> ## Knowledge Base Index > Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://cockpit.help.localyzer.io/sitemap.xml > Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further. > Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash). # Social Media Posting in the Local Marketing System (Facebook & Instagram): A Practical Guide for Car Dealers ## Overview The manufacturer’s local marketing system includes built-in social media posting for **Facebook** and **Instagram**. You can: * Use **ready-to-publish templates** (recommended for speed and brand consistency) * **Personalize** templates with your dealership’s offers, photos, and details * Create posts **from scratch** when you want full flexibility * Plan a consistent posting rhythm to stay visible to local shoppers This article explains what’s available, what to post, how often to post, and how to choose the right channel and media. *** ## What features are available? ### 1) Ready-to-use templates Templates are pre-designed posts that follow brand guidelines and are optimized for social media. **Typical template benefits:** * Faster publishing (minutes instead of hours) * Professional design and correct formatting * Consistent brand look and messaging * Easy to localize (your city, your dealership name, your offer) **What you can usually personalize:** * Headline and text (within brand rules) * Offer details (price, lease rate, APR, monthly payment, dates) * Call-to-action (Book a test drive, Call now, Get a quote) * Dealership contact info and location * Images (where allowed) and sometimes video ### 2) Personalization tools Personalization helps make posts feel local and real. Examples of personalization: * “Available now in **Springfield**” * “Ask for **Maria in Sales**” * “This weekend only: **Service special**” ### 3) Create posts from scratch Use this when you want to highlight something unique that templates don’t cover. Best use cases: * A new shipment just arrived (real photos) * A customer delivery moment (with permission) * A community event sponsorship * Behind-the-scenes content (service bay, detailing, team training) ### 4) Media support (images and video) Most successful dealership posts use **strong visuals**. The system supports posting content that includes: * Photos (vehicle, showroom, team) * Short videos (walkarounds, quick tips, event recaps) * Carousel-style posts (if available in the system/channel) ### 5) Brand-safe local marketing Because the system is provided by the manufacturer, it typically helps you stay aligned with: * Brand tone and visual identity * Required disclaimers for offers * Approved model names, features, and claims *** ## Why social posting matters for your dealership Social media helps you: * **Stay top-of-mind** locally (most buyers need repeated exposure) * **Build trust** by showing real people and real inventory * **Drive actions**: test drives, calls, website visits, service bookings * **Support your paid advertising** (organic posts improve credibility when people check your page) Even if social posts don’t create an immediate sale every time, they influence decisions and increase response rates when customers do reach out. *** ## When should you post (timing) and how often? ### Recommended posting frequency (practical baseline) For most dealerships, consistency matters more than volume. **Starter plan (easy to maintain):** * **3 posts per week** (e.g., Mon/Wed/Fri) * **1–2 Stories per week** (if you also publish Stories) **Growth plan (strong local presence):** * **4–5 posts per week** * **2–4 Stories per week** **Minimum to stay visible:** * **2 posts per week** ### Best times to post (general guidance) Your audience is local and often busy during work hours. Common strong windows: * **Morning:** 7–9 AM * **Lunch:** 11 AM–1 PM * **Evening:** 5–8 PM If the system provides performance insights, use them to refine timing. ### Posting around key dealership moments Increase posting when you have something timely: * New model launch or arrival * End-of-month / end-of-quarter offers * Holiday sales events * Service promotions (seasonal tire, battery, A/C) * Community events and sponsorships *** ## What topics should you post about? (A simple content mix) Use a mix so your feed isn’t “all sales” or “all fluff.” A practical rule: * **40% Inventory & offers** (what’s available, what’s special) * **30% Trust & people** (team, customers, behind-the-scenes) * **20% Education** (tips, features, comparisons, service advice) * **10% Community** (local events, partnerships) ### Topic ideas that work well for car dealers **Inventory & offers (high intent):** * “Just arrived” vehicle spotlight (real photos) * Limited-time lease/finance offer (use templates) * Certified pre-owned highlight * “Top 3 features” of a popular model **Trust & people (high engagement):** * Meet the team (sales, service advisors, technicians) * Customer delivery photo (with permission) * “A day in the service department” * Awards, training certifications, dealership milestones **Education (helps shoppers decide):** * Quick video: how a feature works (driver assist, infotainment) * “What to bring to a test drive” * Seasonal service tips (winter tires, summer A/C check) * EV basics (charging at home, range tips) if relevant **Community (local connection):** * Sponsoring a local sports team * Charity drive recap * Local event invitation (with dealership presence) *** ## Which channel should you use: Facebook vs. Instagram? You can post to both, but each channel has strengths. ### Facebook (great for local reach + practical info) Best for: * Promotions and events * Service specials * Longer captions and details * Local community engagement (comments, shares) Good post types: * Offer templates with clear call-to-action * Event announcements * Customer testimonials (text + photo) ### Instagram (great for visuals + brand feel) Best for: * Vehicle photos and short videos * Behind-the-scenes content * Team and culture * Reels/short-form video (if supported) Good post types: * Walkaround videos * “New arrival” photo sets * Lifestyle shots (family SUV, adventure vehicle, city driving) **Practical recommendation:** * If you have time for only one channel, start with **Facebook** for local practicality. * If you have strong visuals and video, prioritize **Instagram** as well. * When possible, publish to **both** and tailor the caption slightly (shorter on Instagram, more detail on Facebook). *** ## What media should you use? (and what performs best) ### 1) Short video (highest impact) Use video when you want attention and trust quickly. Best video ideas (15–30 seconds): * Vehicle walkaround: “3 things to love about this model” * Quick feature demo: parking assist, infotainment, cargo space * Service tip: “How to check tire tread in 10 seconds” Tips: * Film vertically if you also use Stories/Reels * Keep it simple: good lighting, steady shot, clear voice ### 2) Real dealership photos (authentic and local) Use real photos to prove you’re active and local. Examples: * New arrivals lined up * Showroom moment * Service team at work (no customer info visible) * Staff group photo ### 3) UGC-style content (most trustworthy) UGC (user-generated content) style means it looks like a real moment, not an ad. Examples: * Customer delivery photo (with written permission) * Customer review screenshot (remove personal info if needed) * “Customer took this on their first road trip” (with permission) ### 4) Branded template creative (fast + compliant) Use templates when: * You need to post consistently * You’re promoting an offer that requires correct wording/disclaimers * You want a polished look without design work *** ## How to create a weekly posting plan (simple and repeatable) Here are two sample weekly plans you can reuse. ### Sample Week (3 posts/week) * **Post 1 (Offer/Inventory):** Template for a featured model + local CTA * **Post 2 (Trust/People):** “Meet the team” or behind-the-scenes photo * **Post 3 (Education/Service):** Seasonal tip or service special ### Sample Week (5 posts/week) * **Mon:** New arrival spotlight (real photo) * **Tue:** Template offer post (lease/finance/service) * **Wed:** Feature demo video (15–30 sec) * **Thu:** Customer delivery / testimonial (with permission) * **Fri:** Weekend CTA (test drive availability, event, service reminder) *** ## How to use templates vs. creating from scratch ### Use templates when you need: * Speed and consistency * Manufacturer-approved messaging * Offer compliance (rates, disclaimers) ### Create from scratch when you want: * Local authenticity (real inventory, real people) * Community and culture content * Quick updates (weather-related service reminders, event recaps) **Best practice:** Combine both. * Templates keep you consistent. * Custom posts make you feel local and human. *** ## Practical examples you can copy (caption starters) ### Inventory spotlight * “Just arrived: \[Model]. Available now in \[City]. Want a quick walkaround video? Message us.” ### Offer post (template + personalization) * “This month’s offer on \[Model]. Available at \[Dealership Name] in \[City]. Book your test drive today: \[phone/link].” ### Service reminder * “Getting ready for \[winter/summer]? Our service team can help with \[tires/battery/A/C]. Call \[phone] to book.” ### Team post * “Meet \[Name], one of our \[role]. Ask them about \[specialty/model]. Stop by this week!” ### Community post * “Proud to support \[local event/team]. If you’re attending, come say hello!” *** ## Quality checklist before you publish * Is the **offer accurate** (price, dates, disclaimers)? * Is the **call-to-action clear** (call, message, book, visit)? * Is the post **local** (city/dealership name)? * Is the image/video **high quality** and on-brand? * Does it feel **helpful or interesting**, not only salesy? *** ## Next steps 1. Choose a posting frequency you can maintain (start with **3 posts/week**). 2. Pick **2 templates** for offers and **1 custom post** featuring your team or real inventory. 3. Post to **Facebook + Instagram** when possible. 4. Review engagement monthly and repeat what performs best (video + real local content typically wins).