The fast-paced world of digital marketing can make or break your tire shop. With new trends constantly coming and going, it’s important that you have a handle on how automotive marketing strategies impact your consumers’ buying patterns.

With 2018 well under way, we’re taking a look at some of the marketing trends that we think will make a huge difference for your shop this year and beyond. Check out the top three automotive marketing trends that you need to be aware of this year:

Everything You Need to Know About Automotive Marketing in 2018

Trend 1: Mobile rules all

According to a recent Google study, 71% of digital interactions occur on mobile throughout a consumer’s journey from awareness to purchase. Couple that with the fact that more than 50% of auto shoppers nominated their smartphone as the device they are most likely to use when conducting car-related research, and one thing is true: the future is here, and it’s happening on your iPhone screen.

These astounding figures are evidence that mobile devices should not only be a part of your automotive marketing strategy, they should be the center of your marketing efforts. It’s not enough to have a mobile responsive website. It’s time to start targeting mobile shoppers deliberately, and customizing your user experience to the small screen.

If you haven’t already, start making steps towards a mobile-centric approach in your marketing by incorporating mobile apps, local search, and social media into your marketing plan.

Trend 2: Localized search matters

Speaking of localized search: why aren’t you doing it yet? In addition to being a key way to reach those crucial mobile buyers, engaging in localized search is just good practice for both small and medium sized tire shops.

The Internet is the number one source for auto-related consumer research, which means that the majority of your audience likely starts their shopping process with a Google search. For brick and mortar businesses like yours, a good localized search presence can translate into a significantly higher rate of offline purchases - usually within just a few hours of the initial search query.

Trend 3: Video content will take you to the next level

There once was a time where digital marketers could get away without incorporating video content into their plans, but in 2018, we know that video is the single most important type of content for bringing in a high ROI.

This is especially true for the auto and tire industry. More than 30% of auto buyers consult online video content when researching a purchase decision. Videos help buyers at every stage in the purchasing funnel: you can create content to increase awareness around your tire shop, explain your products, and help them to make comparisons between the services that you have to offer.

Do you want to transform your automotive marketing and take your tire shop to the next level? Our automated software can help! Schedule a demo today to learn how.