Car Dealer Inexpensive Marketing Ideas

* Text message marketing: Sample advertising message displayed in dealership:
Sample text marketing message:
"Show this coupon and get a free oil change! You have also been entered in our New Car Giveaway Sweepstakes Columbus Lexus."

Other possible car dealership applications/marketing messages include:
-Special financing for purchases during a particular period
-Special values on trade-ins
-Certain high end dealerships offer tickets to sporting events/theaters
-Special sales promotions that would give buyers a longer warranty
-A maintenance service reminder

* Create a website or blog.  Include some of the following:

- An online service reservation system
- A way for customers to place a parts order
- Develop an affiliate program for other local websites or businesses such as businesses, attractions, and schools.
- Provide printable coupons, loyalty discounts, and other special offers.  Don't forget to include an expiration date and other limitations if they apply.
- Employment opportunities.  Make it easy for people to apply online.

* Advertise a Car Club.  Build a social network for singles to meet and greet each other.

* Offer monthly wine tasting or "How-to" cooking demonstrations in your showroom.  Ask your local beverage or food supplier to be a sponsor.  Many distributors would welcome the opportunity.

* Give a virtual tour of your facility.  Add it to a business card CD, Youtube.com or your website.  Highlight your history, famous visitors, unique offerings, and staff.

* Tie-in to local or national special events.  Throw a Derby Party, get customers and staff to dress up for Mardi Gras.  Do something that causes excitement.  It will not only get new customers but should also attract media attention too.

* Partner with a non-profit.  Hold an event that would help to benefit the organization and provide great exposure for your restaurant.

* Create a "Family and Friends Night" to entice employees to spread the word about your establishment. Offer a special discount or something different (live entertainment, giveaways at door, refreshments). OR You can provide employees with coupons/flyers that are marked with their name/employee number - employees receive a prize or bonus depending on how many are brought back! 

* Draft press releases for your events and other noteworthy accomplishments.

* Dare to be different.  Differentiate yourself from your competition.  Instead of closing at 9pm or 10pm on a Friday night, stay open until 1am.  Serve appetizers for the late night crowd.  Bring in live entertainment as a way to keep people around longer. 

* Keep customers coming back with a frequent service cards. Provide each visit with a different discount or after a certain number of visit/purchases get a discount or a freebie. 

* Slow Night Special: Create traffic on slow nights by providing an incentive with a discount or promotion.