How Terry Cullen Chevy Got Leads: Strategies for Success in Sales

Terry Cullen Chevrolet, based in Southlake near Jonesboro, Georgia, had one goal, more high-quality leads from customers ready to buy.

They wanted to reach serious vehicle shoppers across Atlanta, reduce cost, and build long-term relationships without wasting their budget.

They had already been investing in automotive marketing, but weren’t seeing the kind of consistent results they needed. Impressions were up, but conversions were lagging.

Their service department was strong, their reputation was positive, and their brand had community recognition, but that wasn’t enough to move the needle on sales.

That’s where we came in.

At DealerSmart, we helped Terry Cullen Chevy implement a smart, sustainable automotive advertising strategy focused on Facebook ads for dealerships, first-party lead generation, and content that builds trust.

Here’s how it worked, and why it matters.

The Challenge: Turning Scrolls Into Sales

Like many modern dealerships, Terry Cullen Southlake Chevrolet needed more than basic visibility.

They needed a way to connect with people online, bring them into the dealership, and generate leads that were likely to convert.

They were clear on their priorities:

• Reach customers ready to request information, make a purchase, or schedule a service
• Reduce cost per lead without sacrificing quality
• Run targeted auto ads across Instagram and Facebook that actually generated response
• Build brand loyalty and long-term awareness in a competitive Atlanta market

Importantly, they wanted a solution that didn’t just look good on paper. It had to help Terry Cullen Chevrolet generate real leads, bring in phone calls, and support both the sales team and the service department.

The Strategy: First-Party Leads and a Video-Driven Approach

We applied our proven three-pillar content strategy, backed by advanced targeting and real-time testing.

This approach helped Terry Cullen move people from awareness to action while positioning the dealership as a helpful, trustworthy local business.

1. Testimonial Videos

Shoppers want proof. So we helped Terry Cullen create customer reviews on video, real people, real experiences.

These clips featured happy buyers talking about maintenance, trade-ins, warranties, and how well their vehicle performs.

The goal was simple: help potential buyers understand what it’s like to work with a dealer that cares about customer satisfaction, not just getting a car sold.

2. Educational and Informative Content

We also created videos explaining warranty details, signs your vehicle might need a repair, what happens if rotors need replacing, or how to avoid irreparable damage through proper care. These topics were practical and relevant to both buyers and service customers.

By showing that the company had deep knowledge and could provide honest insights, we helped the brand stand out while supporting future lead generation.

3. Fun and Relatable Content

Finally, we helped the team build content that felt human. This included behind-the-scenes clips, employee highlights, and fun moments that made people want to follow along. It gave the business a personality and helped grow their Instagram presence organically.

Across all of this, we ran targeted PPC campaigns, using smart bidding strategies to control spend, improve ROI, and keep ads relevant to the right audience.

The Results: From Views to Verified Leads

The campaign ran for 12 months, and the results speak for themselves:

• 1,906,241 impressions
• 85,000 clicks
• 1,112 verified leads
• $0.29 average cost-per-click, compared to a $1.50+ industry average

By working together, we helped Terry Cullen generate leads who wanted to schedule a test drive, contact the dealership by phone, or complete a lead form online. This also boosted walk-ins, service requests, and direct website traffic.

And it wasn’t just about getting more leads. It was about getting the right ones, people who were ready to buy, ask questions, or schedule a service.

What Made the Difference: A Hands-On Team and Real Content

One reason the results were so strong is because Terry Cullen Southlake Chevrolet didn’t just rely on us to run ads. Their team stayed involved every step of the way, from reviewing content ideas to helping us film videos, address customer feedback, and highlight what truly made their dealership stand out.

They weren’t afraid to talk about real issues either, like how to know when your rotors need to be replaced, how to avoid irreparable damage from skipping routine maintenance, or how to handle a warranty claim if something goes wrong. That kind of knowledge builds trust with customers, and trust leads to action.

They also made it easier for people to connect. Every video included clear instructions to contact the team by phone, visit the website, or request more details about a specific vehicle or offer. We made sure each ad spoke to what actually matters, price, performance, satisfaction, and whether a car is the right fit for someone’s family, lifestyle, or budget.

Importantly, we didn’t just focus on the sales floor. The service department got attention too. With videos about routine care, avoiding unexpected repair costs, and how to keep your vehicle performing longer, we reached more people who might not be ready to buy, but were still valuable leads.

This kind of content doesn’t just help you get vehicles sold. It helps your brand become more relatable, helpful, and aware of what today’s customers want.

And that’s how Terry Cullen Chevy got leads, not through flashy tricks, but through real value, clear communication, and a focus on helping people make better decisions about their next purchase, repair, or service appointment.

Why It Worked: What Other Dealerships Can Learn

This success was built on the basics, strong content, clear messaging, and a system that matched the way vehicle buyers actually make decisions.

What we focused on:

• Showing satisfied customers: Real reviews, not generic testimonials
• Educating customers on real concerns, like how to tell when something needs a repair or how to get better value from your warranty
• Controlling spend with precise ads that focused on lead quality, not vanity metrics
• Using first-party data so the dealership had ownership of every lead

The team at Terry Cullen was involved throughout. They gave us content, responded quickly to edits, and stayed committed to testing new creative.

Their willingness to engage with the process helped everything perform better.

Final Thoughts: How You Can See the Same Results

If your marketing team is spending on auto advertising without seeing any real results, or you’re frustrated with high cost and low conversion, now is the time to shift focus.

The strategy we used for Terry Cullen Southlake Chevrolet isn’t unique to them.

Any GM dealer, independent car dealership, or used car business can benefit from:

• Creating video content that feels real and builds trust
• Leveraging PPC ad platforms with advanced targeting
• Prioritising first-party leads so you own your data and control follow-up
• Building a digital presence that drives both sales and service growth

Whether you're in Canada, the US, or anywhere in between, we can help your dealership improve lead quality, reduce spend, and generate results that last.

If you’re ready to take control of your automotive marketing service, and want to see what a smart, high-performing car dealer advertising agency can do, we’d love to talk.

Let’s get you more leads. Let’s build something that works.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Terry Cullen Chevy get 1,112 leads?

Terry Cullen Chevrolet generated 1,112 verified leads by using a strategic mix of Facebook and Instagram ads, first-party lead forms, and content that built trust. The approach focused on real customer reviews, educational videos, and service-related content to attract high-intent buyers in the Atlanta and Jonesboro area. The dealership worked closely with DealerSmart to refine messaging, track performance, and control ad spend.

What is a first-party lead system, and why is it important?

A first-party lead system allows a dealership to collect leads directly through their own website and ad campaigns. This means Terry Cullen Southlake Chevrolet had full control over every customer interaction, from the moment someone watched a video to when they submitted a request for a test drive. It also ensured they could respond quickly, follow up with accurate information, and improve satisfaction across the sales and service experience.

What types of content worked best for Terry Cullen Chevrolet?

Three types of content made a big difference:

• Testimonial videos from satisfied customers discussing their purchase, warranty, or experience with the service department.
• Educational videos explaining topics like what happens when rotors need to be replaced, signs of irreparable damage, or how to protect your vehicle with regular maintenance.
• Fun, behind-the-scenes content that helped the brand connect with customers on a human level, especially through Instagram and Facebook.

How did the strategy support both sales and service?

While most campaigns focus only on car sales, Terry Cullen's advertising also supported their service department. By creating content about common repair questions, valid warranty issues, and labor costs, they engaged customers who weren’t ready to purchase a car but still needed to connect with a trusted dealership. These leads later returned to the company when they were ready to buy.

What was the average cost per lead for this campaign?

Thanks to smart bidding and audience targeting, the average cost-per-click was just $0.29, compared to the industry average of $1.50 or more. That level of cost control helped the business generate more leads without overspending, making it easier to manage their marketing account, stay on budget, and focus on what really matters: helping customers.

Why is Facebook advertising still effective for dealerships?

Facebook remains one of the most powerful platforms for automotive advertising. With advanced targeting, first-party data integrations, and visual ad formats, Terry Cullen Chevrolet was able to deliver highly relevant content directly to potential customers in Atlanta and Jonesboro. These ads drove clicks, phone calls, and website visits, all of which turned into measurable business.

Can other dealerships replicate this strategy?

Absolutely. Whether you’re a GM dealer in Canada, an independent business in Georgia, or a used car dealer in the U.S., the same principles apply. By combining a clear message, consistent content, and strong follow-up, dealerships can generate more leads, increase satisfaction, and reduce the cost of their advertising.

What results did the Terry Cullen team see outside of leads?

Beyond just lead generation, the campaign improved overall brand awareness, increased website traffic, boosted customer satisfaction, and led to more service department requests. Customers responded positively to the company’s transparency and effort to educate them, and that built long-term trust across both sales and service.

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