Text Messaging for Auto Dealerships: Examples and Best Practices

Business text messaging is a modern and effective way for auto dealerships to communicate with their customers and prospects. It allows for quick, convenient, and personalized communication, which can improve customer satisfaction and increase sales.

So how can growth-focused dealerships successfully beat their competition to leads, all while providing an exceptional customer experience? In short, by mapping your marketing, prospecting, and sales to your customers’ desires.

Let’s consider the data: around 80% of Americans say the most important factors that contribute to a positive experience are speed, convenience, knowledgeable help, and friendly service.

What communication channel in 2023 can deliver just this blend of fast and personal? If you thought, “text messaging,” you’re right! In today's fast-paced, convenience-focused world, you need to embrace text messaging to deliver a consistent, speedy, and high-quality experience. Here are some specific benefits of using business text messaging for auto dealerships:

1. Increased customer convenience: Text messaging allows customers to communicate with the dealership at their convenience, without the need to call or visit in person. This is especially useful for customers who are busy or on the go.
2. Improved customer service: Business text messaging allows dealerships to respond to customer inquiries and concerns quickly and efficiently. This can help improve customer satisfaction and build trust in the dealership.
3. Greater accessibility: Text messaging allows dealerships to reach customers who may not have access to email or may not check their email regularly. This can be particularly useful for reaching younger customers, who are more likely to use text messaging as a primary form of communication.
4. Personalization: Business text messaging allows dealerships to tailor their messages to specific customers or groups of customers, which can help increase the effectiveness of marketing efforts.
5. Increased sales: By using business text messaging to stay in touch with customers and provide them with relevant information, dealerships can increase the chances of converting leads into sales.

There are lots of business text messaging softwares that can help - Calldrip is one - but let’s assume you’ve got your technology sorted out. With the right tools in place, your next step is to craft compelling messaging that will connect with your potential customers.

Our team of sales professionals crafted these 5 business text message templates to get you started. Each template is tailored to a unique situation, including:

1. Instant, automated response to a web inquiry, text, or inbound call.
2. Appointment confirmation for upcoming sales and service meetings.
3. Missed call follow up for when your contact isn't available or doesn't pick up. (This simple message can greatly improve connection rates!)
4. Thank you message, perfect for automating after an appointment or a sale.
5. Online review request, which can either be sent automatically or manually..

Here are some examples of auto dealer text message templates that could be used for different purposes:

5 Text Message Templates

Instant Lead Response Text Template

When you receive an inquiry from a prospective customer via phone call, web form, or text message, you’ll want to follow up quickly and let them know what to expect. Here’s a text template:

“Thanks for contacting [COMPANY NAME]! We received your inquiry and will be reaching out shortly from this number. If you can’t answer, feel free to text us back your availability.”

Appointment Confirmation Text Template

Congratulations! Your prospect booked an appointment with you, either online or in person. Here’s a text message template for that situation:

“Hi [FIRST NAME], looking forward to our appointment on [APPOINTMENT DATE] at [APPOINTMENT TIME]. As a reminder, here’s the location: [MEETING LINK OR LOCATION]. If you need anything in the meantime, just call or text back. See you soon!”

Missed Call Follow-Up Text Template

Chances are, your team won’t be available to answer every single call. Ensure that your prospect feels seen and valued with a personalized, helpful text. This can also foster a stronger trust-based relationship that results in fewer missed connections.

“Thanks for contacting [BUSINESS NAME]! Sorry we missed your call. We’ll be reaching out to you as soon as possible. If you’d prefer, you can reply to this text message.”

Thank You Text Template

Show your prospects and customers you care with a professional, considerate thank you text. This is perfect for sending after sales appointments or introductory phone conversations. Every interaction is a chance to make a lasting impression.

“Hi [FIRST NAME], it was great speaking with you! If you need anything just call or text us back at this number. Thanks again for contacting [BUSINESS NAME].”

Online Review Request Text Template

Today’s shoppers read reviews well before ever contacting your company. In fact, positive online testimonials are one of the most impactful assets your business can have. Prioritize online review capture by making it easy for your team to request them, either manually or even automatically! Here’s a template:

“Hi [FIRST NAME], it was great talking with you! Would you mind leaving a review of your experience? It’ll only take 1 minute: [REVIEW LINK]. Thanks for your help!”

But these are just a starting point! It's important to keep in mind that these are just examples and may need to be customized to fit the specific needs and tone of your dealership. We highly encourage you to get creative and make them your own.

Overall, business text messaging is a valuable tool for auto dealerships looking to improve customer communication and drive sales. By leveraging the convenience, accessibility, and personalization of text messaging, dealerships can build stronger relationships with their customers and increase their chances of success.

Interested in more text message templates? Download our free guide with 9 business text templates for auto dealers. 

When you’re ready to get started with business text message, Calldrip has you covered. Our business text message software empowers your sales team to seamlessly connect and close more deals using just their mobile phone.

Calldrip's business text messaging tool empowers your team to respond almost instantly with a friendly, tailored note.

Features like a shared inbox, video and image sending capabilities, canned message templates, and a mobile app ensure your sales reps can respond from anywhere and no leads get lost. See it in action today!