Welcome to the future of car buying.
Today’s marketable cars are on another level of user experience. The days of visiting multiple dealerships are behind us; now, buyers can explore a vast selection of vehicles without leaving home.
With immersive 360° videos, customers can experience virtual test drives and detailed inspections, making the process feel incredibly real. As consumers conduct thorough online research before stepping into a dealership, automotive marketing must evolve to meet the needs of this digital-savvy audience.
But do these strategies fit the budget? Plenty. Let’s dive into some creative marketing tactics that can increase car sales and set your dealership up for long-term success.
Post Customized Social Media Ads
Social media ads have come a long way. Today, consumers want personalization—71% prefer ads that speak directly to them. So, forget those one-size-fits-all approaches. With automated video ads integrated into your CRM, you can segment your audience and tailor messages that resonate.
For example, if targeted customers are identified as having vehicles nearing trade-in time, you could create a compelling video ad showing a limited-time offer for a new model that aligns with their preferences. These ads could feature real testimonials from satisfied customers, making the promotions feel more relatable and trustworthy. This maximizes engagement and increases your chances of a sale. Plus, with dynamic retargeting, you can remind potential buyers who have previously shown interest in specific models about your dealership’s exciting offers and turn intent into action.
Build Trust With Online Reviews
Online reviews are essential for any car dealership looking to thrive in a competitive market. Nearly 88% of consumers trust online reviews just as much as personal recommendations, making them a powerful tool for influencing purchasing decisions. Don’t leave it to chance; actively showcase your best reviews by creating engaging video content that highlights customer satisfaction and positive experiences.
Sharing these testimonials across your marketing channels builds trust and gives potential buyers a relatable and enjoyable connection to your dealership. Remember, a dealership’s reputation can be fragile, and managing your online presence is everything—92% of consumers consult online reviews before making a decision. Encourage customer feedback, respond professionally to all reviews, and strongly display top ratings for better credibility and visibility for your SEO efforts (and, resultantly, sales).
Focus On Local Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Today, a strong online presence defines your dealership. Research by Google reports that with 92% of car buyers doing their research online, local SEO can really make a difference. Start by setting up a Google Business Profile to attract nearby customers. Use precise long-tail keywords, like “2023 Honda Accord in Seattle,” to help you rise in search rankings.
Remember, both the quantity and quality of reviews can significantly improve your rankings, so encourage satisfied customers to leave feedback. Also, ensure your website is mobile-friendly, as over 60% of searches are conducted on mobile devices.
Capture Interest Your Email Newsletter
Email marketing connects dealerships with customers and boosts engagement. Regular newsletters keep your audience in the loop about promotions, special offers, and events. Focus on crafting a quality subscriber list and segmenting it by customer interests for maximum relevance.
Incorporate eye-catching images and videos to enhance the visual appeal of your emails. A/B testing various subject lines can significantly improve open rates. Remember to keep your content concise and mobile-friendly, as this fosters customer loyalty. With the right strategy, email marketing can elevate retention and encourage repeat visits to your dealership. Consider using platforms like Mailpro to track results and refine your campaigns for even greater success.
Social Media Videos Are Your Dealership’s Best Friend
Video marketing is now a must-have for car dealerships. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram go beyond entertainment to attract potential buyers. More research from Google shows that 65% of customers are swayed by 360° videos, which should be a key part of your marketing approach.
These videos can elevate virtual test drives, showcase vehicle features, or provide practical maintenance tutorials, all in an engaging format. You don’t need to spend a fortune, either—tools like Lotlinx Video enable you to produce high-quality content quickly and affordably. When sharing these interactive videos, focus on your dealership’s unique voice and connect with your audience.
Incorporating humor or relatable moments builds trust, which helps when customers are making big investments. These videos can also tie your vehicles to local events or lifestyles, like promoting an SUV for weekend getaways. By harnessing the power of video, you can drive foot traffic to your showroom, strengthen customer relationships, and enhance your brand visibility.
Taking Advantage of Vin View Optimizer™ (VVO)
The VIN View Optimizer™ (VVO) is a powerful tool that allows dealerships to gain detailed insights into their marketing spending and inventory performance. By breaking down expenses at the VIN level, dealers can see exactly where their money is going and identify areas of waste. This transparency helps optimize their marketing strategies so that your marketing is spent down to the last dollar.
As Alex Karpyza, Lotlinx Senior Director of Product Development, mentions, “We see ourselves as a VINTech company, and it’s the technology that is telling us the story that there is still a massive amount of waste in dealership marketing budgets.” With VVO™, dealers can actively address this waste and enhance their overall marketing efficiency.
Click here to see who else is talking about VVO™ and schedule a free demo today.