Uses Cases & Templates for SMS Marketing for Dealerships

Car dealerships who aren’t using SMS marketing are missing out. Texts are an affordable and simple communication solution for driving business to your dealership and improving your customer experience.

Find out how to use SMS marketing for auto dealerships with these top use cases and templates.

Ways to Use SMS Marketing in Car Dealerships Video

When & How to Use SMS in Dealerships

Here are some of the top ways auto dealerships can use SMS marketing:

Maintenance Reminders

Send SMS reminders for routine maintenance, oil changes, or vehicle inspections to help customers keep their cars in good condition. This makes your customers feel you have their best interests in mind, strengthening your customer relationship.

Try out these templates:

• Oil Change Reminder
  • Hello [Customer's Name], it's time for your car's regular oil change! Schedule an appointment with us to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Reply “OilChange” to book.
• Vehicle Inspection Reminder
  • Hi [Customer's Name], your vehicle is due for an inspection. Book an appointment today to ensure your safety on the road. Reply “Inspection” to schedule.
• Tire Rotation Reminder
  • Hi [Customer's Name], it's time for a tire rotation to extend the life of your tires. Book your appointment now to maintain optimal performance. Reply “TireRotation” to schedule.
• Routine Maintenance Reminder
  • Good day! Your car is scheduled for routine maintenance soon. We care about your vehicle's performance and safety. Reply “Maintenance” to confirm your appointment.

Service Alerts

Notify customers about recalls, safety updates, or service bulletins related to their vehicles to ensure their safety and maintain their trust. If you’re servicing a vehicle of theirs, use SMS to send out updates about the status of their vehicle and when to pick it up.

Check out these template ideas:

• Recall Alert
  • Urgent: Your vehicle may be affected by a safety recall. Please contact us immediately at [Service Department Number] for information on how to proceed.
• Service Status Update-In Progress
  • Your vehicle is currently in our service center. We're diligently working on it and will update you with progress details shortly. Thank you for choosing us!
• Service Update- Vehicle Ready
  • Great news! Your vehicle is ready for pickup from our service center. We've completed the necessary maintenance. You can collect it at your convenience.
• Service Bulletin Update
  • Important Update: We have received a service bulletin related to your vehicle model. Please contact us at [Service Department Number] for more information and scheduling.

Specialized Discounts

Discounts are major incentives for buying a car. Alert your customer list of discounts, especially any personalized ones. Sharing discount information will improve the chances of getting them in the door and making the sale.

Here are some template ideas:

• Personalized Discount
  • Hi [Customer's Name], as a valued customer, we're offering you an exclusive discount on your next car purchase. Visit our dealership to learn more and explore your savings!
• Limited-Time Discount Alert
  • Don't miss out! We have a limited-time discount on selected car models this month. Hurry in to take advantage of these incredible savings!
• Referral Discount Offer
  • Great news! You've been referred by a valued customer. Claim your referral discount when you purchase a car from us. Let's make this deal even better!
• New Customer Discount
  • Welcome to [Your Dealership Name]! As a new customer, enjoy a special discount on your first vehicle purchase with us. Visit us today to explore your options!

Promotional Messages

Let your customers know about any important promotions. Get the word out and drive results with SMS. Promote dealership events, such as sales events, test drive events, or car launches, through SMS invitations to attract attendees.

Consider these template options:

• Sales Event Promotion
  • Exciting news! Our Annual Sales Event is just around the corner. Join us on [Event Date] for exclusive deals and test drive opportunities. Reply “Event” for details.
• New Car Launch Promotion
  • Be the first to experience the all-new [Car Model]! Join us on [Launch Date] for a special launch event with exclusive offers and incentives. Reply “NewCar” for info.
• Seasonal Promotion
  • Celebrate the season with a new ride! Discover our seasonal promotion featuring special discounts, extended warranties, and more. Get the details now!
• Limited-Time Financing Offer
  • Don't miss out on our limited-time financing offer with low APR rates. Secure your dream car today and enjoy affordable financing options at our dealership!

Trade-In Offers

Send SMS messages informing customers about trade-in opportunities and valuations to encourage them to upgrade their vehicles. Include personalization to connect with them and increase the chances of a trade-in.

Consider these template options:

• Trade-In Valuation
  • Hi [Customer's Name], curious about your vehicle's trade-in value? Get a personalized valuation today and explore your upgrade options. Reply “TradeIn” for details.
• Trade-In Incentives
  • Ready for a new ride? Trade in your current vehicle and enjoy special incentives on your next purchase. Visit us to learn more about this great opportunity!
• Trade-In Invitation
  • Join us at our Trade-In Event on [Event Date]. Get a free vehicle appraisal and explore fantastic trade-in opportunities. Reply “TradeEvent” for event details.
• Year-End Trade-In Bonus
  • As the year ends, we're offering a special trade-in bonus for your vehicle. Upgrade to a new model and enjoy extra savings. Visit us for appraisal.

Two-Way Customer Communication

Leverage SMS for two-way messages as well as alerts. It’s easier to answer questions and address customer needs with quick texts. Send automated responses for messages sent out of hours. When customers feel they can reach you anytime, it puts them at ease and addresses their pain points.

Here are some template ideas:

• General Inquiry Response
  • Thank you for reaching out to us! How can we assist you today? Feel free to ask any questions or share your concerns, and we'll provide prompt assistance.
• Out-of-Hours Auto Reply
  • Our team is currently unavailable, but your message is important to us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible when we're back in the office. Thank you for your patience!
• Appointment Scheduling
  • Need to book a service appointment or test drive? Simply reply with your preferred date and time, and we'll confirm your appointment shortly. We're here to help!
• Appointment Rescheduling
  • Need to reschedule your upcoming appointment? Reply with your preferred new date and time, and we'll confirm the updated appointment for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the use cases of SMS for Dealerships?

Car dealerships can use SMS to share maintenance reminders, service updates, promotions, and discounts, and to answer customer questions.

What is the best SMS tool for Dealerships?

Some of the best SMS tools for Dealerships include SimpleTexting, TextMagic, Mobile Text Alerts, and Omnisend.

What are the limitations of SMS for Dealerships?

The short character limit is a major limitation for dealership SMS. Dealerships must also consider customer privacy, message management, and developing an effective strategy to make the most of SMS.