The Internet is one of the most effective tools that companies can use to drive sales. This is true for large and small businesses alike. But, like any other tool, you have to know how to use it right in order to get the results that you want.

In particular, social media platforms are something that car dealerships should take advantage of when it comes to online promotion. Car dealerships have a plenty of opportunity through various social media channels because visuals play a large role in advertising for this type of business.

With a solid social media strategy, you'll be sure to increase sales (and even gain some new customers, too). Want to learn more? Let's check out three ways you can use social media in 2018 to take your dealership to the next level.

1. Storytelling

One of the most important thing for a brand to do is resonate with its consumers. People love to buy products and services, but nobody likes to feel like someone is selling them something. Thus, care should be taken to make sure that your brand communicates with its audience on a personal level rather than treating them like a sales number.

One of the most efficient ways to accomplish this task is through the use of storytelling on social media. People are bombarded with advertisements 24/7, and it's gotten to the point where it's refreshing to have an encounter with a company that isn't throwing prices at you. Social media is a solid method to show off staff member achievements, office views, and other aspects of your business that will serve to humanize it in the eyes of your consumers.

Another practice to incorporate would be getting in the habit of regularly communicating with your audience and answering their questions. Many people will turn to Twitter or Facebook if they have an inquiry about a product or a complaint they'd like to voice. Showing that your business responds to their posts in a timely manner will let the rest of your audience see that your company cares about its consumers and what they have to say.

When people feel valued, they're more likely to return to the same place of business. Go above and beyond to foster your relationship with them.

2. Pinterest

As previously mentioned, visuals are very important for car dealerships because people love to see new, sleek vehicle models both on and off the lot. Using Pinterest as a platform for high-quality visuals will help people see the value in visiting your dealership.

But, Pinterest has other unique purposes, too. It happens to have a largely female user base, which makes it a great avenue for your dealership to target female consumers compared to other social media platforms. Having content on Pinterest will also help broaden your brand's web presence through people sharing your photos with others.

At the very least, running a well-maintained Pinterest account can help your company's SEO value simply through the increased amount of content that you'll have on the Internet. Plus, you'll have ample opportunity to reel consumers into your website if they like what they see.

3. Incorporate Video

Video is the future, if only for the fact that people would rather watch their content than scroll and read it. This is especially true for the automotive industry because people want to see the cars in action and in different settings to help them decide whether or not they want to make a purchase.

Reviews, tours, and promotional videos are all great types of content to create and upload to the Internet for increased consumer visibility and interaction. While it's important to bring customers back to your website, hosting videos on Youtube can allow a broader audience to find them.

Video is also a great way to implement the aforementioned transparency into your business practices. Having a special message from a top employee or a tour of the dealership's offices will let people know that there's more going onbehind the scenes than signing papers and counting bills.

If you're serious about marketing in 2018, social media is something that you need to take seriously. With these three tips in mind, you can begin mapping out your strategy for the rest of the year and watch your sales numbers grow.