How to Choose the Right Email Tool
The best email marketing tool depends on your dealership:
Size matters. Single-point dealers can use simpler tools. Large groups need more robust solutions with better organization.
Staff capabilities. Consider who will actually manage email. Sales staff need simple tools they will use. Marketing teams can handle complexity.
Budget is real. Calculate cost at your database size. Dealerships often have thousands of past customers in their CRM.
What Actually Works for Car Dealerships
After talking to many dealership owners about email marketing:
Speed wins leads. Following up within an hour of an inquiry dramatically increases close rates. Automated sequences make this possible.
Service drives profit. Service reminder emails have the highest ROI. Customers appreciate reminders and your service department stays busy.
Trade-in timing matters. Reaching out at the right point in the ownership cycle generates easy sales opportunities.
Getting Started
Pick a tool from this list. Then:
- Import your customer database
- Set up lead follow-up automation
- Create service reminder sequences
- Plan monthly promotional campaigns
Start simple and expand as you see results.