There are so many different ways to market now, and finding the best way to get your business out there takes more than just traditional advertising. When you are thinking about ways to appeal to new clients and to retain the old, marketing events are a great way to build interest and reward loyal customers. Here are some ways you can put together a quality event that will market your dealership effectively.

Plan well in advance

It might seem obvious that it takes some time to create an event that you feel proud of, but you might not realize how much time it can take. Depending on the quality and what type of event it is, you might have to consider catering, the setup, and who exactly you want to invite. Make sure to give yourself a few months to put all the details together and to give yourself enough time to promote the upcoming date so others know when to attend.

Know who the event is for

Just like marketing on a daily basis, you need to know your buyer persona well before you begin the process of putting together an event. Who are you trying to appeal to? Are you looking to invite potential customers who might want to buy a car? Or are you looking to establish yourself in the community and become a name that customers turn to when they need a new vehicle? These are all questions you should be able to answer before you book the venue and decide what exactly you want to accomplish with an event.

Promote, promote, promote

Once you have figured out who you want to reach, the next step is to actually reach those people. Think of your ideal buyer and where he or she gets the news. Radio, TV, and social media are all ways you can connect with others to let them know that this event is taking place. You’ll also want to take care to do this at least a few weeks in advance so those who are interested in attending can mark it on their calendars and they aren’t surprised by the date.

Create an incentive to come

While regular customers might come to the event because they respect your business and the advice you provide them, new customers need to have a reason to attend an event—especially if they have never heard of your brand before. The best thing to do is offer an incentive. Maybe new clients receive a discount on new car models on the lot or they are entered into a raffle to win a new car. These incentives give potential clients a reason to believe that you care about their business and want to reward them for their interest in your dealership.

If you can’t do something so drastic, free food or music is also a way to entice new customers to check the event out.

Be available

Events like these are meant to encourage new customers to ask questions about your products and industry. While you might be busy with the party, you should also be around to answer any questions they might have or to have information available about your dealership. This personal touch is what will make your business stand out. After all, the whole point of an event like this is to show that you care about educating potential clients on what you have to offer them.

Marketing events are essential to establishing your business within a community. With a little planning and knowing exactly who you are marketing to, your event is all the more likely to be a success.