Tips on Video Marketing for Auto Dealerships

Video marketing has become a key essential in today's business. Media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube and Tik Tok have proven that video marketing is the way to go! Incorporating a video marketing strategy will boost your online presence and increase web and foot traffic.

Creating video content can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be! Here's the rundown on creating amazing TikTok videos, Instagram reels and YouTube videos to grow your online presence!

Instagram Reels

Reels are 15-second videos designed for creating fun, engaging content to share on Instagram! Businesses can record and edit their reels directly on Instagram using special effects, unique audio and creative tools and reels with their followers and the rest of the Instagram community.

How To Make A Reel On Instagram

Start creating a reel by tapping the add post icon at the top of your Instagram newsfeed. After tapping the add post icon, you then select "reel" at the bottom of your screen, where you will see a list of editing tools along the lefthand side to help you create an attention-grabbing video, including:

Timer and Countdown - Record a hands-free video using the timer and 3-2-1 countdown provided by Instagram.
Align - Use previous clips to align objects before recording begins to create seamless transitions from clip to clip.
Audio - Search the Instagram music library for unique audios and songs or upload an original sound to use in your reel. We recommend using trending audio or song for the best engagement results.
Speed - A tool provided by Instagram to speed up or slow down certain parts of an audio or video.
AR Effects - Created by Instagram and worldwide creators, add one of the many effects in the Instagram effect gallery to your reel.

Once you have recorded your Instagram reel and decided you are ready to share it, continue to the share screen, where you will add captions and hashtags, change cover photos, save drafts for later and tag other featured users. You can also select whether you want your reel featured on your feed or your profile's reels page.

How To Make A Tiktok Video

To create a TikTok video, select the "+" sign at the bottom of your screen or select "create video" featured on your profile. TikTok lets you choose between recording a video on the app or uploading a video from your gallery. TikTok also offers multiple tools to create the perfect video, such as:

Effects - Customize your TikTok videos with effects that can be added to your video before or after you have finished recording.
Audio - By tapping "add sound," you can search millions of audios, sound effects and songs to add to your video. TikTok also features a tool that will recommend audios based on the content in your video.
Filters - Choose from several filters provided by TikTok to enhance the appearance of your video.
Templates - With over 3,000 templates, TikTok templates were designed to make video content creation easier for users who don't know where to start.
Noise Reduction - A tool used to reduce background noise.
The duet tool allows other TikTok users to create a split-screen video using your original video.

When you finish editing, select the "next" button, which takes you to the screen where you will add captions and hashtags, allow duets, tag other featured users and select the cover photo that will appear in your feed. Once you adjust the video settings, tap "post" and share your video!

How To Upload A Video To Youtube

Luckily, uploading to YouTube is quite simple. Begin by selecting the video icon in the top right corner of your screen and then select "upload a video." You will then tap "select files" to browse through your gallery for the video file you want to upload.

After uploading your video, make sure to adjust details such as thumbnail photos, privacy settings, and search engine optimization (SEO) data before publishing your video. You can also add video elements to help your video stand out, including:

Blur Face - Found in the "enhancement" tab, this tool blurs the face of anyone who may feature in your video.
Audio - Change your video soundtrack with the FREE audio library curated by YouTube.
Closed Captions - Transcribe the spoken parts within your video, and YouTube will automatically sync the captions to your video.
End Screens - This tool allows you to add a screen to your video's last 5-20 seconds to feature playlists, other videos, subscribe buttons and links. With multiple templates to choose from, adding an end screen is easy!
Cards - Cards use customized titles, photos and calls to action to point viewers to a particular link.
Video Thumbnail - Your video thumbnail is essentially a cover photo. It is the photo everyone sees when scrolling through your feed video. Selecting a clear picture that perfectly represents the video and grabs viewers' attention is essential.

After adjusting the video details, it is time to publish your video! You can post immediately, or you can choose to schedule your video to publish at a later date.

Why Video Marketing Is So Powerful?

Having an online presence is crucial for any business in this day in age! Whether you run a car dealership or an auto-servicing company, using video marketing tools to increase web traffic is always a good idea.

As an automotive business, finding unique ways to incorporate video into your social media calendars can be tricky. With people turning to the internet for their initial research, it is vital to form a connection with potential customers through your video content.

4 Quick Video Marketing Tips:

Share a helpful tip or a quick how-to - Create a reel about the deal of the week or a YouTube video on how to change a flat tire correctly.
Partner with influencers - Collaborate with local influencers to create TikTok videos or Instagram reels that could increase your following and foot traffic.
Be transparent - Take your TikTok followers on a virtual tour around your car dealership or start a "meet the staff" reel to connect with your audience on a personal level.
Recycle videos - It's okay to repurpose videos that you have previously posted. Change them up by using different audio and adding effects.

However, you decide to incorporate video into your business's marketing plan, have fun! Get your staff involved, show your personality and don't be afraid to get creative.