Using regular expressions (regex) can significantly enhance how auto dealers analyze search queries and optimize their content. Here, we focus on regex patterns for different types of queries—Informational, Navigational, Commercial, and Transactional—and include specific patterns for “near me” terms, brand terms, and model terms.

Regex for Informational Queries

Definition: Informational queries are search queries where users seek to learn something or find information on a particular topic. These queries indicate that the user is in the research phase and not necessarily ready to make a purchase.

Regex Pattern:

.*(how to|benefits of|tips|guide|what to|why|ways to|information about|learn|explain|overview).*

Examples:

  • “how to choose the right car”
  • “benefits of electric vehicles”
  • “car maintenance tips”

Regex for Navigational Queries

Definition: Navigational queries occur when users are looking to find a specific website or page. These queries indicate that the user has a specific destination in mind and is likely looking to engage directly with the dealership.

Regex Pattern:

.*(dealer|dealership|contact|hours|location|address|phone|website|near me|nearest|local|directions|schedule).*

Examples:

  • “Toyota dealership near me”
  • “XYZ Auto Dealership contact page”
  • “Ford dealer website”

Regex for Commercial Queries

Definition: Commercial queries are those where users are considering different options and seeking information to inform a purchase decision. These users are in the evaluation phase, comparing different products or services.

Regex Pattern:

.*(best|compare|reviews|top|affordable|cheap|deals|offers|versus|vs|comparison|pros and cons|buying guide|2024|new|latest|features).*

Examples:

  • “best SUV for families”
  • “2024 car reviews”
  • “top-rated sedans”

Regex for Transactional Queries

Definition: Transactional queries indicate a strong intent to perform a specific action, such as making a purchase or booking a service. These queries are from users who are ready to take action.

Regex Pattern:

.*(buy|purchase|order|book|schedule|lease|test drive|quote|price|special offer|deal|discount|promotion|finance).*

Examples:

  • “buy Honda Civic 2024”
  • “schedule test drive online”
  • “lease deals on SUVs”

Additional Regex Patterns for Auto Dealers

Near Me Terms: These patterns capture queries indicating a user’s intent to find nearby services or locations.

.*(near me|nearest|close by|local|nearby).*

Examples:

  • “Chevrolet dealer near me”
  • “nearest car service center”

Brand Terms: These patterns focus on queries that include specific car brands.

.*(Chevrolet|Toyota|Honda|Ford|Nissan).*

Examples:

  • “Chevrolet car reviews”
  • “Toyota dealership contact”

Model Terms (using Chevrolet as an example): These patterns target queries that include specific car models.

.*(Chevrolet Silverado|Chevrolet Malibu|Chevrolet Equinox|Chevrolet Traverse|Chevrolet Colorado).*

Examples:

  • “Chevrolet Silverado 2024 features”
  • “buy Chevrolet Malibu online”

Finding Colors in Queries

Purpose: Identify queries where users are searching for vehicles by color.

Regex Pattern:

.*(black|white|red|blue|silver|grey|gray|green|yellow|orange|brown|purple|gold).*

Examples:

  • “black SUV for sale”
  • “blue sedan reviews”

VDP Pages with /new-vehicles/ in URLs

Purpose: Identify new vehicle detail pages on the website.

Regex Pattern:

.*/new-vehicles/.*$

Examples:

VDP Pages with /used-vehicles/ in URLs

Purpose: Identify used vehicle detail pages on the website.

Regex Pattern:

.*/used-vehicles/.*$

Examples:

Finding Price Range Queries

Purpose: Identify queries where users are searching for vehicles within a specific price range.

Regex Pattern:

.*(\$\d{1,3},\d{3}|\d{1,3}k).*

Examples:

  • “SUVs under $30,000”
  • “cars between 20k and 30k”

Finding Vehicle Types

Purpose: Identify queries where users are searching for specific types of vehicles.

Regex Pattern:

.*(SUV|sedan|truck|coupe|convertible|minivan|hatchback|wagon|electric car|hybrid).*

Examples:

  • “best electric car 2024”
  • “affordable SUVs for families”

Conclusion

Using regex patterns can help auto dealers effectively filter and analyze search queries, allowing them to create targeted content that meets the needs of potential customers at various stages of their journey. By optimizing for informational, navigational, commercial, and transactional queries, and incorporating patterns for “near me,” brand terms, and model terms, dealers can improve their website’s visibility and drive more conversions.