Why Running Ads as a Dealership Is Important

White car driving on the road at sunset, representing why running ads a dealership is important for sales growth.
Two people in a car dealership shaking hands in front of a new white car, symbolizing a successful vehicle sale.

If you own or manage a dealership, you already know selling cars is hard work. But here’s the truth: why running ads as a dealership is important comes down to one simple thing—more people see your cars when you advertise. And the more people see your cars, the more cars you sell. In this blog, we’ll break down why ads matter, how they help, and why every dealership needs them to stay competitive today.

Why Ads Matter for Every Dealership

Advertising is not new. Dealers have been doing it for decades with radio, TV, and newspapers. But today, buyers live online. They search on Google, scroll on Facebook, and watch on Instagram. That’s where ads come in.

When you run ads:

• You reach buyers while they are already shopping.

• You can target people by age, income, and location.

• You only pay when someone sees or clicks your ad.

• You measure results in real time.

This is why running ads as a dealership is important—without them, buyers may never even know your cars exist.

The Power of Digital Ads

Digital ads give dealerships the ability to show the right cars to the right people at the right time.

• Google Ads: Show your cars when someone searches “used SUV near me.”

• Facebook and Instagram Ads: Put your cars in the feeds of local buyers who are ready to shop.

• YouTube Ads: Build trust with video walkarounds and test drives.

According to Statista, auto industry digital ad spending in the U.S. is expected to exceed $19 billion in 2025. That means dealerships everywhere are investing in ads because they work.

Why Dealers Who Don’t Advertise Get Left Behind

Let’s be honest. If your dealership isn’t running ads, you’re invisible compared to the competition. Shoppers will see your rival’s ads instead of your cars. That means fewer calls, fewer leads, and fewer sales.

Here’s the scary part: many buyers don’t even step foot on a lot without seeing ads first. According to Cox Automotive, the average car shopper spends over 13 hours online researching before they buy. Ads help your dealership show up in that research process.

Benefits of Running Ads as a Dealership

1. More Leads – Ads drive calls, clicks, and direct messages.

2. More Sales – Ads bring in buyers who are ready to act.

3. Brand Awareness – People see your dealership name everywhere.

4. Targeting – Show trucks to truck buyers, SUVs to families, and sports cars to enthusiasts.

5. Faster Results – Ads work the same day you launch them.

This is why running ads as a dealership is important—you grow faster, sell faster, and stay top of mind.

How Shiftly Auto Helps With Ads

At Shiftly Auto, we don’t just post cars for you. We also run ads that drive real results. Here’s how:

• Meta Ads Management: We write ad copy, design creative, and target the right buyers.

• Budget Optimization: We make sure every dollar works harder.

• Lead Tracking: We show you exactly how many calls, messages, and sales your ads generate.

• Training: We teach dealerships how ads work so you can grow long-term.

Many dealers who work with Shiftly report selling more cars in weeks, not months.

Real Examples of Why Running Ads as a Dealership Is Important

• A Texas dealership spent just $500 on Facebook ads and sold seven cars in two weeks.

• A Midwest dealer used ads to target SUV buyers and cleared out old inventory in under 30 days.

• A small-town dealer doubled their monthly leads by running Google Ads for “cars under $15,000.”

These results prove one thing: ads bring in business.

Step-by-Step: How to Run Ads the Right Way

1. Pick a Platform – Start with Facebook and Google.

2. Set a Budget – Even $10–20 per day works.

3. Target Buyers – Choose age, location, and interests.

4. Use Strong Images – Cars sell with great photos.

5. Test & Improve – Keep the ads that work, cut the ones that don’t.

Want help? See how Shiftly runs dealership ads here.

FAQs About Running Ads as a Dealership

Q: Is running ads expensive for a dealership?
No. You set the budget. Even small budgets bring results.

Q: Do ads really work for used cars?
Yes. Used cars are some of the most-searched vehicles online.

Q: Can ads target people near my lot?
Yes. Geo-targeting means your ads only show to local buyers.

Q: How fast will I see results?
Often within the first few days of launching.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, why running ads as a dealership is important is simple: ads bring buyers to you. Without ads, you’re invisible. With ads, you’re front and center. More leads, more sales, more growth.

If your dealership is ready to stop waiting for walk-ins and start driving more sales, it’s time to run ads.

Get started with Shiftly Auto today.

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