By the end of 2021, global sales of automobiles will reach 70 million units. Car manufacturers are always competing to attract more customers. As consumer behaviors change, automakers develop new and innovative sales strategies to boost sales. And it pays off. The world’s most popular car brands are also the most innovative.. Here are the innovative techniques they use.

1. Digital Marketing

Once a manufacturer makes new car models, they market the cars to make potential customers aware of their existence. They use digital marketing tools to promote the new car models. In 2020, the U.S. automotive industry spent about $12.42 billion on digital advertising. The advertising medium makes it easier to reach more people. 

92% of car buyers do their research online, so it makes sense why manufacturers use social media platforms, SEO, and paid ads to push their products. Some use video hosting platforms such as YouTube to publish informative content which ranks highly on Google.

2. Reviews

Yes, reviews are still effective in 2022. Car buyers visit platforms such as Yelp, Google My Business, Amazon Reviews, and Facebook when searching for cars. A survey revealed that 62% of customers find reviews helpful when shopping online. If you are an automaker, tell your happy customers to leave reviews online. Some people buy products because of the reviews they read, so don’t ignore this age-old selling strategy.

3. Targeted Advertising

Targeted advertising involves placing specific adverts before targeted audiences so as to reach consumers who would be interested in buying the products. In 2022, automakers are using targeted advertising to push their car models. They are thoroughly researching their potential customers to ensure they create ads which elicit a response.

Manufacturers are using video advertising, mobile advertising, TV advertisements, email, search engine marketing (sem), and retargeting ads. They are sharing detailed car specs, talking about features, and using car images HD to make buyers want to buy.

4. Virtual Reality 

Customers now shop online, and the coronavirus pandemic only made online shopping more popular. Car manufacturers now use technologies such as virtual reality (VR) to simulate how cars look and feel. Car buyers don't have to leave their homes to go to dealerships to examine cars. VR makes it easier to customize vehicles no matter where they are. And by using the technology, auto manufacturers enhance the customer experience.

5. Offering Rewards and Loyalty Programs

To encourage return visits, car manufacturers are offering rewards and loyalty programs to their customers. Cars need regular maintenance, so some auto companies are offering a package for car repairs and maintenance to boost loyalty. When customers feel valued, they are more likely to market a business via word of mouth, bringing in more customers.

The automotive industry is quite competitive and keeps evolving at a rapid pace. To keep up with technology trends and changing customer needs, car manufacturers are changing their selling techniques. The way cars are bought and sold has changed, and automakers who don’t keep up will soon find themselves losing customers to more innovative competitors.