shaping the media landscape and their marketing implications.

1) Increasing Media Consumption
Our appetite for media is virtually insatiable. We consume massive amounts of content and entertainment because of an inherent need to stay connected. Today, it is common for people of all ages to consume multiple media at the same time, with television, Internet, newspaper and other media frequently competing for attention.

Marketing Takeaway: Provide relevant and compelling content
Most media will be consumed with partial attention, decreasing the effectiveness of your advertising. Instead of accepting passive attention, create "intentional attention" by providing relevant and compelling content distributed via meaningful and valuable marketing channels.

2) Increased Media Choices
Thanks to cable, DVRs, the Internet and satellite radio (to name just a few), consumers now have an almost unlimited number of media options. This explosion in choice means less viewer time per medium, along with smaller audience segments, and magnifies the business challenge of pinpointing and utilizing the right media to reach each respective customer niche.

Marketing Takeaway: Segment your audience
Tackle the explosion of new forms of media by further segmenting your audiences. Develop a detailed persona for each target audience and speak to them directly with relevant content. Strive to understand how your target audiences consume media and interact with other people, uncover where they gather (in real life or online) and facilitate conversations.

3) "Gatekeepers" Losing Control
Over the past several years, massive amounts of power and control have shifted away from traditional media. Today, we no longer rely solely on journalist "gatekeepers" to create and relay information. Armed with easy-to-use content creation and Web publishing tools, an always-on Internet and powerful mobile devices, anyone now has the ability to create and share news, information and entertainment.

Marketing Takeaway: Engage your target audience through social media and blogging
The cost of content/media creation is plummeting and fueling the growth of social sharing sites like YouTube and Facebook. It's time to bring the human side of your business out by engaging directly with your target audience through social media and blogging. Move away from a broadcast mindset to one of engagement and conversation.

4) Generational Media Habits
Each generation is fairly consistent in its media consumption patterns however, each group behaves very differently. The average audience age of traditional media such as television and radio continues to increase. Over time, generational change will result in dramatically different media consumption and participation behavior.

Marketing Takeaway: Embrace change
Media channels will become increasingly age-segmented. The traditional media triad of television, print and radio that has dominated the media landscape since the 1950s is fading. Today, a world of social networking, downloads, online communities and mobile devices is emerging. In order to capture the attention of consumers, embrace the new triad of digital media: social, out-of-home, and mobile.