Tips for Using TikTok to Drive Traffic

If your dealership is serious about reaching younger buyers and generating real engagement, TikTok should be at the center of your digital strategy. With the rise of tentpole events – major cultural moments like award shows, sports championships, and seasonal milestones – TikTok has become the go-to platform for real-time content, short-form storytelling, and viral reach.

Thanks to TikTok’s official guide and Magna’s “Blueprint for Tentpole Events,” dealerships now have a clear path for how to tap into these big moments to boost visibility, drive traffic, and grow their audience.

Why Tentpole Events Matter

Tentpole moments generate massive spikes in attention, and attention is what fuels traffic. During events like the Olympics or the Super Bowl, users check TikTok constantly. Magna’s research shows:

• 42 percent of users check TikTok multiple times a day during major events
• 57 percent say TikTok has more athletes and personalities they care about
• TikTok beat TV as the most used format by Millennials for following these events
  • 43 percent of users turn to short-form video platforms
  • 35 percent get content from the TV

In short, your customers are on TikTok during these cultural spikes. They’re watching more, sharing more, and engaging with brands that appear.

5 Ways to Build a Winning TikTok Strategy Around Tentpoles

1. Get in Early

Brands that show up early in a tentpole event timeline win big. Ad formats like TopView (the first thing users see when they open the app) grab attention fast. Whether you’re promoting a new model launch or a seasonal sales event, timing matters.

2. Create Culturally Relevant Content

Your content should match the tone of the event. Sports moment? Focus on performance and adrenaline. Music awards? Highlight style, flair, and fun. Whatever the vibe, your dealership’s content should feel like it belongs in the moment, not just like another ad.

3. Partner with Local Creators

Magna’s study shows that people engage more with athletes, influencers, and celebrities during tentpole events. Find a local TikTok creator who can showcase your inventory in a way that feels natural and entertaining.

4. Use Premium Ad Formats

Consider TikTok’s Pulse and Pulse Premiere ad placements to put your dealership next to the hottest content during events. These premium spots keep you visible at the exact time people are paying attention most.

5. Plan with TikTok’s Event Calendar

TikTok releases a marketing calendar to help brands align content with upcoming tentpole events. Use it. Whether it’s the start of summer, the big game, or back-to-school season, posting at the right time gives your content a much better shot at gaining traction.

Need Help Making It All Happen? Strong Automotive Has Your Back

If this all sounds exciting – but also a little overwhelming – you’re not alone. That’s where Strong Automotive comes in.

With over 45 years of experience and more than 400 dealerships served nationwide, Strong knows how to build strategies that turn attention into traffic. Our full-service digital marketing team can help you:

• Map out tentpole event content calendars based on TikTok’s official guidelines
• Create thumb-stopping video content that’s designed for engagement and SEO
• Run and manage paid TikTok ad campaigns
• Track performance across platforms to measure results and refine strategy

Tentpole moments offer dealerships a powerful opportunity to show up when the audience is tuned in. With TikTok’s tools and the right marketing partner, you can do more than just post on social media; you’ll be able to stand out and drive traffic.