Nowadays, many purchases are made online. Online retail is expected to grow exponentially as the number of internet users grow and tech companies develop more ways to integrate the online world into shopping. Online car purchases are expected to increase as well.
Since people spend most of their online time on social media, their car buying decisions are heavily influenced by it.
Purchasing Automobiles
Before purchasing a car, a good quarter of those responding to surveys looked for information on YouTube or Facebook. When making purchasing decisions, they also consulted forums, blogs, and even Google+, relying heavily on car-buying information they find. 77% believe in Google+ content, 80% in blogs, and 82% in forums. 9% of social media users have already decided to purchase a car via these virtual “bulletin boards.” YouTube and Facebook both have 5%.
When looking for car information, social media users visit Google+ and blogs much less frequently, at 16% each. However, these services are as important in purchasing decisions as YouTube and Facebook.
The influence of social media
Social media significantly impacts how we do businesses such as car buying, with more than 90% of consumers gathering information online before making a purchase. Customers are increasingly interested in purchasing a new car online.
According to the Capgemini survey, more than 30% of respondents buy a car online. On the other hand, consumers visit car dealerships less and less before making a purchase.
With the triumph of the social web, brand and product discussions are no longer private but public on blogs, Facebook, and forums. External touchpoints have a greater influence on consumer brand awareness than ever before. This change profoundly affects the automotive industry.
The forum culture, which is especially prevalent, is unique and emotional, especially regarding automobiles. It’s not surprising that car forums are prominent on the most popular social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and blogs. 71% of respondents are more likely to purchase a car if it receives positive social media reviews.
What is the significance of social media in the automotive industry?
Consumers no longer use social media solely for fun and entertainment. People nowadays rely heavily on social media for product information. Tiktok has become the new search engine for Generation Z.
Some of the advantages that social media provides to the automotive industry include:
- Access
As previously stated, potential customers may not at first consider visiting a dealership’s website. Still, they may see an advertisement on a YouTube video or their Twitter feed.
Social media campaigns allow you to connect with people who might not have considered your dealership otherwise.
- Mobility
For dealerships, the mobility of social content means that potential customers can consume it regardless of location or time. This allows them to browse and decide which car they want and where to buy it.
- A personal touch
While dealership websites are necessary, they may feel impersonal. People are more likely to engage with social media posts that feel personal and intimate, as opposed to feeling targeted by a faceless corporation.
Strategies for Automotive Social Media Marketing
Car dealership social media campaigns can be classified as either organic or paid. An organic campaign would entail posting content to your channels that would appear in a customer’s feed.
Car dealerships use these kinds of Social Media Marketing to attract more potential customers:
- YouTube Video Marketing
According to Oberlo, approximately 73% of consumers prefer watching videos before purchasing a car. This suggests that video is becoming an increasingly important part of car buying.
Dealerships use videos, Live Chats, and tools like 360-Spin to enhance the online experience for their customers.
- Social Media Storytelling
Just posting something is no longer enough – for users to feel connected, they are looking for a hyper-personalized experience. In this regard, storytelling is an extremely effective tool.
Sharing experiences humanizes the dealership’s brand and initiates customer relationships and loyalty
- Facebook Customer Targeting
Facebook is an excellent platform for reaching out to potential car buyers. This is because 84% of car buyers already use Facebook, and more than 24% have used it to purchase a vehicle.
Car dealers create ads that are geo-targeted to people in their area. That way, they can target consumers further by vehicle type, consumer interests, and other factors.
- The Power of High-Quality Images
More than 70% of Instagram users are millennials and Generation Z – shoppers who are no longer interested in simple photos. They prefer interacting with high-quality, aesthetically pleasing photographs. Impactful, high-quality photos are more likely to catch a customers’ attention and convert them into buyers.
From Online to On the Road
Like all businesses, the automotive industry clearly benefits from Social Media Marketing in generating visibility, leads, and sales, but, in truth, consumers benefit the most. Car Credit encourages customers to do some research and figure out the best car and the best deal for you and your family. With guaranteed credit and a 2-year warranty, we are sure you will be happy with your purchase from the Car Credit dealerships.
Visit one of these convenient Car Credit Locations:
CAR CREDIT EAST TAMPA
3923 E. Hillsborough Ave.
Service: 813-232-6100
SALES HOURS
Monday – Friday: 9:30AM – 7:00PM
Saturday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday: Closed
SERVICE AND PARTS HOURS
Monday – Friday: 8:00AM – 4:00PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
CAR CREDIT HOLIDAY
2008 US Hwy 19 North
Service: 727-939-1555
SALES HOURS
Monday – Friday: 10:00AM – 7:00PM
Saturday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday: Closed
SERVICE AND PARTS HOURS
Monday – Friday: 8:00AM – 4:00PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
CAR CREDIT NORTH WEST TAMPA
2902 W. HIllsborough Ave
Service: 813-874-0102
SALES HOURS
Monday – Friday: 10:00AM – 7:00PM
Saturday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday: Closed
SERVICE AND PARTS HOURS
Monday – Friday: 8:00AM – 4:00PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
CAR CREDIT RUSKIN
108 N US Hwy 41
Sales: 813-645-0111
SALES HOURS
Monday – Friday: 10:00AM – 7:00PM
Saturday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday: Closed
SERVICE AND PARTS HOURS
Monday – Friday: 8:00AM – 4:00PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
