Automotive Video

In modern automotive sales, there are more ways than ever to get in communication with customers. As opposed to twenty years ago, you can now easily call, text, and email buyers as well as engage them through social media. However, automotive video tends to be the least used form of follow up. This is surprising considering that more than half of modern customers say that they use video to help them make a purchase decision. Not to mention, it’s easy! Shooting a video today only requires you to take out your smartphone and get started.

Automotive video is such a great, yet underrated, way to break through and engage customers. It’s an exciting form of communication and when a majority of automotive sales professionals are not using it, it helps you stand out in your marketplace. Salespeople that utilize video in their automotive follow up strategy will break through more often and improve their show ratio. This leads to more customers walking through your dealership’s doors every month and a ton of opportunities to close additional car deals. In this blog, learn how to sell more cars with automotive video!

Where and When Should I Use Automotive Video?

Automotive video is best in conjunction with other forms of follow up. A great way to improve your text and email engagement is to add a brief, custom video. Automotive video can be used in almost any situation, and is a great way to set your follow up apart from other dealerships. Here are some example situations:

• Text or Email – Include an automotive video walkaround of the vehicle the customer is interested in to help make your text or email more engaging.
• Phone (Appointment Set) – An automotive video walkaround of the vehicle the customer is interested in. In this video, remind the buyer of the date and time of the appointment, tell them what to expect, and explain all of the work that you’re going to do for the customer. This will help improve your show ratio.
• Phone (No Appointment) – An automotive video walkaround of vehicles similar to what the customer originally called in on or something else they might like. Expanding your inventory is a great way to re-engage customers.
• Unsold Showroom Traffic – When a buyer leaves without purchasing a vehicle, shoot an automotive video to help move that deal forward! A great way to do this is a "Thank You" video with a strong Call to Action. Let them know that you appreciated them coming in and then give a good reason why they should come back soon!
• Social Media – Post automotive videos of new and exciting inventory on social media to create interest around the vehicle and potentially gain a customer.

How Long Should My Automotive Video Be?

An overly long automotive video will just turn buyers off. So, you should know exactly what you want to say before you even start to record the automotive video. Aim to keep it under one minute long as this is a sweet spot for breaking through to customers. You should also make sure that what you’re saying is going to help the deal progress further. So, keep your videos tight and to the point.

It’s All in the Attitude

A big smile while talking over the phone projects a better tone. The same can be said for starring in your own automotive videos. You want to sound happy and upbeat, and look the part as well. Remember, you’re not just selling them a vehicle with a video. You’re also making the customer feeling like they’re talking to someone who is worthy of their time and who will provide warm customer service at the dealership. This is a chance to sell yourself! So, smile big, be upbeat, and have a great attitude while filming your automotive videos.

Just Shoot the Video!

For some automotive professionals, it can be hard to get comfortable on camera which causes hesitation to breaking out their phone. Yet, the more videos you send to customers, the more cars you will sell and the more confident you will become at making videos. So, don’t worry too much about the small details. If you make a mistake, you can always just re-record. Automotive videos are engaging and are incredibly easy to make. So, take out your phone and start recording!