Print classified ads are one of the main tools auto dealers use to advertise their vehicles and service but as more and more people are turning to the internet for information, online classifieds are significantly and steadily outperforming newspapers and periodicals in providing ad spaces and lead generation.

Craigslist alone, as an established leader among local online classifieds, boasts over 20 billion page views each month, besting online retail giant Amazon and multimedia empire Disney. The 50 million new ads created on the site each month clearly indicates how successful online classifieds have become, showing why you, as an auto dealer, should consider this tool in your automotive advertising campaign.

Online classifieds, unlike traditional print classifieds, offer more flexibility and more space. Instead of just a few lines of abbreviated text you can utilize the full page, making it possible to provide complete information about the product being sold. However, be sure to break the text in concise, readable paragraphs and include the basic as well as the technical specs when describing a vehicle.

Pictures are a must; the ability to post images is definitely a big improvement over traditional automotive classified advertising. One tip in posting images is to include as many pictures as possible, showing the exterior and interior parts of the car at different angles. Pictures can often be a deciding factor for a prospective car buyers thinking about driving to your dealership to check out the vehicle.

As most online classifieds are localized, you can achieve maximum exposure to your target location. If the site allows it, you can post your ads to as many relevant locations as possible. But make sure when your posting your not “spamming;” most internet classified sites impose penalties on accounts that are spamming the system.

Establishing a concrete business image can also win the trust and confidence of potential buyers. This can be achieved by simply offering detailed business information such as name, contact info and address. Add your web address to link back to other related information and show that you are a legitimate auto dealer. In fact, you can design your online ads to advertise not just a single vehicle but your dealership as a whole.