How to run Google Ads For Car Dealerships

Are you looking to drive more customers to your car dealership?

Google Ads can be a powerful tool to get your cars in front of potential buyers. Here's a quick guide on how to set up and run Google Ads for your new or used dealership.

Steps To Launch Your Google Ads

1. Understand Your Audience

Before you start, it's important to know who you're targeting. Are they first-time buyers or experienced car enthusiasts? Understanding your audience will help you create ads that speak directly to their needs.

2. Set Up Your Google Ads Account

If you haven't already, set up a Google Ads account. It's straightforward: just follow the steps provided by Google. Once your account is ready, you're set to create your first campaign.

Make sure to hook up your ad account to our GA4 (Google Analytics 4) account as well, for accurate tracking and important data.

We often see new clients who don't have this set up, because a past vendor took their accounts with them. A properly setup account is crucial for everyones success.

3. Choose the Right Campaign Type

For car dealerships, the "Search Network" campaign is usually the best choice. This means your ads will show up in Google search results when people look for keywords related to buying a car.

This is a great option to get started, and will require less work/understanding on creative elements such as video.

There are a few other options that our clients like to leverage, but it depends on your ability in creating ads as well as your ideal outcome.

"Performance Max" campaigns are often lower performing, but they do require even less set-up, maintenance and know-how. These may be a good start if you're looking for a more hands off approach.

4. Selecting Keywords

Keywords are crucial for SEO and getting your ads seen. Think like a buyer – what would you search for if you were looking to buy a car? Use phrases like "buy new car," "affordable SUVs," or "car dealerships in _____________."

Tools like Google Keyword Planner can help you find the right keywords, and maximize you ad spend.

Including your competitors dealership name and brand also will help you appear first in search results, depending on a few factors like bid strategy and your overall budget.

The key here is to think like the customer.

When they're looking for a new vehicle, what do they type into Google? Getting as granular as possible will help you reach the right audience.

Remember - "When you market to everyone, your market to no one."

5. Write Compelling Ad Copy

Your ad copy should grab attention and make someone want to click.

Highlight what makes your dealership unique, such as "Family-owned dealership with the best prices in town!" Remember to include a call-to-action, based on what action you want your customer to take. This could be a promt to "Call Now," "Book Your Test Drive" or "Apply Now."

6. Set Your Budget

Decide how much you want to spend each day on your ads. Google Ads uses a pay-per-click model, so you only pay when someone clicks on your ad. Start with a budget you're comfortable with and adjust as you see results.

Depending on your bid strategy, clicks will cost more than others - especially if you're in a competitive marketplace where other car dealerships are bidding for your customers clicks.

We've seen dealerships spending as little as $20/day on ads see an ROI, though this is extremely low in most markets.

7. Create Landing Pages

When someone clicks on your ad, they should land on a page that matches what the ad promised. If your ad is about a specific car model, the landing page should have details about that model, the trim levels, or inventory in-stock.

Try to send traffic to pages you want them to take action on, not just your homepage.

8. Monitor and Adjust

Once your ads are running, keep an eye on them.

Are you getting clicks? Are those clicks leading to sales? Google Ads provides tools to track your success. Use this data to tweak your keywords, ad copy, and budget to improve your results.

Make sure your ads comply with Google's policies and the advertising laws in your area. Misleading ads can result in penalties, so always be truthful and clear on what you are offering.

Bringing It All Together

Running Google Ads for your car dealership doesn't have to be complicated. With a little planning and ongoing management, you can create successful campaigns that bring more buyers to your store.

PS. Need a boost in managing your Google Ads campaigns? Dealer Surge is here to help! 

Our team specializes in creating targeted ad strategies that increase traffic and sales for car dealerships just like yours.

You'll get personalized service and expert advice every step of the way!

Get in touch with Dealer Surge now and watch your dealership race ahead of the competition.