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At Dealer Specialties, we understand that every dealership is unique, and standing out in a crowded market requires creativity, innovation, and a dash of fun. Whether you're a small local dealership or a growing franchise, finding fun and effective ways to connect with your community and attract customers is key.
Join us as we explore 20 exciting dealership marketing ideas that go beyond the conventional, offering fresh ideas to rev up your sales and drive engagement. Let's get started!
1. Host Themed Test Drive Events
Organize themed test drive events around holidays, seasons, or popular culture themes. For example, “Summer Road Trip Test Drive Extravaganza” or “Spooky Halloween Drive-a-Thon.”
2. Create a Carpool Karaoke Series
Invite local influencers or customers to participate in a carpool karaoke series featuring your dealership’s vehicles. Share the videos on social media channels for maximum exposure.
3. Pet Adoption Days
Partner with local animal shelters for pet adoption days at your dealership. This not only promotes your dealership but also supports a good cause, attracting animal lovers to your showroom. After all, who doesn’t love pets?
4. Community Car Wash Fundraiser
Host a charity car wash event at your dealership where customers can get their cars washed for a donation to a local charity or cause.
5. Exclusive VIP Test Drives
Offer exclusive VIP test drives where customers can test drive high-end or luxury vehicles with personalized attention from sales staff.
6. Pop-Up Drive-In Movie Theater
Set up an outdoor movie screen in your dealership parking lot and host movie nights for the community. Feature family-friendly films and provide popcorn and drinks.
7. Car-Themed Cooking Classes
Partner with local chefs or cooking schools to host car-themed cooking classes where participants learn to cook dishes inspired by different car cultures around the world.
8. Social Media Car Photo Contest
Launch an Instagram or Facebook photo contest where participants can submit creative photos featuring your dealership’s vehicles. Offer prizes for the most creative or popular submissions.
9. Car Care Clinics
Organize free car care clinics where customers can learn basic maintenance tips and tricks from your dealership’s service experts.
10. Virtual Reality Showroom Tours
Create virtual reality showroom tours that allow potential customers to explore your dealership and vehicles from the comfort of their own homes.
11. Test Drive Scavenger Hunts
Design test-drive scavenger hunts in which participants visit landmarks or locations in the area by test-driving different vehicles from your dealership.
12. DIY Car Detailing Workshops
Host DIY car detailing workshops where customers can learn how to properly clean and detail their vehicles using products available at your dealership.
13. Classic Car Cruise Nights
Organize classic car cruise nights where owners of vintage and classic cars can gather at your dealership to showcase their vehicles and socialize with other car enthusiasts.
14. Remote Car Shopping Experiences
Offer remote car shopping experiences where customers can schedule virtual appointments with sales staff for personalized vehicle presentations and consultations.
15. Vehicle Wrap Design Contests
Hold vehicle wrap design contests where local artists or designers can submit their designs for a chance to have them featured on one of your dealership’s vehicles.
16. Live Car Auction Events
Host live car auction events where customers can bid on pre-owned vehicles to create excitement and urgency around purchasing a car from your dealership.
17. Sponsor Local Sports Teams
Sponsor local sports teams or leagues and have your dealership’s name and logo featured on their uniforms or equipment.
18. Create a Podcast Series
Launch a podcast series on car culture, industry trends, and dealership insights. Invite guests such as automotive experts, customers, and staff to share their experiences and expertise.
19. Parking Lot Party Concert Series
Host a concert series in your dealership’s parking lot featuring local musicians and bands. Customers can enjoy live music from the comfort of their cars while exploring your vehicles and enjoying refreshments from food trucks or concessions.
20. Collaborate With Influencers
Partner with local influencers or micro-influencers in the automotive or lifestyle niche to promote your dealership and vehicles to their followers.
Supercharge Your Automotive Marketing Strategy With Dealer Specialties
As you can see, thinking outside the box can truly drive success in the automotive industry. From themed test drive events to virtual showroom tours, the possibilities for engaging with your community and attracting customers are endless.
But knowing how to market a dealership is half the battle — having the tools and support to do it right is just as important! That’s where Dealer Specialties comes in.
Our inventory merchandising experts help over 3,000 dealerships nationwide by offering on-the-lot photography, video marketing, 360-degree tours, C.A.R.Score condition reports, and so much more. Click the button below to view our extensive portfolio of services and see how we can take your dealership to the next level!
