by Terry MacCauley - Posted 3 weeks ago
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Big Time Advertising. At the same time, most people are busy perfecting their stuffing recipes or debating whether cranberry sauce belongs on the table (it does not, by the way); we are here to tackle something equally important: a few lousy marketing myths.
These myths are like those uninvited Thanksgiving debates they sound plausible, but they don’t hold up under scrutiny. So, grab a plate of turkey, and let’s carve into some of the biggest misconceptions about marketing. We’ll sprinkle in some fun turkey trivia to keep things festive.
The Reality:
If you have ever heard someone say, “Social media is just for younger generations,” they might as well say turkeys can fly. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are powerful tools for car dealerships to connect with local buyers, promote inventory, and even close deals. With features like AIAs, Marketplace, Reels, and geo-targeted ads, you can ensure your content reaches nearby buyers actively searching for their next vehicle.
And it’s not just about selling it’s about building trust. Consistently posting about your dealership’s community involvement or sharing helpful car-buying tips creates a sense of connection. Think of social media as the gravy that improves your marketing strategy.
The Reality:
A high CTR might look like a golden-brown turkey on the surface, but is it juicy inside? Not necessarily. Clicks alone never pay the bills it’s what happens after the click that counts. Are users filling out lead forms, calling your dealership, or setting appointments? Those are the metrics that truly matter.
For example, if an ad gets 1,000 clicks but zero test drives or apps, you have a disconnect somewhere. That is why a good marketing strategy focuses on conversion optimization. Ensure your website’s landing pages are fast, mobile-friendly, and loaded with compelling calls to action. Otherwise, your high CTR might end up as empty calories.
The Reality:
Picture this: you have a gorgeous Thanksgiving table with all the trimmings, but the food is cold and tasteless. That is what having a fancy website without functionality feels like. Your site might win a beauty contest, but it wastes potential and money if it is not designed to deliver results.
Dealership websites need to do more than look good they need to work seamlessly. That means fast load times, accurate inventory updates, and user-friendly navigation. Don’t forget the essentials like transparent pricing, easy-to-find contact info, and interactive tools like payment calculators. A good website isn’t just the centerpiece it is the main course.
The Reality:
Email marketing isn’t just alive—it’s thriving, much like the pumpkin pie everyone magically has room for at the end of the meal. Personalized email campaigns deliver some of the highest ROIs in digital marketing, especially when they offer real value to the recipient.
Email is a golden opportunity for dealerships to re-engage past customers, promote special offers, or share helpful tips like winter car care. With automation tools, you can easily send birthday greetings, service reminders, or exclusive deals based on a customer’s browsing history. Done right, email marketing can turn your leads into loyal customers.
The Reality:
Awareness campaigns are like marketing appetizers they don’t get all the glory, but they set the stage for a satisfying main course. These campaigns introduce your dealership to new audiences and keep you top-of-mind when they’re ready to buy.
Think of platforms like YouTube and OTT (over-the-top) ads as your billboard in the digital world. They reach consumers where they spend their time streaming and browsing. While awareness ads may not drive immediate sales, they create familiarity and trust, ultimately lowering acquisition costs for future campaigns.
The first-ever TV commercial for Bulova Watches aired in 1941. It cost just $9. Imagine that, then fast-forward to today; a 30-second Super Bowl ad can set you back $7 million. It’s a reminder that even small beginnings can grow into big opportunities. Similarly, digital ads offer a way to start without breaking the bank. OTT has become an excellent way to deliver video marketing commercials at an affordable rate with superior targeting and remarketing capabilities.
Turkeys may not be the smartest birds, but they are incredibly observant. With near-panoramic vision, they see predators coming from almost every angle. Dealers can take a page out of their playbook by watching the broader landscape and watching industry trends, audience behaviors, and competitors to stay ahead of the game.
In 2023, Americans spent over $5 billion shopping online on Thanksgiving Day alone. That is a massive opportunity for dealers. Whether promoting holiday deals or driving website and/or showroom traffic, Thanksgiving weekend is the perfect time to engage shoppers already in buying mode.
Butterball’s Turkey Talk-Line fields over 100,000 questions every holiday season. That is a dedication to customer service. Dealers note that being accessible and responsive to customers’ needs builds trust and strengthens relationships. Let's be better and listen to our customers. They will tell us exactly what they need to purchase a vehicle.
Studies show that content with visuals is 40 times more likely to be shared. Just like the presentation of a Thanksgiving feast, your marketing campaigns need to look appetizing to capture attention and drive engagement. Think of high-quality images, eye-catching videos, and professional design.
This Thanksgiving, let’s focus on what truly makes an impact, whether building awareness, creating strong connections, or simply appreciating the journey. While at it, impress the family with some turkey trivia at dinner. They may roll their eyes, but they will know you know your business.
From all of us at Big Time Advertising & Marketing, we are grateful for all of our dealers, partners, and team. Cheers to a holiday season filled with gratitude, growth, and successful campaigns that sell more vehicles.
🍁 Ready to Take Your Marketing Strategy to the Next Level?
As the year winds down, now is the perfect time to assess your marketing efforts and set yourself up for success in 2025. At Big Time Advertising, we craft strategies that deliver accurate results, no myths, just proven solutions.
🎯 Click Here to Schedule Your Free Marketing Audit & Analysis (valued at a minimum of $4,500)
We would love to work together to make this holiday season and the year ahead a Big-Time success for your dealership.
-by Terry MacCauley, Founder & CEO
