Social Media for Car Dealerships
Social media is today’s showroom. More than 70% of car buyers say social content influences their purchase decisions, and nearly every platform now plays a role in the buyer’s journey. Dealerships that embrace social marketing don’t just reach more customers—they become part of the community conversation.
Organic Social: Humanize the Dealership
Today’s buyers expect more than glossy ads. They want transparency, personality, and authenticity. Sharing real content makes your dealership relatable:
Staff Spotlights: Introduce salespeople, service techs, and managers with short videos.
Customer Stories: Showcase buyers receiving keys or service customers hitting mileage milestones.
Behind the Scenes: Show what it takes to prep cars for winter or highlight your detailing team.
Case example: A Toyota dealer in St. Cloud saw engagement triple after they launched a weekly “Meet the Team Monday” series on Facebook.
Paid Social: Precision Targeting
Organic reach only goes so far—paid campaigns amplify results. Facebook inventory ads and Marketplace listings remain some of the most effective tools in automotive.
VIN-level ads: Sync your inventory feed so ads show exact vehicles buyers are searching for.
Geo-targeting: Reach shoppers within 20–30 miles of your dealership.
Retargeting: Remind visitors of cars they viewed on your site.
According to Meta, auto dealers see 30–50% lower cost per lead on Facebook ads compared to traditional media like radio or print.
Platform Breakdown: Where Dealers Win
Facebook: Best for inventory, events, and community content.
Instagram: Visual storytelling with reels and carousel posts.
TikTok: Short, creative clips—vehicle walkarounds, feature demos, or even bloopers.
YouTube: Longer-form content like full test drives and service tutorials.
Each platform has its place. Dealers that diversify, rather than relying on one, reach broader audiences.
Creative Trends: Video Dominates
Video content generates 1200% more shares than text and images combined. For dealerships, that means short, authentic clips—no big budget required. A 15-second reel showing a salesperson pairing Bluetooth in a new SUV is more engaging than a polished commercial.
Metrics That Matter
Forget vanity metrics like likes. Track:
Messenger conversations
Clicks to vehicle detail pages (VDPs)
Form fills and leads from social ads
Event RSVPs
A Minneapolis Chevy dealer reported that 40% of their inbound Messenger conversations from Facebook ads converted into test drive appointments.
Social isn’t optional anymore—it’s how buyers shop, decide, and connect. At Moon & Marrow, we help dealerships turn scrolls into sales.
Want the bigger picture? Read our full guide to Automotive Dealership Marketing in Minnesota.
Ready to supercharge your social? Contact us today and let’s create content with backbone.
