It doesn’t matter if you are flipping cars from home, or you have a 250 vehicles in your Dealership inventory, in today’s digital age, social media platforms such as Instagram have become powerful tools for marketing and selling used cars. Facebook Market Place is a great way to sell individual vehicles, but it doesn’t really support an immersive branding environment, and I feel like Instagram is a great way to market your brand. You can show behind the scenes media of you getting your vehicles, interacting with customers and so much more, that you cannot do with Facebook Market Place. Your brand is how people perceive you and your company in the long term. This matters so much, especially if you are trying to build a business, and not just sell some cars. So think about that as you use the various social media platforms. As a car dealer or flipper, utilizing Instagram effectively can help you reach a broader audience, showcase your inventory, and ultimately, increase your sales. In this blog post how to sell cars with instagram marketing, we will share expert tips and strategies to help you market your cars better on Instagram and make more money.
Use High-Quality Photos and Videos:
Instagram is a visual platform, and high-quality photos and videos are essential for showcasing your cars in the best possible light. Make sure to take clear and detailed pictures of your cars from different angles, highlighting their unique features. Also, take videos of the car’s interior, exterior, and engine running to provide a more in-depth view of the car’s condition and performance. Remember, your photos and videos should be eye-catching, so invest in a good camera or hire a professional photographer if necessary.
Utilize Instagram Stories:
Instagram Stories are a great way to engage with your followers and showcase your cars in a more personal and authentic way. Use Stories to post behind-the-scenes footage, share test drives, or give a virtual tour of your dealership. You can also use Instagram’s poll feature to get feedback on your cars or ask your followers which car they would like to see next.
Utilize Local Hashtags:
Incorporate local hashtags in your Instagram posts to increase visibility among potential customers in your area. Use a combination of city-specific hashtags and car-related hashtags to reach a wider audience. For example, if your dealership is in Miami, use hashtags like #MiamiCars, #CarsOfMiami, and #MiamiCarDealership. By targeting local hashtags, your content is more likely to appear in the feeds of users who live in your area and are interested in cars.
Engage with Local Instagram Users:
Interact with local Instagram users by liking, commenting, and following their accounts. This not only builds rapport but also increases the likelihood that they will follow your account and engage with your content. Focus on engaging with users who post car-related content, use local hashtags, or have geotags at local automotive events, as they are more likely to be interested in your dealership.
Partner with Local Businesses and Events:
Collaborate with local businesses and events to cross-promote each other on Instagram. For example, you can partner with a local car detailing shop or car show event to promote each other’s services and attract new local customers. Share posts mentioning your collaboration and use each other’s hashtags to increase visibility among both of your audiences.
Run Location-Based Ads:
Utilize Instagram’s advertising platform to run targeted ads aimed at potential customers in your area. Instagram allows you to target users based on their location, so you can focus on reaching people who live close to your dealership. Create engaging and visually appealing ads that showcase your inventory and encourage users to visit your dealership.
Share Localized Content:
Post content on your Instagram account that highlights your dealership’s involvement in the local community. Share pictures and stories from local events, collaborations with other businesses, or community initiatives your dealership is part of. This not only showcases your commitment to the community but also helps build trust and credibility among potential local customers.
Optimize Your Instagram Bio:
Make sure your Instagram bio clearly states your dealership’s location and contact information. This will make it easy for local users to find and contact your dealership. Additionally, include a link to your dealership’s website or a specific landing page where potential customers can learn more about your inventory and services.
By implementing these strategies, your target market can effectively reach more local consumers on Instagram and ultimately increase car sales.
Collaborate with Influencers:
Collaborating with influencers is an effective way to reach a broader audience and gain credibility. Identify influencers in your industry or local area who have a significant following and align with your brand values. You can offer them a free test drive or a discount on their next car purchase in exchange for them promoting your dealership on their Instagram account. This strategy can be especially effective if you are just starting and need to build your audience.
Find the Right Influencers for Your Dealership:
To find the most relevant influencers for your target market, you can start by researching popular car influencers on Instagram using relevant hashtags, such as #carinfluencer, #carspotting, #carphotography, and #carsofinstagram. You can also use Instagram’s search feature to find influencers based on location, interests, and other relevant factors. Additionally, you can use influencer marketing platforms such as AspireIQ, Upfluence, and Influence.co to find and connect with relevant influencers in your industry or niche.
Top 10 Car Influencers to Follow:
Here are 10 influencers your target market can use to help them sell cars on Instagram:
a. @TheCarGuys – A popular car influencer known for his unique and high-quality car content.
b. @SuperCarBlondie – A renowned automotive influencer with a global following who features the latest luxury and exotic cars.
c. @Tedward_ – A car enthusiast with a passion for showcasing unique cars and providing in-depth reviews.
d. @TheStraightPipes – A YouTube channel turned Instagram influencer that reviews cars and provides a variety of automotive content.
e. @VehicleVirgins – A popular influencer with a focus on luxury and sports cars.
f. @SeenThroughGlass – A British influencer with a unique perspective on cars, from supercars to classics.
g. @Shmee150 – A car influencer who travels the world to showcase unique and exotic cars.
h. @CarThrottle – An automotive community and influencer account that features car-related memes, reviews, and news.
i. @TopGear – The official Instagram account of the popular car show, showcasing the latest cars, reviews, and behind-the-scenes footage.
j. @JayLenosGarage – The Instagram account of the famous TV host,
showcasing his extensive car collection and providing reviews on some of the world’s rarest and most expensive cars.
Monitor Results and Adjust Your Strategy:
As with any marketing strategy, it’s crucial to monitor your results and make necessary adjustments to ensure continued success. Keep track of your engagement rates, follower growth, and the number of leads generated from your Instagram efforts. Analyze this data to identify trends and areas for improvement. For instance, if you notice that a particular type of content is generating more engagement, consider creating more of that content to maximize your results.
Engage with Your Audience:
To build a strong and loyal following on Instagram, it’s essential to engage with your audience. Respond to comments, answer questions, and show appreciation for your followers’ support. This will help you build trust and rapport, making it more likely that your followers will turn into customers.
Use Relevant Hashtags:
Using relevant hashtags in your Instagram posts can help your content reach a wider audience. Research popular hashtags in your niche and use them strategically in your captions and comments. Be sure to keep an eye on trending hashtags and incorporate them when appropriate to increase the visibility of your content.
Promote Your Instagram Account Across Other Channels:
To maximize your reach, promote your Instagram account across your other marketing channels. Include your Instagram handle on your business cards, email signatures, and website. Share your Instagram content on other social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, to drive traffic to your account and increase your followers.
Stay Consistent and Authentic:
Consistency is key when it comes to building a successful Instagram presence. Post regularly and maintain a consistent aesthetic that reflects your brand’s identity. Ensure that your content is authentic and true to your dealership’s values, as this will resonate with your audience and help you build long-lasting relationships with your followers.
By implementing these expert tips and strategies, you’ll be well on your way to leveraging Instagram marketing to boost your car sales. Remember to stay consistent, engage with your audience, and always be on the lookout for new ways to improve your strategy. With persistence and creativity, you’ll soon see the power of Instagram in driving your dealership’s success.
