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Case Study: automotive Marketing

260% Revenue for International Motor Cars with the help of WillowStone Marketing

+260%

Revenue Growth in 1 Year

+1,600

New Instagram Followers

+40,000

Mailing List Subscribers

About International Motor Cars

International Motor Cars, established in 2013 in Calgary, Alberta, has become a premier destination for luxury and exotic vehicle enthusiasts. Renowned for its exceptional collection of meticulously inspected high-end vehicles, the dealership offers a wide range of automotive services, including sales, financing, leasing, and comprehensive auto care. Priding itself on delivering an unparalleled customer experience, emphasizing integrity, quality, and a passion for automotive excellence International Motor Cars has become a leader for luxury pre-owned vehicle sales in the Alberta car market. With a commitment to customer satisfaction and an inventory that includes everything from sporty convertibles to powerful SUVs, International Motor Cars caters to discerning buyers seeking the ultimate in luxury and performance.

The Challenge

International Motor Cars, a luxury pre-owned car dealership founded in the early 2000s, approached WillowStone Marketing in 2023 with the need for a complete marketing transformation. For the past decade, they had operated with a basic, outdated website and no digital or social media presence. Their location, far from high foot traffic, combined with a negative reputation left by previous ownership, meant that they had little visibility and few walk-in customers. To compete in today’s market, International Motor Cars needed more than just an updated strategy—they needed a comprehensive digital overhaul and reputation revitalization to engage modern car buyers and rebuild community trust.

Our Solution

The first step WillowStone Marketing took was to rebrand International Motor Cars to better reflect their mission and goals in the luxury automotive market. We created a fresh, distinctive logo with three variations—"IMC Standard Logo," "IMC California Logo," and "IM Cars Logo"—each crafted for versatile use across different settings, enhancing the dealership’s image and helping them stand out in the luxury automotive community.

Once the rebranding was complete, we moved on to digitizing and modernizing their operations. We implemented an advanced Inventory Management System (IMS) that connected with their Dealer Management System (DMS), allowing for seamless, live updates to inventory across platforms such as AutoTrader and Kijiji Autos. This automation saved time and ensured accuracy, eliminating the need for manual uploads.

To streamline lead management, we integrated a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, allowing the dealership to securely store, track, and manage leads efficiently. We also created a brand-new website designed to enhance customer navigation, showcase high-end inventory, and enable financing applications directly online.

Our marketing strategy began with establishing a robust social media presence. We created Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, and our photographers and videographers got to work, capturing professional, cinematic photos and videos of inventory across stunning provincial locations. This high-quality content allowed the dealership to connect authentically with customers, sharing behind-the-scenes moments, dealership highlights, and eye-catching visuals.

Our promotional campaigns, like “Win A Ride in Your Dream Car,” engaged fans online, resulting in increased newsletter sign-ups and social media followers. We launched focused PPC and social media ad campaigns targeting vehicle display ads, finance options, and service specials. Achieving a less than $1 cost per click and a $50 cost per credit application, these campaigns were highly effective in bringing new customers to the dealership.

To reinforce their physical presence, WillowStone Marketing designed branded materials—pop-up banners, flyers, brochures, business cards, and an event tent—that gave International Motor Cars a standout appearance at shows and dealership-hosted events. These materials were showcased at major events like Tuner Spirits and RevUp, as well as the dealership’s own “Thursdays Car Show & Meet,” and an annual Pancake and Cars event, which won the 2024 Calgary Stampede Western Spirit Recognition Award.

The Result

In just one year, WillowStone Marketing’s strategies and solutions delivered transformative results for International Motor Cars. Their revenue soared by 260%, signaling a significant return on investment. The dealership gained 1,600 new Instagram followers, strengthening their digital community, while their mailing list expanded by 40,000 customers, enabling them to engage with a broader audience and nurture customer loyalty.

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