As the pandemic fades away, more people are finally getting back on the road. With lockdowns disappearing and businesses returning to the usual, most people will drive more than last year. In addition to this transition, the return of car production is likely to get more automotive businesses back on track.  

When drivers return to the road full-time, they might realize it’s time for a new vehicle. This is why auto companies need to maximize their visibility at this time. With clever advertising, your auto business will have a better chance of standing apart and appealing to audiences in the market for a new vehicle. Keep these automotive business marketing tips in mind to guide your strategies. 

Create a Compelling Commercial 

Through an engaging commercial that's unique to your company, you can easily reach your local community. You can also advertise to mass audiences and captivate them with a well-produced ad.   

The fact is that commercials have an impact on consumers that keep them as relevant as your online strategies. With the ability to drastically increase brand awareness, TV advertising is more important than ever before. TV advertising has a phenomenal reach, with the potential for millions of viewers seeing your ad. Adding a commercial into your marketing mix can reach new consumers, leading to higher-performing campaigns. 

Find Your Audience on Social Media 

Social media campaigns are an excellent way for auto businesses to connect with audiences. Before you develop a social media strategy, find out which platforms your customers use. Based on where most of your audience is, you can set up business pages on those platforms and engage with consumers.  

Using social media, you can connect with audiences in multiple ways. For instance, you could showcase your inventory and highlight specific vehicles that would interest different segments of your audience. You could also use videos to engage users. To bring value to your audience, consider sharing DIY auto repair tips and other information that audiences can use. Before-and-after content is also often popular among social media users.   

Regardless of what you post, auto businesses are steering away from traditional advertising methods and into more social, online forms of advertising. According to Dealer News Today, “Research from DealerSocket discovered that typical forms of advertising, like radio, TV, and billboards brought a dealership roughly $1,702 per vehicle, compared to $2,514 per vehicle with digital marketing.” 

Make sure you engage consistently with your audiences on social media. You can answer common questions, share exciting information or updates, or post happy customers' stories. Additionally, you can respond to comments to show that you value your audience's input. Over time, you'll begin to build a loyal community of followers through effective social media marketing, particularly if you post often and remain top-of-mind. 

Showcase Your Authority with Content Marketing 

Through content marketing, there are many ways to establish your company as an industry authority. You can show your expertise in your field by publishing blogs and newsletters.  

In your blogs, you can explain what's new in your business or industry and keep consumers updated. It's also best to create shareable, valuable content for your community to build trust. At the same time, use SEO to show up in organic searches for popular terms and optimize your website for the ideal user experience.  

With a well-developed website and high-value content, you can give visitors a reason to stay on your pages longer. Ultimately, this will help build trust in you as a reputable industry authority. 

Use Email Marketing in Anticipation of Customer Trends 

Another great way to stay top-of-mind among audiences is to use email marketing. In your emails, share interesting details or updates with leads who are already in your sales funnel, nurturing them until they're ready to buy. 

You can send out email blasts in anticipation of: 

• The "back to school" season as parents need a bigger vehicle for carpools 
• Winter, when people require snow tires and other safety measures 
• Busy periods and slow periods 
• Popular times of year to purchase a vehicle 
• Certain weather conditions that may warrant new windshield wipers, tires, or other parts or vehicles 
• Driving trends that develop at specific times of the year 
• Car and repair needs 
• Sales that could drive more vehicle purchases or service requests 

Stand Out from the Competition with Social Proof 

Auto businesses thrive on word-of-mouth advertising, which is why social proof is so vital to them. People like to trust auto businesses before committing to vehicle purchases, parts, and services, which are often a significant investment for most consumers. Subsequently, new customers are likely to come from a referral.  

To drive positive social proof, you can gather and post great reviews for your vehicles and service. These reviews could come from Google, social media, and other sources. You can also request and share customer testimonials on social media, ads, or directly on your website. With sound social proof, you can beat out the competition with an excellent reputation for providing exceptional customer service. 

Tailor Your Marketing Strategy to Your Specific Needs with a Media Partner 

Marketing strategies will differ from car dealerships to repair shops or parts stores. You need to decide on the right approach for your auto business to drive results with a custom solution that meets your specific marketing needs. Keep in mind that there isn't a one-size-fits-all marketing solution, which is why it's essential to work with a media partner who can create unique plans with you. With the help of a partner you can count on, you'll benefit from a marketing strategy that's best suited for your business.