Are Facebook Ads Or Google PPC Better For Car Dealerships?

September 13, 2024
3
 min read

It's tougher than ever to get noticed, right? With everyone throwing money at online ads, choosing the right platform is key to getting more customers and beating the competition.

When it comes to selling cars there are two major players in the paid advertising game: Facebook Ads and Google PPC Ads. But which one should you use?

At DealerSmart, we're all about helping dealerships like yours make the most of online advertising. So let's break down the good and bad of each platform so you can decide which one will bring in the most leads and sales.

Google PPC: Reach Customers Actively Searching for Their Next Car

When potential buyers are ready to make a purchase, they usually head to Google. With Google PPC (Pay-Per-Click) advertising, you can put your dealership right at the top of the search results, just when someone's looking for the exact car you have!

Imagine your ad popping up when someone types in "best deals on SUVs near me." That's the kind of power Google Ads can give you.

  • Higher Value Conversions: Since your ads show up when someone is actively searching for a car, they're already interested and likely to be serious about making a purchase.
  • Integration with Search: Your ads show up right alongside search results, giving you a prime spot in front of potential buyers.
  • Increased Visibility: Being at the top of search results boosts your dealership’s visibility, potentially driving more traffic and higher quality leads.

However, it’s worth noting that Google PPC can come with higher click costs than Facebook Ads. But those clicks? They’re often higher in quality, making the overall conversion ratio much higher.

Facebook Ads: Target Your Ideal Customers with Precision

Facebook Ads offer a different, yet equally powerful, approach to reaching potential buyers. Instead of waiting for customers to search for a car, Facebook allows you to bring your dealership to them.

With advanced targeting options, you can place your ads directly in front of people who are most likely to be interested in your inventory.

  • Targeting Options: Facebook lets you target ads based on demographics, interests, and behaviors. Whether your dealership specializes in luxury vehicles or caters to first-time buyers, you can zero in on the perfect audience.
  • Visually Appealing Ads: With Facebook Ads, you can create stunning visual campaigns that showcase your cars in the best light. Use high-quality images, videos, and carousel ads to grab attention and highlight your inventory.
  • Cost-Effective Advertising: Facebook Ads typically offer a lower cost per click and is able to reach a much wider market, often giving the ability to expand your brand and market share much farther.

For dealerships looking to build brand awareness and reach a broader, yet targeted, audience, Facebook Ads can really help you stand out from the crowd!

Which Platform Should You Choose?

The answer depends on your dealership's unique goals.

If your priority is to capture high-intent leads from people actively searching for cars, Google PPC is a smart choice. But if you want to capture more of your market share, and engage with potential customers based on their interests and demographics, Facebook Ads might be the better option.

Why Not Both? Dealerships that use both platforms together often experience a powerful digital synergy. A potential customer might scroll past your Facebook ad without opting in, but later, when they search for a vehicle and see your Google ad, that second touchpoint reinforces your brand and can prompt them to take action.

If you have the budget, this combined approach can boost leads and sales more effectively than using just one platform alone.

Need Help?

Choosing the best digital advertising strategy can be daunting, but you don't have to do it alone. DealerSmart is an industry leader in automotive marketing and we’re here to help you sell more cars online.

If you want to jumpstart (or improve) your digital marketing so that you can generate more leads and sell more cars…

TAP HERE today to Apply & Book a Free Strategy Session with our team!

WORK WITH US

Get a Custom Strategy For Your Dealership

Ready to sell more cars with Omnipresence Marketing?