.svg)
.webp)
EN
Here are 20+ actionable marketing ideas for your auto dealing business that you can use to drive more customers to your stores.
Whether it’s a family road trip, the first commute to a new job, or simply the joy of independence, cars play a central role in creating lifetime experiences. For most people, buying a car, especially their first one, is a deeply emotional milestone, filled with the desire to make the right choice.
As an auto dealer, you’re not just selling cars; you’re helping people start new chapters of their lives. To be the business they trust with such an important decision, building credibility and fostering connections is crucial.
This is where a comprehensive, 360-degree marketing strategy comes into play. It’s not just about selling; it’s about creating a brand that customers remember and recommend.
When someone searches “best car dealership near me,” you want your business to be the first thing they see. Around 68% of all online experiences begin with a search engine, so ranking high on Google is crucial. Invest in optimizing your website with relevant keywords like “affordable SUVs in [city]” or “used car dealership near [location].” Additionally, create blog content around car-buying tips, maintenance advice, or model comparisons to attract organic traffic. Don’t forget to claim and optimize your Google My Business profile for better local SEO performance.
Social media platforms have powerful tools to help you target the right audience. With platforms like Facebook and Instagram, you can create ads tailored to age groups, locations, and interests, targeting users who follow car enthusiast pages or those searching for financing options. Visual content works best here, so use high-quality photos or videos showcasing your latest inventory.
Geo-targeted ads are essential for a business that depends on local customers. Google Ads allows you to focus your campaigns on specific regions, ensuring your dealership shows up when someone in your vicinity searches for “new cars near me.” Use ad extensions to include your phone number, address, and a direct link to schedule test drives. This hyper-focused strategy can increase both foot traffic and online inquiries.
Car buyers often turn to trusted directories like AutoTrader, Cars.com, and Edmunds to research their options. According to a study by DealerSocket, over 63% of car buyers use online marketplaces as part of their decision-making process.
91% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase. Positive reviews are vital for building trust, especially in a high-ticket industry like auto sales. Send follow-up emails or texts to customers after a purchase, asking them to leave a review. Make it easy with a direct link to your Google or Yelp profile. You can even offer a small incentive, like a free car wash or a gift card, to encourage participation.
Reputation management platforms like Synup or Birdeye can take this process to the next level by automating the collection of reviews and centralizing feedback across platforms. We’ll dive deeper into how these platforms can transform your reputation management strategy later in this article.
Now, this is a tricky one, but securing exclusive rights to sell a specific car brand could be a game-changer for your dealership. It makes your business the go-to spot for anyone interested in that brand, giving you a unique edge in the market. While it’s more common with luxury or niche brands like Ferrari or Lucid, it’s rare for mainstream manufacturers in the U.S. because of franchise laws and the need for widespread dealer networks. That said, exclusivity for a specific model or trim could still be on the table and might help your dealership stand out. If you can make it work, it’s a powerful way to drive traffic and build customer loyalty.
Influencers can help you tap into niche markets. Whether it’s a local lifestyle influencer or an automotive content creator with a loyal following, their endorsement can drive serious traffic. Collaborate with them for car reviews, test-drive experiences, or dealership walkthroughs. For example, a YouTube video highlighting the “top family cars at [Your Dealership]” can attract an audience looking for exactly what you offer.
Take your cars to where the people are. Whether it’s a local fair, sports event, or community festival, setting up a mini showroom or pitstop can attract foot traffic and generate leads. This approach not only introduces your brand to new audiences but also gives potential buyers a low-pressure environment to explore.
Turn your showroom into an experience hub. Hosting events like holiday parties, new car launches, or even a customer appreciation day can draw crowds and build stronger connections. Add a personal touch by inviting loyal customers and including activities like live music, refreshments, or exclusive previews of new models.
Education builds trust. Offer workshops on topics like “Basic Car Maintenance for Beginners” or “How to Choose the Right Car for Your Lifestyle.” These sessions position your dealership as a helpful resource, not just a business. You can also record these sessions and share them on social media, extending their reach.
Aligning your dealership with community events can increase visibility and goodwill. Sponsor events like car shows, sports tournaments, or charity drives. Not only does this give your brand exposure, but it also shows your support for the local community—a factor that buyers often appreciate when choosing where to spend their money.
A well-designed monthly newsletter keeps your audience engaged. Share tips on car maintenance, spotlight the latest models, and highlight special offers. You can take this a step further by creating a digital magazine for car enthusiasts, featuring in-depth articles, interviews, and exciting automotive trends. This strategy helps build a loyal community around your brand.
Your website is your virtual showroom. It should be fast, mobile-optimized, and easy to navigate. Include high-quality images, detailed car descriptions, and an option to schedule test drives or financing consultations online. Statistics show that 95% of car buyers research online before stepping into a dealership (source: Cox Automotive). Make sure your site gives them all the information they need.
Limited-time offers create urgency and drive action. Promote exclusive deals like cashback offers, low-interest financing, or discounts for first-time buyers. Advertise these promotions through social media, emails, and in-store banners to maximize their impact.
A dedicated test drive event allows customers to experience multiple cars without pressure. Enhance the experience with snacks, a photo booth, or small branded giveaways like keychains. This event can also generate leads by collecting participant details for follow-ups.
Your community is your strongest asset. Distribute flyers, place ads in local newspapers, and partner with nearby businesses for cross-promotions. For example, you could team up with a local café to offer free coffee vouchers with every test drive.
Retaining customers is just as important as attracting new ones. A loyalty program offering perks like free oil changes, discounts on accessories, or priority service appointments keeps buyers coming back to your dealership for years.
Everyone loves a chance to win. Run a social media contest where participants can win car accessories, free servicing, or even a significant discount on their next purchase. Require participants to follow your account, share the post, and tag friends to amplify reach.
For those who prefer shopping from home, a virtual tour is a game-changer. Use 360-degree video technology to create an immersive experience of your showroom. Highlight your inventory, service areas, and key features to entice online visitors to book an appointment.
The biggest rule in marketing is—you go wherever your customer goes. That’s why listing your dealership on both industry-specific and general local directories is a must. Platforms like AutoTrader, Cars.com, and Edmunds are hotspots for car buyers actively researching their next vehicle, while general directories like Yelp help you capture a broader audience. Being present on these platforms ensures your dealership is visible where customers are already looking.
Now let’s look at the Doc Ayres Acura Dealership in Illinois. They have listed themselves on all major directories in the USA including Edmunds, Cars.com, Autotraders, etc.
Notice how on Cars.com, the Don Ayres Acura dealership team has provided a clean, professional, and comprehensive profile that serves as an excellent example of what a directory listing should look like.
The dealership's high rating of 4.9 stars from 196 reviews immediately builds trust and credibility, while the "Dealer of the Year 2024" badge reinforces their reputation for excellence.
What stands out even more is the strategically placed Google ad at the top of the page. This banner not only grabs attention but seamlessly redirects users to the dealership's website with one click.
Maintaining a strong online presence is crucial for car dealerships, and two key components of this are managing customer reviews and optimizing your Google Business Profile (GBP).
What’s a good rating average to maintain for car dealerships?
In the automotive industry, a high average rating is vital for attracting potential customers. A study by Reputation.com found that 84% of consumers consider dealership reviews crucial, with 74% insisting on a minimum 4-star rating before engaging with a dealership.
Dealerships that actively manage and respond to customer feedback tend to maintain higher ratings and attract more customers.
Let’s look at a few examples.
For an “auto dealerships near me” search, most of the top Google Business Profiles that show up all have about 4.5 star ratings.
A Google Business Profile serves as a digital storefront for dealerships.
Let’s look at what Hawthorne Motors Pre-Owned has done on their GBP (they are one of the top results for local keywords).
Hawthorne Motors have included key information such as:
These details help build trust, as potential customers can immediately access the information they need to plan a visit.
One standout feature is the dealership's inclusion of over 100 photos, showcasing both the exterior and interior of the dealership, as well as their inventory. Visual content like this gives customers a sense of transparency and confidence before they even step into the showroom. High-quality images of vehicles, the office space, and the surrounding area help create a professional and welcoming impression.
Additionally, Google Maps integration shows the dealership's exact location, complete with street views, which is invaluable for customers unfamiliar with the area.
On Cars.com, Hawthorne Motors Pre-Owned effectively leverages their directory profile to present their available inventory. The profile includes:
This combination of a well-maintained GBP and a strategic presence on directories ensures the dealership reaches customers at multiple touchpoints, from local searches to specific inventory queries.
Synup helps car dealerships manage their online presence by keeping business information accurate and consistent across directories. The platform simplifies monitoring and responding to reviews, building trust with potential buyers. It also tracks marketing performance and boosts visibility by analyzing customer engagement. Synup automates social media posts and review requests, saving time while maintaining a strong connection with your audience. Its comprehensive tools make it easier for dealerships to improve credibility and attract more customers.
DealerSocket is a CRM designed specifically for car dealerships. It helps manage customer relationships, tracks leads, and automates follow-ups to increase conversions. The platform also provides analytics on sales performance and customer behavior, helping dealerships refine their marketing strategies for better results.
This platform helps car dealerships manage inventory, create professional listings, and syndicate them across multiple online marketplaces. It includes marketing tools to run promotions, enhance visibility, and streamline lead generation efforts, all in one place.
Edmunds offers tools tailored for dealerships to reach highly targeted buyers. It provides inventory syndication, ad placements, and real-time market data to optimize pricing strategies. The platform’s analytics tools also help dealerships track performance and refine their marketing efforts.
Marketing your auto dealership involves combining strategies to build trust, improve visibility, and engage buyers. From using tools like Synup to optimizing your Google Business Profile and hosting events, the goal is to create a seamless customer experience while standing out in a competitive market.
Next Steps:
Most importantly, keep yourself updated on latest auto dealership marketing trends using resources like-
With the right tools and strategies, your dealership can attract more customers and build lasting relationships.
1. How to get more customers in a car dealership?
To attract more customers, focus on building trust and visibility. Offer excellent customer service, encourage referrals, and maintain a strong online presence through platforms like Google Business Profile and local directories. Hosting events like test drive days and providing financing options can also help drive foot traffic.
2. What is the best advertising for a dealership?
The best advertising combines digital and traditional methods. Invest in Google Ads and geo-targeted campaigns to reach local buyers, and use social media platforms to showcase inventory and promotions. Pair this with customer testimonials, reviews, and referral programs to build credibility and attract leads.
3. Do car dealerships need marketing?
Absolutely! Marketing helps car dealerships stand out in a competitive industry, attract new customers, and build long-term relationships. A mix of digital strategies, like SEO and social media ads, and offline tactics, like events and loyalty programs, ensures a steady stream of interested buyers.
4. How can I do digital marketing for car dealerships?
Start by creating a user-friendly website with detailed inventory and financing options. Use SEO to improve visibility, run Google and Facebook Ads targeting local buyers, and maintain active social media accounts. Engage customers with email newsletters, online reviews, and virtual tours of your showroom.
List, optimize, and manage business profiles across premium partner sites like Google, Facebook, and Yellow Pages.
Engage your customers with our AI-powered social media tool. Keep track of trends, get help creating content, and automate your social media activities.
Build your online reputation by monitoring reviews, and engaging with customers frequently at scale
