The way people buy cars has changed forever. In 2025, most buyers start their journey online, armed with research, financing options, trade-in estimates, and even vehicle comparisons, before they ever contact a salesperson. If your dealership isn’t engaging with these potential customers early in their journey, you’re missing out.

That’s where social selling comes in.

More than just posting cars and offers, social selling is about building relationships, providing value, and becoming the go-to dealership, long before a customer steps through your doors (or lands in your CRM).

Key Takeaways

• Social selling for car dealers means using social media to start real conversations, build trust, and book appointments before a shopper visits the store.
• The fastest wins come from consistent posting plus quick replies in DMs and comments, speed and helpfulness usually beat “perfect” messaging.
• Your best social content focuses on buyer questions (price, trade-ins, payments, availability, delivery, warranties), not dealership promos.
• Use clear calls to action that move people to the next step (DM for availability, schedule a test drive, get a trade value, get pre-approved).
• Track results with a simple funnel (views, comments, DMs, appointments, sold) so you know what content drives leads.

In this guide, we’ll break down how dealerships can master social selling in 2025 using smart strategy, the right content, and tools like AVA™ Credit to generate high-quality leads from social platforms.

What Is Social Selling in the Auto Industry?

Social selling means using social media to:

• Build trust with potential buyers
• Answer common questions and offer helpful content
• Generate warm leads through authentic engagement

It’s not about spamming your followers with ads, t’s about meeting customers where they already are and showing them why they should choose you.

Why Social Selling Matters in 2025

🔍 Today’s buyers spend more time on social media than on dealership websites.
They want transparency, quick answers, and easy online tools.

🤝 Customers don’t just want to buy a car, they want to buy from someone they trust.
Your content, tone, and responsiveness build that relationship long before the test drive.

📈 Social platforms are now discovery engines.
People find local businesses, read reviews, watch walkaround videos, and even pre-qualify for financing, all through Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

Best Social Media Platforms for Car Dealers in 2025

Each platform plays a different role in your dealership’s digital strategy:

• Facebook: Great for building community, running targeted ads, and sharing promotions.
• Instagram: Ideal for showcasing vehicles, dealership culture, and short video content.
• TikTok: Perfect for reaching younger audiences with fun, behind-the-scenes content.
• YouTube: Use for in-depth vehicle walkarounds, how-to guides, and testimonials.
• LinkedIn: Use if your dealership does fleet, commercial, or B2B business.

What to Post: High-Converting Social Content Ideas

✅ New & Used Inventory Highlights
Use short videos or carousel posts to showcase new arrivals and popular models.

✅ Customer Testimonials & Delivery Day Posts
Nothing beats seeing real people with real smiles driving off in their new car.

✅ Credit Pre-Qualification Tools
Promote tools like AVA™ Credit, which lets shoppers see their Equifax credit score without impacting it, right from your social content.

✅ Financing Tips & FAQs
Break down topics like trade-ins, interest rates, or “buy vs. lease” in short, helpful posts.

✅ Behind the Scenes
Show your team, community involvement, staff birthdays, and what makes your store human.

✅ Service Department Highlights
Run seasonal promos and educate customers on regular maintenance needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Social Selling for Car Dealers

What is social selling for car dealerships?

Social selling is the process of using social platforms to find shoppers, earn trust, and start one-to-one conversations that lead to appointments. In a dealership setting, it usually means posting helpful content, replying to comments, and moving serious shoppers into DMs, calls, or a booked visit.

Which social platforms work best for car dealers?

The best platform is the one your buyers use and your team can support daily. Many dealers see strong engagement on Facebook and Instagram, while short video can perform well on TikTok and YouTube. Pick one or two platforms, then post and reply consistently before expanding.

What should salespeople post to generate car leads?

Post content that answers common buyer questions and reduces friction. Examples include walk-around videos, trade-in tips, payment and financing basics, “what to bring” for a test drive, and clear updates on inventory status. Add a simple next step like “DM me the stock number” or “Message me your trade details.”

How do you turn social comments and likes into appointments?

Reply fast, keep it helpful, and ask one clear next-step question. Move the conversation to DMs when it makes sense, then confirm details (vehicle, timing, contact info) and offer two appointment times. End with a written confirmation so the shopper knows what happens next.

How do you measure if social selling is working at a dealership?

Track a few numbers each week: reach or views, comments, DMs started, appointments set, showroom visits, and sold units tied to social conversations. If DMs are high but appointments are low, tighten your call to action and your follow-up process.