When I talk to dealers about video marketing, one question I get asked a lot is "What about social?" In particular the marketing folks want to know what types of videos they should make to post on their social media platforms, which social media platforms drive the best results and how best to engage their social audiences. 

These are all valid questions for advanced video marketers. But if you are just starting a video marketing strategy these are the wrong questions to be asking.  

The primary goal of your video marketing strategy is to increase lead conversions on your website. For the first six months to a year, that is all you should be focusing on. 

A secondary goal for your video marketing strategy may be to drive more customers to your website, or increase engagement with your social media followers. But you should not even attempt these goals until you have mastered the fundamentals of your primary goal. 

After all, what is the point of driving traffic to your website if you are not converting visitors to leads once they get there?  

Let's say you post a funny video on your Facebook page and someone clicks through to your website. When they get to your website, all they see are static photos and Vehicle Details Pages (VDPs) with text only. That's not what this person is expecting! You caught their attention with video, you got the click-through with a video, but when they get to your website there's no videos! 

When it comes to video marketing, I always recommend wading in slowly. Start with your inventory videos and master the fundamentals before you do anything else. That's not to say the branding and fun stuff isn't important. It is, but the goal of those videos is different than the goal of inventory videos.

With inventory videos, your goal is to present your inventory to a potential buyer just like the best salesperson in your store would. Your goal is to create emotional desire in a car shopper, so they take the next step and reach out to you. 

How to Master Inventory Videos 
Inventory videos are powerful because they have the potential to change a car shopper's mindset. Most consumers visit your website hoping that your dealership has the vehicle they want. A dynamic inventory video can change that paradigm to make the consumer want and take mental ownership of a vehicle that you already have.  

This paradigm shift is backed up by metrics. Overall engagement on a VDP featuring a live walkaround video jumps an average of 600 percent versus engagement on a static VDP. This translates into an approximate 30 to 35 percent increase in leads, according to feedback from our dealer customers. 

The first step in mastering inventory videos is to come up with a process for creating them. You could assign someone internally, or use an outside lot services company or a video production company. Come up with a template for what should be included in each video, such as: 

• Front, side and rear view shots of the vehicle 

• Interior shots of the dashboard and infotainment systems 

• Interior shots of the front and rear passenger seats 

• Close ups of tires 

• Shots of special features, e.g. roomy trunk, video screens in the back, back-up cameras 

Additionally, try to add one or two "why buy here" value proposition statements, such as promoting your fast and easy financing options, or your no-hassle shopping experience.  

Be sure to add in banners promoting special offers such as 0% down or cash back. Finally, don't forget your phone number and a call to action! A car shopper should be able to click on the video and have the option to submit a lead, or if they are using a mobile device, click to call. 

Once you have mastered the process of creating your inventory videos, the next step is to make sure these inventory videos get exposure. 

In addition to posting inventory videos on your VDPs, distribute them on third-party sites such as Autotrader and Cars.com. Use them in your lead follow-up process and in email marketing campaigns. And yes, you can even post them on your Facebook page. 

The next step in mastering inventory videos is to make sure you host your videos on a platform that can collect and use data. Technology exists right now that allows your dealership sales team to get real-time alerts every time someone watches one of your videos. Many times that 'someone' can be matched to a profile in your CRM.  

Imagine getting an alert that a customer you haven't spoken with in two years is on Autotrader watching one of your inventory videos. Imagine getting an alert that one of your regular service customers just watched an inventory video on Facebook. You have instant leads and you have their contact information! 

There's no more relevant time to call these prospects than right now, while they are engaged with your brand. 

Once you have mastered the art of creating inventory videos, getting them seen and incorporating user data into your lead follow up and marketing processes, you will see an increase in your website and phone leads. Only then should you start thinking about additional types videos that you can create.  

In addition to inventory videos, I typically recommend value proposition videos, customer testimonial videos and service department videos. These should all be displayed prominently on your website but they can also be posted on your social media platforms and used in email marketing and lead follow up campaigns. 

But first, master the basics. Inventory videos are the best way to turn website visitors into leads, and these should be your primary focus.