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).

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.