Hosting an event at your dealership can be costly and if not done properly, you can spend a lot of money without a lot of return. To get the most bang for your buck, you’ll need to harvest your database to ensure you communicate to the right customers to drive them into your dealership for your event. Here’s how you can increase foot traffic and make the most out of a fall event.
What Type of Event?
First things first, you will have to determine what type of event you’ll host. Will you host an end-of-summer BBQ to thank customers for their loyal patronage or will you host a model year close out event to move 2015s off your lot to make room for the 2016s? The possibilities are endless and are only limited by your imagination. Be sure your event fits your dealership needs and budget.
Which Customers Will You Invite?
Once you’ve determined your event type, you need to decide on the target audience to invite. Be sure to segment your database so that you invite the right people. For example, if you plan to host an end-of-summer BBQ, you’ll want to only invite your most loyal customers. You don’t want people coming to mooch off the free food; you want to demonstrate your thanks to your most loyal customers. If you plan to host a model year close out event, be sure to exclude anyone who has recently purchased a vehicle from you. Instead, target customers who are in a favorable equity position, have owned their vehicle for three or more years, or are driving a 2012 and older vehicle. By segmenting your database, you reach the customers who will be most impacted by your event.
Will You Entice Visitors?
The last thing you want to think about is the offers you’ll include in your marketing piece. To make a big impact, be creative with your offers. You could offer recipients something if they come to your event, create a unique offer that highlighting the details of your event, or simply offer savings on services or products at your dealership. When coming up with your enticing offers, remember to think outside the box.
Now is the perfect time to host an event at your dealership. Be sure to harvest your database and entice visitors to drive them to your store.