10 Creative Marketing Ideas for Your Dealership in 2019

NowadaYou don't always think of car dealerships as the hub for creative marketing ideas -- which is a perfect reason for you to do it for your own dealership.

Yes, sales of any type are a direct reflection of how you market yourself digitally. Social media and online platforms have made it so that most people discover you without ever seeing you in person.

It's on you, then, to create a robust and creative series of marketing campaigns to help grow your business. If you don't, as we've seen with many companies that have died recently (Toys R Us, for example), it might be the last decision you make.

Let's take a look at ten creative marketing campaign ideas for your car dealership.

1. Do You Show Up In Search Results?

The truth is that you need to cover your bases before you think about being creative. And covering your bases online means that you are active in every major search engine or place that people look for businesses.

These include the obvious candidates: Google, Bing, Yahoo. But don't skimp on things like Yelp or Yellow Pages, either.

If you aren't ranking high on all of these engines, you might as well not bother with creative marketing campaigns. After all, most people aren't going to see whatever you create or invest in. Harsh maybe, but it's reality in 2019.

2. Network With Other Dealers

One more base to cover before we get our creative juices flowing. Could anyone in your area help you?

These days, social media and engagement happen when you market across platforms. Is it possible for you to network or swap with other car dealers in the area to brainstorm or work together on some digital marketing ideas?

See here for dealer locators nearby in case this seems interesting. A rising tide raises all boats, after all.

3. Establish Your Authority Through Videos

Nowadays, the number one way to build brand awareness is to show people that you can help them. One way to do that is to create How-To or tutorial style videos that you can post on YouTube and other social media platforms.

For your dealership, pick a topic: car maintenance, insuring, getting a good price on a car. Whatever you think would add value for your business.

As some of the online business and marketing gurus like Pat Flynn say, "the riches are in the niches." Start small and work your way up.

4. Create A Rewards or Referral Program

One key to creative promotional ideas that generate sales is to give people an incentive to return to your site. Not only will return traffic help boost the chance that you get sales, but sites like Google and other social media platforms that track these things will reward your platform for being valuable.

Possible options include creating a reward system or referral offer for people that send traffic to your website or social media platforms. Give discounts, free apparel, or pick something local to celebrate something like a sports team.

5. Free Car Washes

Don't skimp on a throwback option-car washes offer people obvious value and capitalize on people that are driving by. You can also use live streaming platforms on social media to broadcast this, creating awareness across Facebook to get other people to come join you.

6. Celebrate Anniversaries

Anniversaries are worth celebrating. And, in terms of ideas for marketing, it's a fool-proof way to capitalize once a year on something that people can easily understand.

Be creative by celebrating with a theme or by using your brand's colors.

7. Snapchat GeoFilters

Snapchat has fallen in recent years to Instagram stories, but they are still a force to be reckoned with. You can create your own filter and location for your business that will broadcast through Snapchat.

8. Encourage Clients To Write You Reviews

Flip back to tip #1 and remember that people need to know you exist before you get creative. Having themed parties and Snapchat filters is cool, but you want to bolster these networks first.

Ask loyal customers to give you reviews on these platforms so people can read about their experiences. Again, incentives are a key for getting people to follow through and help you build a brand.

9. Share The Process

Look at big online brands like Gary Vaynerchuk's. If you actually watch their videos, you learn quickly-all he's showing is the process and behind-the-scenes work. For some reason, people love it.

Find ways to bring people in on what happens when the customers aren't around. You might be surprised how people open up to the human side of your business and engage on different platforms just because you're willing to open up a bit.

10. Customize The Experience

People love stuff that meets them where they're at. Find ways to customize things to give away to your customers: names, the town or area your dealership is located in, or again, sports teams.

A little personal touch can go a long way and give people a reason to share, like, or promote your brand.

Creative Marketing Ideas, Wrapped Up

When it comes to creative marketing ideas for your car dealership, there are a few strategies to keep in mind that fit into all of the tips listed above.

Cover your bases by ensuring you're where people are. We know that sounds silly, but the truth is that you need to be on all the heavy hitters, not just Google.

From there, do your best to personalize the experience people are getting. The more helpful and personable you can be, the better things will go for you.