Founded in 2019 Autoplex Alberta is a licensed pre-owned car dealership in Calgary AB. Founded out of a collective passion for Automotive sales and feelings of necessity. A necessity to provide the city of Calgary and the province of Alberta with the sale of fair-priced pre-owned vehicles and flexible payment options for customers. Autoplex Alberta has the mission to get everyone who walks through the front door (regardless of credit status) approved for financing with flexible and affordable payment options.

Autoplex Alberta came to WillowStone Marketing in 2019 with a clear mission: to grow as a new Calgary-based used car dealership. However, they faced significant challenges common to many startups. While they had a logo and a strong vision, they lacked the foundational marketing tools to reach customers effectively. Autoplex was relying on purchased leads but had no infrastructure to manage them or track conversions, leaving them with missed opportunities and limited control over their customer interactions.

Without a website, Autoplex had no digital presence to showcase their inventory, making it difficult to compete with established dealerships online. They also lacked an inventory management system (IMS) to sync their vehicle listings across popular car sales platforms, as well as a way to securely store and organize customer data. These limitations made it challenging to build trust and streamline communications with prospective buyers.

In essence, Autoplex Alberta was a dealership with great potential but no effective marketing framework or tools to engage and retain customers. They needed an end-to-end marketing strategy that would not only increase visibility but also build a sustainable customer acquisition and management system that could grow with them.

WillowStone Marketing’s approach for Autoplex Alberta was comprehensive, addressing every barrier to their growth with tailored solutions that provided both immediate impact and long-term scalability.

Building a Digital Foundation: We started by designing a custom, sleek website that Autoplex fully owned—free from third-party constraints—ensuring flexibility as their needs evolved. To help Autoplex showcase their inventory effectively, we implemented an Inventory Management System (IMS) that integrated seamlessly with third-party platforms like AutoTrader and Kijiji Autos. This system kept inventory consistent across all marketing channels, making it easy for potential customers to explore current listings online.

Organizing Customer Data: Understanding that Autoplex needed a way to capture and track customer interest, we introduced a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. This tool allowed Autoplex to securely store and organize leads, enabling quick follow-ups and a structured sales approach that was previously missing. Now, each lead could be tracked, nurtured, and converted with confidence.

Launching Targeted Marketing Campaigns: With a strong digital foundation in place, we launched a series of targeted marketing initiatives. Our Google PPC campaigns, combined with Facebook and Instagram ads, reached local buyers and generated immediate interest in Autoplex’s inventory and financing options. For lasting online visibility, we implemented a strategic SEO campaign, which helped Autoplex achieve high search rankings for keywords critical to their success.

Strengthening Community Engagement: Our solution also extended to community connections. We ran an email marketing campaign, reaching over 20,000 subscribers weekly with new inventory, promotions, and finance deals—achieving an impressive 80% open rate. To increase local presence, we developed a high-quality booth setup for car shows, including eye-catching print materials, banners, and an inviting event tent, making Autoplex a highlight at each event.

In every step, WillowStone’s goal was to create a sustainable, scalable marketing ecosystem for Autoplex that delivered both short-term results and long-term growth potential. The result? A fully transformed brand, equipped to attract, engage, and convert Calgary’s used car buyers.

WillowStone Marketing’s partnership with Autoplex Alberta created remarkable results, transforming them from a startup into a trusted local brand with a strong foothold in Calgary’s automotive market.

Increased Online Visibility and Lead Generation: Autoplex’s new website and integrated Inventory Management System provided a seamless user experience that made it easy for customers to browse vehicles online, resulting in a notable increase in website traffic and engagement. Our targeted PPC and SEO efforts helped Autoplex rise to the top of Google search results, with keywords like “Used Car Dealership in Calgary” and “Auto Loans” bringing in consistent organic traffic. The PPC campaigns produced low-cost leads, with clicks under $1 and finance applications at under $25, providing Autoplex with a steady stream of qualified potential buyers.

Enhanced Customer Engagement: The newly implemented CRM and email marketing campaigns empowered Autoplex to engage directly with a growing customer base, with weekly newsletters reaching over 20,000 subscribers and maintaining an impressive 80% open rate. This proactive engagement kept Autoplex’s brand front-of-mind, resulting in stronger relationships and increased customer loyalty.

Social Media Growth and Brand Recognition: Autoplex’s social media presence surged, with Instagram followers growing by 572% in just one year, thanks to consistent, high-quality content creation. Engaging photo and video updates helped build a community around the Autoplex brand, giving it a personable, authentic voice that resonated with Calgary’s car-buying audience.

Community Connection and Event Success: With a newly designed event booth, Autoplex became a highlight at car shows, drawing hundreds of contest entries and new newsletter sign-ups at each event. The annual vacation giveaway also strengthened brand recognition, creating a tradition that continues to attract new followers and enhance local visibility year after year.

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