![Car Dealership: how to post engaging content [content idea list]](http://onlineyougrow.com/cdn/shop/articles/cov-marketing-plan-1_64534331-283a-416a-bff1-cad99ffe8c34.png?v=1715865480&width=1100)
Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best car dealerships in the world use strategically to attract customers.
We know you're busy running your dealership and the thought of managing social media might feel like another burden.
But here's the deal: you don't need to be a marketing expert or spend a fortune to make it work. Just a few minutes a day can bring a couple of new customers to your showroom.
To help you out we have built a free list of content ideas - also, for a full action plan, please check our strategy pack for car dealership owners.
Get the content idea list made for car dealership owners
A lot of car dealerships manage to post engaging content on social media. Here is a free tool to to get you started.
Content that always work well for a car dealership
We have analyzed numerous car dealerships' social media accounts to create our strategy pack for car dealerships - here is what consistently drives results.
| Content Type | Why It Works to Attract New Customers to Your Dealership |
|---|---|
| High-Quality Car Photos | Visually appealing images of vehicles can captivate potential buyers, encouraging them to visit the dealership for a closer look. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Videos | Showcasing the showroom, service area, and staff builds trust and creates a connection with the audience. |
| Customer Testimonials | Positive reviews and testimonials from real customers provide social proof and encourage others to visit the dealership. |
| Specials and Promotions | Announcing limited-time offers, discounts, and financing deals can attract new customers looking for great deals. |
| User-Generated Content | Sharing content created by customers (photos, reviews) engages the community and adds authenticity. |
| Local Collaborations | Partnering with local influencers or businesses can introduce the dealership to a broader, local audience. |
| Event Announcements | Promoting upcoming events, test drive days, or car shows can attract new visitors interested in unique experiences. |
| Seasonal and Holiday Posts | Highlighting seasonal promotions or holiday sales can attract customers looking for special deals during those times. |
| Interactive Content | Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions engage followers and create a sense of community, encouraging them to visit. |
| Maintenance Tips | Sharing car maintenance tips can engage followers who are car enthusiasts and build trust in your expertise. |
| New Inventory Updates | Regularly updating followers with new arrivals keeps the dealership top-of-mind and encourages spontaneous visits. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Staff Stories | Featuring stories about the staff members creates a personal connection and humanizes the brand. |
| Car Care Tips | Sharing tips and tricks for car care can engage followers who are car enthusiasts and home mechanics. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | Highlighting sustainable practices or eco-friendly vehicles appeals to environmentally conscious consumers. |
| Customer Spotlights | Featuring regular customers creates a sense of community and makes others want to be part of that group. |
| Contests and Giveaways | Running contests and giveaways can increase engagement and attract new followers, many of whom may convert into customers. |
Some car dealerships make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best car dealerships in the world. Replicate them now!
How can car dealership owners make great content on social media?
What to Prioritize
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your cars are essential.
People buy with their eyes first. Make sure the lighting is good, the cars look pristine, and the presentation is inviting.
Also, post regularly to keep your audience engaged. It doesn’t have to be daily, but find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. We have prepared a free social media planner for you.
Of course, respond to comments and messages quickly. People appreciate interaction and it makes them feel valued. Don’t just be another “bland” account.
Show the real side of your dealership. Behind-the-scenes photos, staff stories, and customer shoutouts can create a personal connection with your audience.
If you want to keep your potential customers excited, highlight any special offers, events, or new arrivals. Make sure your followers know what’s new and exciting.
Finally, share positive reviews and testimonials. Social proof is powerful and can help attract new customers.
An example of our marketing pack for car dealership owners
What Doesn’t Matter as Much
Overly polished content does not really matter. Your posts don’t need to be perfect. Authenticity can be more engaging than highly produced content.
Also, don’t feel pressured to jump on every social media trend. Focus on what fits your dealership’s “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your dealership, don’t immediately go for paid Ads. Organic reach can still be effective with good content and engagement. You will find tons of tactics and strategies in our strategy pack for dealership owners.
How to Do It Fast and Efficient
First, spend a few hours once a week taking photos, recording videos, and drafting posts. This way, you’re not scrambling daily.
Use Scheduling Tools - tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can schedule posts in advance, saving you time.
Repurpose and use the same content across different platforms. A photo on Instagram can be a post on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter.
Encourage customers to share their own photos and tag your dealership. This is what we call “User-Generated Content”. Reposting these can save you time and build community.
Use apps like Canva for quick and easy graphic design, or Lightroom for photo editing. These tools can make your content look professional with minimal effort.
Low-budget content ideas for car dealerships on social media
Our team has curated a list of highly specific, budget-friendly content ideas tailored for car dealerships, complete with practical tips to keep costs low and effectively leverage social media.
You might want to incorporate some of these ideas in the marketing plan of your car dealership.
| Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
|---|---|
| Smartphone Car Photos | Use natural light by positioning cars outside during daytime. Enhance photos with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO. |
| Customer Testimonials | Ask satisfied buyers to leave a quick video testimonial on their phone. Offer a free car wash or oil change as a thank-you. |
| User-Generated Content | Encourage customers to share photos of their new cars by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your dealership on Instagram. |
| DIY Maintenance Tips | Film short, simple car maintenance tips using a smartphone and a basic tripod. Use free editing software like iMovie or OpenShot. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Stories | Use Instagram Stories or Facebook Live to give a real-time look at your daily operations or introduce the team during slow hours. |
| Special Offers Posts | Design simple, eye-catching graphics for special offers using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and an attractive photo of the car. |
| Staff Spotlights | Feature staff members with a casual photo and fun facts about them. Use your smartphone and a natural setting in the dealership. |
| Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their favorite car models or suggestions for new features. |
| Local Event Promotions | Collaborate with local events by offering a small discount or coupon. Cross-promote each other's content to reach a wider audience. |
| Community Involvement Posts | Post photos and short stories about your participation in local charity events or partnerships with community organizations. |
| Customer Spotlights | Highlight loyal customers with their new cars. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their experience at your dealership. |
| Showroom Photos | Create attractive showroom settings using inexpensive items like banners, balloons, and props from dollar stores. |
| Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as recycling or using energy-efficient lighting. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of the car detailing or inspection process. Compile them into a quick video using free tools. |
| Simple Contests and Giveaways | Run social media contests where participants like, share, or tag friends to win a free car service. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a free car wash. |
| Seasonal Car Posts | Highlight seasonal car care tips and services using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the service to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best car dealerships in the world!
There are car dealerships that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for car dealerships
Investing in top-notch social media content for your car dealership might be worth it because many other dealerships won't bother, giving you a chance to really stand out, grab people's attention, and build a loyal customer base.
| Content Type | Why It Could Bring a LOT of Customers |
|---|---|
| Virtual Test Drives | Hosting live or recorded virtual test drives where your sales team showcases the features of popular models can create a sense of excitement and attract a global audience. |
| Interactive 360° Showroom Tours | Offering virtual 360° tours of your showroom, including the service areas and featured vehicles, can provide a unique behind-the-scenes experience and entice people to visit in person. |
| Limited Edition Models | Creating buzz with limited edition or seasonal models available for a short time can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat customers. |
| Exclusive Test Drive Events | Offering an exclusive test drive experience where customers can get a personalized tour and test drive with a sales expert can create a memorable experience and word-of-mouth. |
| AR Vehicle Integration | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology in your vehicle displays where customers can see a 3D representation of cars can enhance the buying experience and attract tech-savvy customers. |
| Themed Sales Events | Hosting themed sales events, such as a classic car show or a family fun day, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting groups and special occasions. |
| Car Challenge Contests | Organizing car challenge contests (e.g., longest test drive or best car customization) can create viral moments, attracting car enthusiasts and spectators. |
| Collaborative Pop-Up Events | Partnering with other local businesses or car clubs to host pop-up events can introduce your dealership to new audiences and create a buzz in the community. |
| Story-Driven Social Media Posts | Sharing in-depth stories about the history of your dealership, the origins of your vehicles, or the personal journey of your staff can create an emotional connection with customers. |
| Interactive Vehicle Customization | Allowing customers to choose custom features for a vehicle via social media polls can make them feel involved and eager to see the creations they helped design. |
| Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Launching and promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as electric vehicle options or sustainable practices, can attract environmentally conscious consumers and media attention. |
| Mobile Showroom Pop-Ups | Operating a mobile showroom in different locations or at local events can expand your reach and attract new customers who may visit your main dealership later. |
| Maintenance Subscription Service | Offering a subscription service where customers receive monthly maintenance tips and service discounts can create a loyal customer base. |
| Immersive Driving Workshops | Hosting workshops where customers can learn advanced driving techniques from experts can attract car enthusiasts and create a sense of exclusivity. |
| Flash Mob Car Shows | Organizing flash mob car shows in unexpected locations can create viral content and attract adventurous car lovers looking for unique experiences. |
Content that never works well for car dealerships on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these strategies. We've seen many car dealerships make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the competition or bring in new customers to your dealership.
| Content Type | Why It Never Works for Dealerships | Do This Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make the dealership appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your cars, staff, and showroom to create a genuine connection with your audience. |
| Overly Promotional Posts | Constantly pushing promotions can feel spammy and turn off followers. | Mix in engaging content like behind-the-scenes stories, customer testimonials, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested. |
| Unrelated Content | Posting content that has nothing to do with cars or the dealership confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on your dealership, cars, events, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest. |
| Low-Quality Videos | Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your dealership's quality and professionalism. | Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your dealership positively. |
| Political or Controversial Posts | These can alienate parts of your audience and lead to negative backlash. | Stick to neutral, positive content that focuses on cars, community, and your dealership's unique offerings. |
| Too Many Hashtags | Overusing hashtags can look desperate and reduce engagement by making posts look cluttered. | Use a few relevant, targeted hashtags to increase visibility without overwhelming your audience. |
| Automated Replies and Messages | They can come off as impersonal and frustrate customers looking for genuine interaction. | Respond personally to comments and messages to show that you care about your customers and value their feedback. |
| Overly Staged Photos | Photos that look too perfect can seem inauthentic and less relatable. | Use natural lighting and casual settings to make your photos feel more genuine and inviting. |
| Constant Self-Promotion | Only talking about your dealership can bore followers and reduce engagement. | Share user-generated content, collaborate with local businesses, and highlight community involvement to diversify your content. |
| Negative or Defensive Responses | Responding poorly to criticism can damage your reputation and discourage potential customers. | Address negative feedback calmly and constructively, showing that you are willing to improve and value customer input. |
| Ignoring Social Media Trends | Being out of touch with current trends can make your dealership seem outdated and unappealing. | Stay updated with social media trends and incorporate them creatively into your content strategy to keep your audience engaged and excited. |
| Excessive Posting | Posting too frequently can overwhelm your followers and lead to unfollows. | Maintain a consistent but moderate posting schedule, ensuring each post adds value and keeps your audience looking forward to your updates. |
| Complex or Confusing Promotions | Promotions that are hard to understand can frustrate customers and deter participation. | Offer simple, clear, and straightforward promotions that are easy for customers to grasp and engage with. |
| Ignoring Comments and Messages | Not engaging with your audience can make them feel undervalued and reduce their loyalty. | Regularly respond to comments and messages to build a strong, interactive community around your dealership. |
Make your car dealership more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best car dealerships in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your car dealership
We understand that as a car dealership owner, you might feel hesitant about diving into social media marketing.
The world of social media can seem foreign and filled with confusing jargon. You might believe that it's more suited for big corporations rather than small businesses like yours.
The day-to-day demands of running a car dealership are already overwhelming, leaving little time for additional tasks like social media.
It's common to think that social media marketing is an expensive endeavor, one that your tight profit margins can't support. Plus, the sheer number of social media platforms can lead to indecision and skepticism, especially if previous efforts haven't yielded the results you hoped for.
That's why we've created a "marketing pack" specifically tailored for car dealership owners like you.
Our pack addresses all the issues you might face, offering simple, cost-effective strategies that don't require a marketing expert or a big budget for your dealership. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small car dealerships on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your dealership's visibility online.
With our marketing pack, you can invest in your dealership's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your car dealership could make more money!
Most car dealership owners don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.
