10/02/2023 - 7 minute read

10 Viral Facebook Reel Ideas for 2023 That'll Put Your Car Dealership in the Fast Lane

A profile picture of Gary Lewis Cheetham, the founder of GL Digital Automotive Marketing, smiling outside a car dealership

Written by

Gary Lewis Cheetham

Automotive marketing specialist from Manchester, UK

A header image for the blog post 10 Viral Facebook Reel Ideas for 2023 That'll Put Your Car Dealership in the Fast Lane from GL Digital Automotive Marketing

Hey there, in this article I'm ready to share my top ten ideas for Facebook Reels that you can use for free to get your dealership's Facebook page revvin' like a V8 engine. These are Reels that we launch with dealerships we work with to great success.

Now, I know some of you older car dealers might be thinking, "What's this 'Facebook Reel' malarkey?" Well, let me tell you, it's a short-form video feature on Facebook that allows you to show off your dealership in all its glory. And with a generation of car buyers now turning to social media for their automotive needs, it's crucial that your dealership is well represented online.

If you need a full guide on setting up, using and tips on creating Facebook Reels, check our Complete Guide to Facebook Reels for Car Dealers.

So, without further ado, let's dive into these ten ideas and see how we can make your dealership's Facebook page the talk of the town. From customer testimonials to behind-the-scenes glimpses, and even car customisations, I've got something for everyone. So, grab a cuppa, sit back, and let's get started!

Who wrote the article "10 Viral Facebook Reel Ideas for 2023 That'll Put Your Car Dealership in the Fast Lane"?

Allow me to introduce myself! My name is Gary Lewis Cheetham, and I'm an automotive marketing expert, hailing from northern England. I grew up in my dad's car dealership, and I learned the ins and outs of car dealer marketing on the job. With years of experience under my belt and a passion for all things automotive, I'm here to share my expertise with you.

I founded GL Digital Automotive Marketing in 2020 to provide marketing help to car dealers all over the UK and US.

Let's get started with our 10 Facebook Reels ideas for car dealers!

Mockup of the front cover of the book 5 minute killer car classified

Get smart! Use ChatGPT to write your AutoTrader listings

Mockup of the front cover of the book 5 minute killer car classified

Get smart! Use ChatGPT to write your AutoTrader listings

Start using AI now before your competitors do!

  • Includes free signup to ChatGPT
  • Write awesome listings in seconds
  • Foolproof prompts to copy and paste

Enter your email to receive your FREE guide today!

1) Showcase a Car Restoration

A smartphone taking a facebook reel of a car restoration in progress

Inspiration for this reel comes from the car restoration shows we all know and love like Wheeler Dealers, where a team of experts bring an old, beaten-up barn find back to its former glory.

Breakdown of what could be included in the Reel video

This reel could show the process of the restoration, from the initial condition of the car to its final, shiny appearance. It could also include interviews with the technicians involved in the restoration and a tour of the dealership's workshop.

Unique Twist

To make this reel unique, you could showcase a time-lapse of the entire restoration process, adding music and captions to explain what's happening. You could also involve customers in the process, asking them to choose which car they'd like to see restored next.

Involve all members of the dealership showroom:

Encourage all showroom staff to share the reel on their own personal social media pages, to help spread the word and show their support for the dealership.

2) Behind the Scenes at the Dealership

A smartphone taking a facebook reel of a the behind the scenes footage at a car dealership

Inspiration for this reel comes from behind-the-scenes TV shows, like American Chopper, where the audience gets a glimpse into the workings of a business.

Breakdown of what could be included in the Reel video

This reel could show a day in the life of the dealership, including interviews with staff members, a tour of the showroom, and a look at the dealership's workshops.

Unique Twist

To make this Reel unique, you could focus on the quirkier aspects of the dealership, such as the staff's favourite cars, their favourite customer interactions, or their favourite workshops. You could also add music and captions to bring a light-hearted feel to the reel.

Involve all members of the dealership showroom

Encourage all staff to share their favourite behind-the-scenes moments on the dealership's social media page, and ask customers to share their favourite memories of visiting the dealership.

3) Test Drive Challenge

A smartphone taking a facebook reel of a test drive in a car dealership

Inspiration for this reel comes from car shows like Top Gear, where they put a "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car", and where skilled drivers push their cars to the limit.

Breakdown of what could be included in the Reel video

This reel could show a dealership staff member taking one of the dealership's cars for a test drive and putting it through its paces. Or, you could grab somebody's wife or girlfriend and put them in a really fancy car for a bit. It could include high-speed driving, tight turns, and even a little bit of off-roading.

Unique Twist

To make this reel unique, you could challenge customers to come to the dealership and try to beat the dealership staff member's test drive time (Make sure they're insured though). You could also add music and captions to add a sense of excitement to the reel.

Involve all members of the dealership showroom:

Encourage all staff members to share their own test drive times and experiences on the dealership's social media page, and ask customers to share their own test drive times and experiences.

4) Customer Testimonials

A smartphone taking a facebook reel of customers buying a car in a car dealership

Our Iispiration for this reel comes from those classic car dealership ads, where customers are seen grinning from ear to ear about their latest purchase.

Breakdown of what could be included in the Reel video:

This reel could feature your happy customers talking about their experience at the dealership, from the moment they stepped into the showroom to the moment they drove off the lot in their new car.

Unique Twist

Your customers are already unique, they will have local accents and represent your dealership's demographic very well. So put them on camera!

Involve all members of the dealership showroom

Encourage all staff members to share their favourite customer testimonials on the dealership's social media page, and ask customers to share their own testimonials and rate their experience on the dealership's page.

5) The story of a Sale

A smartphone taking a facebook reel of a key being handed over in a car in a car dealership

You might not feel like it day to day, but working at a car dealership is many people's dream job. So show them what it's like!

Breakdown of what could be included in the Reel video:

Talk about what it takes to write up a sale at your dealership, including finance proposal, valuing the trade in, and handing over the keys.

Unique Twist

To make this reel unique, you could add music and captions to create a sense of mystery and excitement. You could also challenge customers to guess what happens in different parts of the dealership and reward the closest guesses with discounts or free upgrades.

Involve all members of the dealership showroom

Encourage all staff members to share their favourite behind-the-scenes sales moments on the dealership's social media page, and ask customers to share their own favourite moments from their experiences at the dealership.

6) Car Customisation:

A smartphone taking a facebook reel of a key being handed over in a car in a car dealership

Inspiration for this reel comes from shows like pimp my ride, where people transform ordinary cars into stunning masterpieces.

Breakdown of what could be included in the Reel video

This reel could showcase the dealership's customization options, including custom paint jobs, wheels, audio systems, and more.

Unique Twist

To make this reel unique, you could add music and captions to create a sense of creativity and excitement. You could also challenge customers to come up with their own custom car designs and share them on the dealership's social media page, with a prize for the best design.

Involve all members of the dealership showroom:

Encourage all staff members to share their favourite custom car designs on the dealership's social media page, and ask customers to share their own favourite custom car designs and rate the dealership's customization options.

7) Showcasing the Dealership's Inventory

A smartphone taking a facebook reel of lines of cars on a car lot

Inspiration for this reel comes from car sales shows, where dealerships showcase their latest arrivals and best deals.

Breakdown of what could be included in the Reel video:

This reel could show off the dealership's latest arrivals, including new and pre-owned vehicles. It could include a tour of the showroom, highlighting the features of each car, and short interviews with sales staff.

Unique Twist

To make this reel unique, we sometimes show our dealers the video of the infamous Blue Genie from the Chop Show. You don't need to dress up, but you could add music and captions to bring a sense of excitement to the reel. You could also challenge customers to guess the price of each car and reward the closest guess with a discount or free upgrade.

Involve all members of the dealership showroom

Encourage all staff members to share their favourite cars from the dealership's inventory on their personal social media pages, and ask customers to share their favourite cars and why they love them.

8) Car Maintenance and Repair Tips

A smartphone taking a facebook reel of a car being repaired

Inspiration for this reel comes from DIY car repair shows, where people learn how to maintain and repair their cars.

Breakdown of what could be included in the Reel video

This reel could show the dealership's technicians performing routine maintenance and repairs on a car. It could include an explanation of what they're doing and why it's important, as well as a tour of the dealership's workshops.

Unique Twist

To make this reel unique, you could add music and captions to explain the process in a fun and engaging way. You could also challenge customers to try to diagnose a car problem, with a prize for the first customer to get it right.

Involve all members of the dealership showroom

Encourage all staff members to share their favourite car maintenance and repair tips on the dealership's social media page, and ask customers to share their own tips and experiences.

9) Dealership Community Involvement

A smartphone taking a facebook reel of a woman driving a car that she has just bought of a car dealership

Inspiration for this reel comes from shows that showcase businesses giving back to their communities.

Breakdown of what could be included in the Reel video

This reel could show the dealership's involvement in the local community, such as sponsoring local events, supporting local charities, or donating cars to families in need.

Unique Twist

To make this reel unique, you could add music and captions to bring a sense of heartwarming to the reel. You could also challenge customers to share their own stories of giving back to the community, with a prize for the best story.

Involve all members of the dealership showroom

Encourage all staff members to share their favourite community involvement moments on the dealership's social media page, and ask customers to share their own favourite moments of giving back to the community.

10) Car Karaoke Challenge

A smartphone taking a facebook reel of a woman driving a car that she has just bought of a car dealership

Inspiration for this comes from Carpool Karaoke with James Corden

Breakdown of what could be included in the Reel video

Get your sales team and other dealership staff members to choose their favourite car-themed songs and film themselves lip-syncing and dancing to them in the showroom. The catch? Each team member must perform in a different car on the dealership floor.

Unique Twist

Encourage staff members to get creative with their costumes and choreography, and have a "best performance" competition, with the winning team receiving a fun prize.

Involve all Members of the Dealership Showroom

Ask staff members from different departments to participate, such as the service team, finance team, and even the receptionist. This will not only show off the fun and lighthearted side of your dealership but will also help build camaraderie among the staff. And who knows, you might just discover some hidden talents along the way!

Conclusion

Customising cars, showcasing the dealership's inventory, offering car maintenance and repair tips, and giving back to the community are all great ways for a car dealership to connect with its customers.

By leveraging these viral Facebook Reel ideas in 2023, your car dealership can stand out from the crowd while engaging potential buyers and existing customers alike.

These reels will help you show off your unique offerings while also building relationships with people who may not have considered buying from you before. With a little creativity and some hard work, you'll be on your way to putting your car dealership in the fast lane!

Mockup of the front cover of the book 5 minute killer car classified

Get smart! Use ChatGPT to write your AutoTrader listings

Mockup of the front cover of the book 5 minute killer car classified

Get smart! Use ChatGPT to write your AutoTrader listings

Start using AI now before your competitors do!

  • Includes free signup to ChatGPT
  • Write awesome listings in seconds
  • Foolproof prompts to copy and paste

Enter your email to receive your FREE guide today!

About the author

A profile picture of Gary Lewis Cheetham, the founder of GL Digital Automotive Marketing, smiling outside a car dealership

Gary Lewis Cheetham is an automotive marketing specialist, born and raised in Oldham, Greater Manchester. Gary Lewis Cheetham is the founder of GL Digital Automotive Marketing. He spent his teenage years working at the family dealership after school, learning the ropes of the car trade from the inside out.

After moving on to working in marketing, Gary Lewis founded GL Digital in 2020 when he noticed a need for direct-to-consumer marketing platforms within the auto industry. He now strives every day to help independent dealers in the UK and US realise their potential. Gary also loves Formula 1 and motorsport.

More Articles

The Complete Guide to Facebook Business Manager for Car Dealerships (2023): Sell Cars Like a Marketing Pro

The Complete Guide to Facebook Business Manager for Car Dealerships (2023): Sell Cars Like a Marketing Pro

In this comprehensive guide, we're gonna cover everything you need to know about Facebook Business Manager, from top to bottom, left to…

9 minute read - 10/02/2023

10 Facebook Live Ideas for Car Dealerships: Boost Your Sales with Live Video

10 Facebook Live Ideas for Car Dealerships: Boost Your Sales with Live Video

In this article, I give 10 proven Facebook Live ideas that you can take and use for free at your car dealership. Facebook Live is a live…

9 minute read - 10/02/2023

2023's Must-Read Guide to Facebook Live for Car Dealerships: Drive More Sales Today

2023's Must-Read Guide to Facebook Live for Car Dealerships: Drive More Sales Today

In this guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know to get started with Facebook Live for your car dealership, including how to…

11 minute read - 10/02/2023

10 Viral Facebook Reel Ideas for 2023 That'll Put Your Car Dealership in the Fast Lane

10 Viral Facebook Reel Ideas for 2023 That'll Put Your Car Dealership in the Fast Lane

Hey there, in this article I'm ready to share my top ten ideas for Facebook Reels that you can use for free to get your dealership's…

7 minute read - 10/02/2023

Facebook Stories for Car Dealers: The Ultimate Guide for 2023

Facebook Stories for Car Dealers: The Ultimate Guide for 2023

In this guide, we'll take you through all the ins and outs of Facebook Stories and how they can help you reach more customers, generate more…

7 minute read - 03/02/2023

The Complete Guide to Facebook Reels for Car Dealers (2023): How to Promote Your Dealership using Video

The Complete Guide to Facebook Reels for Car Dealers (2023): How to Promote Your Dealership using Video

In this article, we will be discussing how car dealers can effectively utilise the Facebook Reels feature to promote their cars and boost…

8 minute read - 03/02/2023

See More