Guides
25 car dealership marketing ideas for 2026
Updated October 2026
In short: the best ideas aren't new; they're done every week: complete listings everywhere, video on every vehicle, fast answers and real follow-up. Here are 25, grouped so you can start this week.
Marketplace and social
- A video on every vehicle you list
- A "vehicle of the day" post on your page and in your groups
- Each vehicle shared in local buy-and-sell groups
- Short reconditioning videos: before and after
- Delivery photos of happy buyers (with their permission)
- Instagram Reels of your best arrivals
- A monthly live video answering buyers' questions
- Reply to every Google review, good or bad
- Ask every buyer for a review at delivery
- A weekly Google Business Profile post
- Google vehicle ads for your cars and pickups
TikTok and video
- 30-second walkarounds of new arrivals
- Roundups of the best vehicles under a set price
- Your salespeople on camera: buyers trust faces
Website and lot
- QR codes on every window sticker
- The real price on every vehicle page
- A simple trade-in form
- Pages that load fast on phones
Leads and follow-up
- An instant first reply on every message
- A follow-up text within the hour
- A 30-day follow-up for buyers who didn't buy yet
- A yearly "thank you" message to past buyers who agreed to hear from you
Seasonal
- Tax refund season in the US (February to April)
- Winter-ready vehicles in Canada: AWD, 4x4, winter tires
- Spring RV and powersports season
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