Car dealerships in the 21st century have to promote and market their services to a variety of audiences in order to stay competitive. As the digital age has increased the use of technology, car dealerships have had to adapt to the needs of their customers.
Pre-owned Car Dealership Marketing Ideas
When marketing a used-car dealership, you need to think outside the box but at the same time, be logical about your approach.
- Have a strong web presence. This is where most car buyers start their search. Make sure your website is easy to navigate, your inventory is up to date, and you have a strong online presence across social mediaplatforms.
- Use targeted advertising. Use targeted ads to reach potential car buyers who are looking for a specific type of vehicle.
- Get involved in the community. Sponsoring local events and partnering with local organizations can help expose your dealership to potential car buyers.
- Offer incentives. Run promotions and offer incentives (like a free oil change with a car purchase, for example) to get people interested in buying a car from your dealership.
- Train your sales staff. Make sure your sal
Today, more and more customers are turning to the internet to research and buy products and services. This is especially true for big ticket items like cars. In order to compete in the online car market, dealers need to have a strong online presence, including a well-optimized website and a robust social media strategy.
One of the most important elements of a successful online car marketing strategy is customer reviews. Online reviews are a powerful tool that can help build trust with potential customers. In fact, according to a study by BrightLocal, 88 percent of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
There are a few things dealers can do to encourage customers to write online reviews:
-Include a request for reviews on your website and in your email signature
-Make it easy for customers to write reviews by providing a link to your review page
-Thank customers for writing reviews and share the positive reviews on your website and social media pages
By taking these simple steps, dealers can generate more online reviews and build trust with potential customers. es staff is knowledgeable about the vehicles you sell and can answer any questions potential buyers may have.
1. Think Local
Used car dealerships should create marketing campaigns that focuses on their specific geographic area. This could include radio ads, billboards, lamp post flyers, adverts in community magazines and handing out flyers at the local car washes, tyre fitment centres and so forth.
It can also be worthwhile to get involved in the local community and start making a name for yourself. Used car dealerships should sponsor local events to create positive associations with the dealership and increase local awareness.
2. Make It Incredibly Easy for People to Find You
First step to reaching your target market is by setting up an optimised Google My Business listing. It is worth hiring a professional SEO specialist to do this on your behalf. A Google My Business listing will help people searching for a used car dealership in their area find you.
You should also have a website that includes clear directions on how to find you and better still a Google Maps pin people can simply click to be directed straight to you on their journey. Make sure your website is mobile-friendly and not important text like your address and contact details is obscured.
3. Develop an Omnichannel Ad Strategy
Used car dealerships should develop an omnichannel ad strategy to connect with potential customers. This should include a mix of digital and traditional marketing methods, such as social media marketing, radio ads, print ads and outdoor advertising.
Used car dealerships should also focus on SEO and online advertising. This can include paid search, social media and remarketing. Additionally, dealerships should consider developing a mobile app to connect with customers on the go, especially if you offer an online catalogue people can browse through.
4. Build Trust with Customer Reviews
When it comes to used car dealerships, word-of-mouth is key. In order to get people to trust you, you need to have a lot of positive reviews from previous customers. This will show that you’re a reputable business that people can trust. Online reviews are a powerful tool that can help build trust with potential customers. In fact, according to a study by BrightLocal, 88 percent of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
There are a few things dealers can do to encourage customers to write online reviews:
– Include a request for reviews on your website and in your email signature
– Make it easy for customers to write reviews by providing a link to your review page
– Thank customers for writing reviews and share the positive reviews on your website and social media pages
By taking these simple steps, dealers can generate more online reviews and build trust with potential customers.
Another way to build trust is to offer a wide selection of vehicles. This will show that you have something for everyone and that you’re committed to meeting the needs of your customers. You can apply for floor plan finance to get more cash in hand to purchase stock for your floor and take advantage of good deals.
Finally, in order to promote and market a used car dealership, you need to provide excellent customer service. This means going above and beyond to make sure that your customers are happy.
5. Compel Shoppers to Come Into Your Store with Irresistible Offers
There are a few things you can do to compel shoppers to visit your store and buy a car. One is to have irresistible offers, such as a free car history report, free oil change or a free vehicle inspection. You can also offer a great selection of cars, so shoppers know they can find what they’re looking for at your dealership. Additionally, make sure your dealership is easy to find and has a friendly and helpful staff. By doing these things, you’ll make it more likely that shoppers will visit your store and buy a car.
Some other practical marketing tips include:
- Have a strong web presence. This is where most car buyers start their search. Make sure your website is easy to navigate, your inventory is up to date, and you have a strong online presence across social mediaplatforms.
- Use targeted advertising. Use targeted ads to reach potential car buyers who are looking for a specific type of vehicle.
- Stay up to date with the latest automotive trends. Keep your inventory current and offer the latest models and features that car buyers are looking for.
- Offer financing options. Many car buyers are looking for financing options, so make sure you offer a variety of loan terms and rates.
- Offer a used-car buying service to help your customers sell old vehicles and potentially used it as a trade-in for a new vehicle purchased through your used car dealership.
These are some practical and actionable tips any used car dealership owner who is serious about making more profit should investigate further.