In 2009, these things were super hot: any app for the iphone, Love Story by Taylor Swift, and Captain Sully landed an Airbus in the Hudson River.

But how does this have anything to do with selling or servicing cars?

Getting in touch with car buyers via email and text was super hot in 2009. It was nascent technology with tons of innovation and opportunity.

Fast forward to 2023 and these communication channels are still valid, but they’re so dialed in with auto-responders and canned templates that people expect them and ignore them more often than not.

If you want to stand out in the 2020’s, and you want to surprise and delight your customers, start doing video right now. Here are three reasons.

It’s so much more engaging and personalized when you can see the person you’re going to be working with, and the results demonstrate that over and over again. It’s how people want to be communicated with in this decade.
Buying a car is a very visual process, and video shows off vehicles better than anything approach.
With visuals comes increased transparency and trust, whether it’s showing the condition of the car, or the condition of the tires and brakes that need replacing.

We’re just scratching the surface here on making the case for video. If you need help getting started, reach out to us or research video platforms for automotive, but just don’t try to do it yourself. That’s next week’s topic.

FAQs

In what ways does incorporating video communication into dealership practices offer advantages over traditional methods like email and text?

Incorporating video communication into dealership practices offers several advantages over traditional methods. Firstly, video is more engaging and personalized, allowing customers to see the person they will be working with, which fosters a stronger connection and builds rapport. Additionally, buying a car is a visual process, and video enables dealerships to showcase vehicles in a way that static images or text descriptions cannot. This visual element enhances transparency and trust, whether it’s showcasing the condition of the car or highlighting specific features.

What specific challenges or considerations should dealerships be aware of when transitioning to video communication?

Transitioning to video communication may pose challenges for dealerships, including technical barriers, resource constraints, and the need for staff training. However, numerous resources and strategies are available to support dealerships in this process. They can leverage video platforms designed specifically for automotive use or seek assistance from experts in video marketing. It’s essential for dealerships to recognize the value of video communication and invest in the necessary tools and training to effectively incorporate it into their customer engagement strategies.