Smarter Digital Marketing in action: How Elder Mitsubishi achieved record sales

As a car dealership, you need more than just flashy ads to win over potential customers. You need a smarter digital marketing approach that combines the right tools, strategy, and platforms.

Elder Mitsubishi, with locations in Cedar Park and Killeen, Texas, is a standout example of how a performance-driven system can drive real business growth.

By embracing digital transformation and partnering with DealerSmart, the dealership saw major results in August 2024, setting records for sales performance and conversion rates.

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Building a smarter growth approach for automotive sales

Elder Mitsubishi’s success came from a shift in both mindset and method.

They didn’t just want more clicks, they wanted to generate high-quality leads, improve their sales funnel, and make their digital investment count.

DealerSmart helped them achieve all of that through a strategic blend of platforms including Facebook, Google Ads, and TikTok, supported by a powerful multi-channel planning model built for car dealerships.

This wasn’t about throwing money at ads. It was about understanding the customer journey and aligning it with the right digital technology and services to support sales at every stage.

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Cedar Park’s best month of the year

The Cedar Park location delivered record-breaking numbers with a campaign structure that hit its stride:

• 79 total vehicle sales in August, their best month of 2024
• Internet conversion rate jumped from 2.98% to 3.77%
• DealerSmart influenced 15 of the 79 total sales
  Influenced sales: sales in which ad engagement or web interaction played a role in the customer journey within a 28-day window
• Facebook ads produced 278,346 impressions and 5,482 clicks at a $0.88 CPC
• TikTok delivered over 204,000 impressions and improved brand awareness
• Google Video ads reached 93,237 users and brought in 4 lead forms

This is a textbook example of how auto dealerships can use digital marketing and web design to boost performance and drive real-world results.

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Killeen’s digital growth

Killeen also saw major wins from the same performance-driven system:

• DealerSmart influenced 12 sales, at an average cost of $249.17 per sale
• Conversion rate increased from 1.25% to 2.62%, the highest since March
• Facebook ads drove 5,302 clicks from 211,418 impressions, at just $0.56 CPC
• Google Ads delivered 599 clicks and 12 form submissions
• TikTok increased reach with over 130,000 impressions

These results show how powerful digital technology can be when supported by the right strategy and execution.

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What makes the difference? Process, Structure, and Focus

The reason this campaign worked so well comes down to structure. Elder Mitsubishi worked with DealerSmart to implement a first-party lead system, search engine optimization, and creative campaigns across multiple platforms.

These efforts allowed the dealership to better manage its campaigns, optimize return on ad spend, and provide consistent value to their market.

By focusing on specific demographics and using advanced digital tools, the team could refine their messaging and optimize spend.

Whether it was paid search, social media, or remarketing, every part of the campaign was designed for performance.

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Scaling smarter digital marketing across business models

What worked for Elder Mitsubishi is not limited to one dealership or location.

The real success lies in how their campaign strategy was adapted to fit different business models across two distinct markets.

Whether you're a single-location retailer or a multi-site auto group, the principles of smarter digital marketing apply across the board.

By aligning their operations with digital transformation goals, they were able to modernize their customer engagement and increase overall sales.

When your growth approach is built into your business model, it becomes a driver of efficiency and measurable outcomes.

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Embedding strategy into the organization for sustainable growth

One reason Elder Mitsubishi’s marketing approach worked is because it became embedded in the organization.

From the sales team to the marketing staff, everyone had a clear understanding of the campaign goals and how each platform contributed to broader business outcomes.

This level of internal alignment allowed them to manage campaigns effectively and bring structure to the lead generation process. With smart investments in platforms, training, and creative tools, they built a digital foundation that supports future scalability.

Understanding your audience, refining your messaging, and creating systems that allow you to adapt quickly are key to staying competitive.

A dealership isn’t just selling cars, it’s delivering service, building loyalty, and creating digital value in the market.

As dealerships evolve, integrating smarter digital marketing at the organizational level is becoming the new standard for sustainable growth. Elder Mitsubishi’s success didn’t come from luck. It came from clarity, consistency, and commitment.

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Why DealerSmart’s digital marketing strategy worked

Precision targeting that reaches the right buyers

DealerSmart’s approach ensures that every dollar of ad spend is directed toward audiences actively in the market for a car. This precise targeting minimizes waste and boosts the effectiveness of each campaign.

High-quality leads through first-party data

By using a first-party lead system, DealerSmart helps dealerships colect leads directly from their owned digital channels. These leads are more engaged and more likely to convert, resulting in stronger performance across the sales funnel.

Cost-effective reach with the right platforms

DealerSmart leverages platforms like Facebook and Google Ads to deliver wide, yet focused, visibility. These platforms allow for goal-based optimization, meaning campaigns are continually refined for the best return on investment.

Creative that builds trust and drives action

Campaigns that focus on customer benefits and build trust are far more impactful than flashy ads alone. DealerSmart’s creative approach highlights real value, helping dealerships sell more while keeping costs low.

A proven digital transformation approach

This is a real-world example of how strategic digital transformation in the automotive industry can lead to measurable results, without relying on outdated or wasteful traditional tactics.

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Takeaways for other dealerships

If you're a car dealership looking to grow, Elder Mitsubishi’s success offers a clear blueprint for what works in today’s market. This wasn’t just about flashy ads or short-term promotions. It was a well-structured, performance-driven system built to attract high-intent leads, convert them efficiently, and drive consistent car sales.

Their approach shows that with the right digital foundation, car dealerships can build a powerful pipeline that delivers results month after month.

Here’s what other dealerships can learn:

Use SEO, web design, and social media as one integrated system

Treat your digital presence as one connected ecosystem. Your website should be optimized for both search engines and user experience, making it easy for potential buyers to find you and take action. Use SEO to drive local traffic, combine it with fast, mobile-friendly web design, and amplify visibility through social media platforms that align with your audience.

Build value, not just offers

Flashy promotions might get clicks, but long-term growth comes from delivering real value. Use content to answer buyer questions, showcase your inventory, highlight customer testimonials, and educate people through video tours or feature breakdowns. Value-first marketing builds trust, and trust leads to more conversions.

Track, Test, and Refine everything

Strong campaigns don’t stop after launch. Use built-in marketing tools across platforms like Facebook and Google Ads to track performance daily. Watch your cost per lead, click-through rate, and conversion metrics to see what’s working and where you need to adjust. Small tweaks often lead to big gains.

Partner with a team that understands automotive marketing

Digital marketing is evolving fast, and generic solutions won’t cut it in a competitive auto market. Work with partners, like DealerSmart, who understand the nuances of car buyer behavior, platform capabilities, and lead management. A team that knows your industry will help you move faster, spend smarter, and sell more.

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Final Thoughts: The power of smarter digital marketing

Elder Mitsubishi’s August 2024 results are more than just numbers—they are proof that when digital technology meets execution, dealerships thrive.

From Google Ads to Facebook lead campaigns and SEO, every tactic worked together to strengthen the sales process. With the right structure in place, any dealership can replicate these results.

If you're ready to build a smarter digital marketing approach for your business, DealerSmart is here to help. Let’s create a plan that delivers real sales, real customers, and real value.

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