Automotive Marketing: 10 Strategies, Tips and Ideas for 2024

As a local auto business owner, implementing innovative marketing strategies is paramount for attracting more customers and staying ahead of the competition. Need a helping hand? You’re in luck. We’ve curated a list of the 10 best marketing strategies that can help you improve your auto business.

1. Use Podium for AI BDC &  Text Marketing

Speed to lead is critical in today’s fast-paced market, and Podium’s AI BDC offers an unparalleled advantage by ensuring dealerships engage with leads within a couple of minutes—guaranteed. Podium’s conversational AI is outcome-driven – it doesn’t just respond to inbound leads it guides conversations toward a specific goal, such as a sale or booking. Unlike other AI systems that focus on providing correct responses, Podium aims to drive specific customer actions to grow your business.

Podium’s AI BDC helps dealers transform potential interest into concrete actions like booking test drives and scheduling service appointments. Engage every lead with meaningful conversations to drive sales with Podium’s best-in-class conversational AI Employee. Watch a demo today.

Additionally, text marketing is an effective way to reach out to customers and showcase products or offers. With Podium, you can communicate with customers via text and increase engagement by sharing discounts, promotions, and service reminders. Text marketing is an efficient channel for nurturing leads, and Podium makes it even more convenient with its user-friendly platform.

Podium understands how essential customer communication is, and our text marketing solution is designed to make your outreach more effective and personalized.

2. Build a Mobile-Responsive Website

Having a mobile-responsive website is crucial in today’s digital age. Customers are likely to access your website through their smartphones, and a responsive website reflects your professionalism and adaptability. Ensure your website has easy navigation, clear CTAs, and loads quickly to keep potential customers engaged while browsing through your offers and services.

A well-structured website can do wonders for your business, and mobile-responsiveness is the key to winning the hearts (and business) of your target audience.

3. Participate in Local Events and Sponsorships

Strengthen your brand presence by getting involved in community events, sponsorships, or even hosting your own charity drive. Connecting with the community fosters trust and goodwill, encouraging potential customers to choose your business over competitors.

We recommend prioritizing community engagement because it reflects positively on your brand and helps build lasting relationships with potential customers while showcasing your commitment to the local community.

4. Optimize Your Website for Local SEO

Local search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for auto businesses, as it ensures your website appears in search results when potential customers seek local services in your area. Conduct keyword research, use relevant keywords in your web content, and optimize your Google My Business listings to improve your local search engine ranking.

The impact of local SEO on your business can be significant. It can drive more organic traffic to your auto business, resulting in more leads and sales opportunities.

5. Provide Exceptional Customer Service

Providing an excellent customer experience is essential for promoting customer loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing. Respond promptly to inquiries, offer customized solutions, and appreciate customer feedback. Your dealership staff should be well-trained and well-informed about your products and services.

Genuine care and outstanding service will keep your customers coming back and also attract new ones through positive reviews and recommendations.

6. Utilize Social Media Platforms

An active presence on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allows you to reach a broader audience and showcase your products, services, and offers. Engage with your followers by posting regularly and encouraging interaction to build a strong brand community.

Social media marketing is powerful and cost-effective. It will help you drive brand awareness and generate more leads for your auto business.

7. Offer Attractive Financing Options

Providing various financing options, such as lease deals, zero-percent financing, or flexible payment plans, attracts budget-sensitive customers to your business. Financing options make it easier for customers to make their purchase decision without compromising their financial situation.

We recommend offering flexible financing options tailored to your customers’ financial needs, as it demonstrates your commitment to providing accessible auto services and products.

8. Implement a Referral Program

A referral program rewards your loyal customers for spreading the word about your business, creating a win-win scenario. Offer incentives, such as discounts, free services, or gift cards, to encourage customers to refer friends and family to your auto business.

Referral programs can significantly increase customer loyalty and generate more leads through personal connections and trust in your business.

9. Utilize Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising

Investing in PPC advertising can help increase your online visibility and drive targeted traffic to your website. With ads appearing at the top of search engine results for relevant keywords, you can reach potential customers who are actively searching for auto products and services like yours.

PPC advertising is an effective marketing tool that boosts brand presence and reaches new prospects who are likely to convert into customers.

10. Showcase Customer Testimonials

Displaying positive customer testimonials on your website, social media platforms, and print materials instills trust in potential customers. Real-life experiences from satisfied clients improve your credibility and influence the decision-making process of potential customers.

We understand the power of testimonials and recommend leveraging them to enhance your reputation and attract more customers in the auto industry.

Podium Helps Auto Businesses Like Yours Grow

The 10 marketing strategies listed above are designed to help you attract more customers and maintain a competitive edge in the industry. By adopting these strategies and using platforms like Podium to manage your online presence, you can stay ahead in the race and grow your local auto business successfully.

Bring speed and efficiency to every customer experience and sale with Podium’s AI BDC. Watch a demo now.