Online advertising has come a long way since the first clickable banner ad in 1994 asked, “Have you ever clicked your mouse right here?” (Spoiler alert: most of us eventually did.) What started with pixelated banners has exploded into a dynamic ecosystem of search ads, social content, video campaigns, and AI-driven strategies. And here’s the thing – if your dealership isn’t keeping pace, your competitors will happily take your clicks.
At Strong Automotive, we stay ahead of the curve so you don’t have to. From trending platforms to smart data strategies, we help automotive retailers meet shoppers where they are and drive results that move metal.
From Banners to Behavior-Based Ads: What’s Changed
Online advertising is about being online and being seen, remembered, and clicked. Early ads were broad. Now, everything’s tailored. Want to target local truck buyers aged 30-45 who searched “4WD towing capacity” last week? You can. Thanks to tools like Google Ads, Meta targeting, and programmatic platforms, we’re hitting hyper-specific audiences right where they scroll.
But it’s not just about flashy tools. It’s about knowing how to use them and staying sharp while platforms constantly evolve. From first-party data workarounds to cookieless tracking strategies, we’re already adapting for what’s next.
Why Your Ads Should Be Built for Scroll Speed
People now skim, swipe, and skip. That’s why modern ads have to get to the point – fast. Whether it’s a six-second bumper ad on YouTube or a dynamic carousel on Facebook, grabbing attention in the first two seconds is non-negotiable.
With more car buyers researching on their phones, mobile-first design and video-heavy formats aren’t optional – they’re the new normal. At Strong, we design every campaign with speed, clarity, and conversions in mind.
Social, Search, and Streaming – All Under One Hood
Social media platforms have become full-blown advertising machines. Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and even LinkedIn are built to serve ads that don’t feel like ads. And then there’s search, where buyers tell you exactly what they want. Combining keyword-based campaigns with interest-driven social targeting gives you a full-funnel strategy that keeps shoppers engaged from first click to test drive.
And don’t forget videos. Short-form video, including YouTube pre-roll and in-feed social clips, is one of the most effective ways to build trust quickly. Strong Automotive builds creative that fits where your customers are – and gets them to act.
AI, Automation, and Staying Ahead
Programmatic ad buying and AI-powered tools aren’t just buzzwords – they’re behind-the-scenes powerhouses. They help optimize ad placement, test creative variations, and learn what’s working in real time. We use machine learning to improve campaign performance because digital marketing should never be “set it and forget it.”
At Strong, our team geeks out over new tools so you don’t have to. We adapt fast, test constantly, and use real-time reporting to make decisions that move your campaigns forward.
Want Results That Drive Traffic? Let’s Talk.
Dealership marketing isn’t what it used to be – and that’s a good thing. With new tech, smarter tools, and sharper targeting, your next car buyer is just a scroll away. But it takes more than guesswork to get results.
Strong Automotive has spent decades helping dealerships like yours stand out in a crowded digital space. If you’re ready to work with a team that lives and breathes digital trends – and knows how to turn them into traffic and leads – let’s build something great together.
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John Paul Strong
John Paul Strong combines his two decades of automotive marketing experience with a team of more than 150 professionals as owner and CEO of Strong Automotive.
