Automotive Internet Media

AIM

Prepare for Google AI Mode Ads Coming Soon for Q4 2025

by

Prepare for Google AI Mode Ads Coming Soon for Q4 2025

Google is gearing up to roll out its latest innovation in search advertising just in time for Q4 2025 – ads in AI Mode. Agencies have already begun receiving updates on how this new format works and how it differs from traditional search ads.

Introduced in May 2025, AI Mode builds on Google’s earlier AI Overviews technology. Much like ChatGPT, AI Mode delivers more in-depth, conversational responses rather than short, static answers. This shift means users are engaging in richer, multi-step interactions — and now, ads are following suit.

Published: August 11, 2025

Automotive Internet Media | Digital Marketing Agency

Google AI Mode Ads

From Queries to Conversations

The biggest change? Targeting in AI Mode won’t just be based on a single keyword or search query. Instead, ads will be informed by the entire context of a user’s AI conversation. Exploratory and complex questions will directly shape ad placements, marking a significant departure from the traditional keyword-based model.

According to Search Engine Land:

“Google’s transition from static search to conversational, AI-driven results is a massive shift that’s bringing advertisers along for the ride. This changes how ads are targeted and placed, relying on the full context of the AI exchange rather than just keywords. With over 100 million users already engaging in AI Mode and ads set to expand before Q4, brands that adapt early will be better positioned to reach high-intent consumers in this emerging search experience.”

Ads are already appearing in AI Mode, but with the broader rollout planned ahead of the holiday season, Google is balancing innovation with the need to maintain ad revenue — all while navigating evolving user behavior patterns.

What to Expect with AI Mode Ads

  • Familiar formats, new placement logic – Ads in AI Mode will remain primarily text-based and product-focused, much like today’s search and shopping ads.
  • Performance Max and AI Max for Search integration – Advertisers using these campaign types will automatically see their ads surface in AI Mode.
  • Clean, accurate product feeds are critical – Google is emphasizing the need for well-maintained and up-to-date product data to ensure optimal performance.

Google is preparing to ramp up AI Mode ad availability in time for the peak holiday shopping period, working closely with advertising partners to fine-tune placements and targeting ahead of the rollout.

Stay Ahead of Q4 Marketing Trends

As the digital advertising landscape shifts toward conversational, AI-driven search experiences, staying informed will be key to maintaining a competitive edge. Visit Automotive Internet Media for the latest industry updates and insights on what’s ahead for Q4 marketing — including how to position your brand for success in the new AI ad era.

Recent Posts

Why It’s Time Your Dealership Shifted Ad Spend to CTV/OTT

by

Why It’s Time Your Dealership Shifted Ad Spend to CTV/OTT

In a world where streaming has officially overtaken cable and broadcast TV, dealerships that are still relying heavily on traditional TV ads risk falling behind. According to Nielsen, streaming services accounted for a record 40.3% of total TV usage in the U.S., surpassing cable and broadcast for the first time—and the trend is only accelerating.

If your dealership hasn’t explored Connected TV (CTV) or Over-the-Top (OTT) advertising, now is the time.

Published: August 1, 2025

Automotive Internet Media | Digital Marketing Agency

Streaming TV in 2025

What Is CTV/OTT Advertising?

Wondering what CTV/OTT advertising is? CTV refers to internet-connected televisions where users stream content—think Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Smart TVs. OTT is the broader category that includes all content delivered via streaming platforms, like Hulu, YouTube TV, Peacock, and more.

These platforms allow advertisers to serve commercial-style video ads to targeted audiences—just like traditional TV, but with digital precision.

Why It Matters for Car Dealerships

Unlike broadcast TV, CTV/OTT campaigns let you:

  • 🎯 Target in-market shoppers based on behavior, intent, and geography.
  • 📍 Geo-fence your delivery to stay within your PMA or zip code range.
  • 📊 Track campaign results—view-through rates, ad completion, and showroom visits.
  • 📺 Access premium, non-skippable inventory, giving you more impactful impressions.

Plus, with more households cutting the cord every day, traditional TV is no longer the go-to medium for many consumers—especially millennials and Gen Z buyers.

Getting Started with Streaming Ads

Transitioning to CTV/OTT doesn’t mean overhauling your entire media plan overnight. Start by:

  • Shifting 10–20% of your traditional TV budget into CTV/OTT.
  • Testing creative formats like 15 or 30-second vehicle highlight videos.
  • Tracking performance across impressions, completion rate, and foot traffic attribution.

Streaming platforms also support cross-device retargeting, meaning someone who sees your ad on Roku can later see your inventory ad on mobile or desktop.

A Blended Strategy Works Best

CTV isn’t meant to replace traditional advertising—it’s meant to enhance it. When used alongside your paid social, search, and display efforts, streaming video can increase overall brand visibility and recall, driving shoppers further down the funnel.

How Automotive Internet Media Can Help

At Automotive Internet Media, we help dealerships tap into the power of video streaming with:

  • Access to exclusive OTT inventory on major platforms.
  • Targeting backed by real-time shopper intent data.
  • Campaign setup, execution, and optimization all handled by our expert team.

Whether you’re looking to promote a sales event or elevate your brand image in-market, we’ll build a CTV strategy tailored to your dealership’s goals. 

Final Thoughts

The advertising landscape is evolving fast—and so are your customers. Streaming isn’t the future; it’s the present. Dealerships that adapt their strategies now will be better positioned to drive qualified leads, grow their brand, and ultimately sell more cars.

Ready to bring your dealership into the streaming era?
 Contact Automotive Internet Media today to learn how we can launch your next CTV campaign.

Recent Posts

Why CarClicks Marketing Aligns with 2025’s Automotive Marketing Trends

by

Why CarClicks Marketing Aligns with 2025’s Automotive Marketing Trends

As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, data-driven decisions are no longer optional—they’re essential. According to the 2025 Perficient + Autotrader Marketing Measurement Whitepaper, the majority of auto dealers agree that “return on investment” is the most important metric when evaluating their marketing efforts. Yet, over 60% of marketers still struggle to tie sales to specific advertising channels.

That’s where CarClicks steps in.

At Automotive Internet Media, we built CarClicks with one goal in mind: drive more high-intent shoppers to dealers’ inventory, faster and more cost-effectively. Our platform aligns directly with today’s marketing measurement priorities—accountability, transparency, and performance.

Published: July 28, 2025

Automotive Internet Media | Digital Marketing Agency

CarClicks Marketing

Connecting Inventory to In-Market Shoppers

CarClicks helps dealerships bridge the gap between ad spend and vehicle sales by placing dynamic, VIN-specific ads across a network of 9,000+ premium websites. These ads feature live inventory and link directly to each vehicle’s VDP, allowing us to deliver measurable results that correlate directly with customer interest.

In a marketing environment where nearly 70% of auto marketers say proving ROI is difficult, CarClicks simplifies the process by delivering first-party traffic and actionable attribution at scale.

What Makes CarClicks Different?

✅ Inventory-Level Targeting: Shoppers don’t just see your brand—they see the exact vehicles you have in stock, updated in real time.
 ✅ Premium Reach: Ads are served across a hand-curated network of top-performing publisher sites.
 ✅ High-Intent Traffic: CarClicks consistently delivers shoppers with strong buying signals, driving higher conversions on dealership websites.
 ✅ Affordable Efficiency: Because we operate outside traditional PPC bidding models, CarClicks can stretch marketing budgets further—without sacrificing quality or volume.

Aligning with What Matters Most

The 2025 whitepaper makes one point crystal clear: better measurement leads to better marketing decisions. Dealers want platforms that provide clarity, not complexity—and they want partners who prioritize performance over vanity metrics.

CarClicks delivers on all fronts. Whether your dealership is looking to drive more leads, reduce cost-per-VDP view, or better understand where your traffic is coming from, our programmatic marketing solution checks every box.

Start Driving Smarter Traffic Today

If your current digital marketing strategy isn’t delivering measurable results tied to actual shoppers, it’s time to take a closer look at CarClicks. Learn more at www.carclicksmarketing.com or contact us at Automotive Internet Media to get started.

Recent Posts

Q2 2025 Automotive Industry Recap: Key Challenges & Trends

by

Q2 2025 Automotive Industry Recap: Key Challenges & Trends

The automotive industry experienced a complex second quarter in 2025, shaped by a blend of steady sales performance, shifting consumer behavior, and broader economic pressures. While some automakers and segments delivered strong results, ongoing affordability concerns, evolving electric vehicle demand, and the early effects of new global tariffs added layers of uncertainty. For dealerships, Q2 reinforced the importance of agility—both in inventory strategies and customer engagement efforts—as the market continued to evolve in unexpected ways.

Published: July 9, 2025

Automotive Internet Media | Digital Marketing Agency

Q2 2025 Auto Industry Challenges and Trends

Sales Highlights by Segment

  • Minivans made a surprising comeback this quarter, with models like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Carnival posting notable sales gains as families prioritized space and versatility.
  • General Motors led the U.S. automotive market for the first half of 2025, powered by strong demand for its SUV and pickup lineup.
  • Hyundai reported its best-ever first-half performance, with Q2 sales rising 10% year-over-year.
  • Electric vehicle (EV) trends were uneven: while the Nissan Ariya showed growth, other EVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai Ioniq 5/6 experienced sales declines, signaling a potential recalibration in EV shopper preferences.

Tariffs Begin to Disrupt Global Sales

Newly implemented U.S.-China tariffs began to impact global luxury auto sales. Brands such as Mercedes-Benz and Porsche signaled slower projected growth as pricing pressure and geopolitical uncertainty influenced buyer confidence and dealer strategy.

Inventory & Incentive Adjustments

In several markets, tighter inventory conditions were reported following strong sales early in Q2. Some brands, particularly Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram (CDJR), focused on clearing older model year inventory amid limited factory incentives on newer stock—prompting a shift in promotional focus for many dealers.

Key Trends to Watch in Q3 2025

📉 EV Rebalancing

After a period of overproduction earlier in the year, automakers are expected to shift Q3 strategies toward affordability, with increased marketing around hybrid options and practical pricing. While long-term EV adoption remains on track, near-term demand is being reshaped by price sensitivity and infrastructure concerns.

📈 Luxury & SUV Momentum

Despite economic headwinds, luxury SUVs and high-end EVs continue to gain traction. Dealers with inventory in these categories may find opportunity in targeting affluent buyers looking to upgrade.

🛠️ Fixed Ops & M&A Growth

Fixed operations remain a reliable profit center, prompting more dealers to invest in service, parts, and collision repair capabilities. At the same time, buy-sell activity is picking up, with larger dealer groups expanding through acquisition in metro markets to increase efficiency and scale.

🌐 Digital Retailing Is No Longer Optional

Digital-first car shopping behavior remains the norm. Buyers expect transparent pricing, flexible finance tools, and seamless online-to-showroom experiences. Dealerships embracing VIN-specific ads, live chat, and personalized outreach will stand out—especially as more shoppers re-enter the market in Q3.

The Bottom Line

Q2 2025 revealed both challenges and areas of growth across the automotive sector. According to Cox Automotive, overall dealer sentiment remained cautious—particularly among independent dealers—though franchised retailers showed more optimism. As the industry moves into Q3, success will depend on how well dealers adapt to evolving inventory dynamics, pricing pressures, and rising expectations around digital engagement.

Want to stay ahead of the curve? Automotive Internet Media can help you optimize your digital marketing strategy and connect with more in-market car shoppers. Contact us today to position your dealership for growth in Q3.

Recent Posts

CarClicks Inventory Marketing Q2 2025 Results

by

CarClicks Inventory Marketing Q2 2025 Results

In today’s fast-moving automotive landscape, traditional digital marketing just doesn’t cut it. To stand out and drive real results, you need a smarter, more strategic approach. CarClicks puts data to work—connecting your inventory with serious buyers actively searching for their next vehicle.

Published: July 9, 2025

Automotive Internet Media | Digital Marketing Agency

CarClicks Q2 2025 Results

At Automotive Internet Media, our CarClicks Marketing platform continues to drive powerful results for our dealer partners across the country. In Q2 2025, CarClicks delivered 10,232,572 Vehicle Detail Page (VDP) views, proving once again that our strategy is not only scalable—but efficient. In addition, CarClicks provided our dealers with 154,251 assists to selling vehicles, further demonstrating the platform’s impact on driving real dealership outcomes.

Even more impressive? We achieved this reach at an average cost of just $0.83 per VDP, allowing dealerships to connect with serious, in-market car shoppers at a fraction of the cost of other digital advertising platforms.

A Quarter of Impactful Performance

Building on a strong Q1, Q2 2025 reflected sustained demand for CarClicks inventory marketing, as we continued helping dealers promote their vehicles across high-traffic automotive websites and marketplaces. Our proprietary targeting ensures that every click connects your listings with motivated shoppers actively searching for vehicles just like yours.

Why It Matters

With average VDP costs consistently under a dollar, CarClicks offers dealerships one of the most cost-effective ways to influence the car-buying journey. Every visit represents a real opportunity to engage buyers who are closer to making a purchase decision.

We continue to monitor market trends and dealer feedback to refine and optimize our performance. Whether you’re a small independent store or a large auto group, CarClicks scales to meet your marketing needs—and budget.

Ready to Sell More Cars?

If you’re looking to drive more qualified traffic to your inventory and convert more leads, now is the time to take a closer look at CarClicks.

👉 Contact us today to schedule a demo or learn how CarClicks can help your dealership maximize ROI in Q3 and beyond.

Recent Posts

Why a Marketing Partner with a DSP Gives You the Edge

by

Why a Marketing Partner with a DSP Gives You the Edge

At Automotive Internet Media, we understand that digital advertising success requires more than just placing ads – it requires control, efficiency, and data-driven strategy. That’s why we built OptaClick, our proprietary Demand Side Platform (DSP).

Published: June 23, 2025

Automotive Internet Media | Digital Marketing Agency

Demand Side Platform

But what exactly is a DSP, and why does it matter that we own ours?

A Demand Side Platform is a powerful software system that enables advertisers to buy digital ad inventory across multiple ad exchanges and networks in real-time, all from a centralized interface. By owning our DSP, we’re able to offer our automotive clients significant strategic advantages that general agencies, or even those relying on third-party DSPs, simply can’t match.

Here’s a closer look at the top benefits of working with a marketing partner that operates its own DSP:

1. Streamlined Advertising Workflow

With OptaClick, there’s no need to juggle multiple platforms or vendors. Our DSP simplifies and automates the entire media buying process, allowing you to manage, monitor, and adjust campaigns from a single dashboard. This not only saves time, but also boosts responsiveness and control over campaign performance.

2. Smarter Spend & Greater Cost Efficiency

Real-time bidding technology enables OptaClick to automatically optimize ad placements based on performance and pricing. By reducing waste and bidding more intelligently, we help you make the most of your advertising dollars and generate better results at lower costs.

3. Broader Reach Through Premium Inventory Access

Our DSP connects you to a wide array of ad inventory, from top-tier publishers to open web placements. That means more opportunities to place your ads in front of the right audience, across websites, apps, and video platforms that your target audience trusts and visits daily.

4. Precision Targeting at Scale

OptaClick is built to reach in-market automotive shoppers actively searching for their next vehicle. With advanced targeting capabilities based on demographics, online behavior, interests, location, and more, our platform ensures your ads connect with serious buyers. Whether you’re aiming to move inventory fast or build brand awareness in key zip codes, OptaClick delivers the precision targeting needed to drive showroom traffic and online leads.

5. Real-Time Performance Insights

One of the most powerful aspects of a DSP is the access to live campaign data. With OptaClick, we continuously analyze performance metrics to identify what’s working and where there’s room to improve which allows us to adjust and refine campaigns on the fly for maximum impact.

6. Flexible & Scalable for Any Dealer Size

Whether you’re a local dealership or part of an automotive group, OptaClick adapts to your needs. Our platform scales easily, supporting everything from modest brand campaigns to multi-location, multi-channel efforts, without sacrificing control or visibility.

7. Higher Return on Investment

Ultimately, our DSP enables smarter ad delivery, better targeting, and more efficient campaign management, all of which work together to deliver a stronger ROI. With OptaClick, your dealership’s marketing budget goes further, driving real results that can be tracked, measured, and improved continuously.

Why Does This Matter?

Choosing a digital marketing partner that owns its own DSP, like Automotive Internet Media, gives you unmatched transparency, control, and efficiency. We don’t just run your campaigns; we craft them from the ground up, leveraging our technology to get your message in front of the right audience at the right time.

Ready to See What OptaClick Can Do For Your Dealership?

Contact us today to learn how programmatic advertising with a fully owned DSP can transform your digital strategy and drive smarter, more profitable results. Our team at Automotive Internet Media is ready to help you reach the right audience at the right time.

Recent Posts

TikTok’s New AI Video Tools: What Automotive Marketers Should Know

by

TikTok’s New AI Video Tools: What Automotive Marketers Should Know

As generative AI continues to disrupt the digital marketing landscape, TikTok has rolled out a powerful set of new tools designed to streamline video creation. For automotive marketers, this development could reshape how dealerships and brands approach video content—especially when it comes to staying on-trend, on-brand, and on time.

Published: June 20, 2025

Automotive Internet Media | Digital Marketing Agency

TikTok Generative AI Tools

As generative AI continues to disrupt the digital marketing landscape, TikTok has rolled out a powerful set of new tools designed to streamline video creation. For automotive marketers, this development could reshape how dealerships and brands approach video content—especially when it comes to staying on-trend, on-brand, and on time.

AI Tools Built for Speed and Scale

TikTok’s latest additions—part of its Symphony suite—include image-to-video and text-to-video generation tools. These features allow users to quickly transform static images or written prompts into short, five-second branded clips. The tools are available natively within TikTok and are also being integrated into platforms like Adobe Express and WPP Open, making them more accessible to marketers across channels.

Why This Matters for Automotive Marketing

For dealerships and automotive brands, speed and relevance are everything when creating content for platforms like TikTok. With AI-generated videos, marketers can:

  • Produce short-form video content faster
  • Jump on trending audio and visual formats in real-time
  • Create quick branding assets that don’t require a full production team

While these tools may not be ideal for direct-response or inventory-focused campaigns, they’re perfect for top-of-funnel branding efforts—think dealership culture, new model announcements, seasonal events, or educational content on EVs and tech.

Next-Level Capabilities with AI Avatars

According to Search Engine Land, TikTok’s “Symphony Showcase Products” also let advertisers generate realistic video clips featuring AI avatars. These avatars can hold products, demonstrate mobile apps, or even model clothing—all based on a simple visual and a short description. While this may be more aligned with fashion or tech brands today, it signals a major leap in how immersive and customizable AI video content can become.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Video continues to dominate social media performance, and generative AI is making it easier than ever to produce high-quality assets at scale. Even if your dealership isn’t ready to deploy AI avatars tomorrow, it’s important to understand where the technology is heading and how it can support your branding goals in the months to come.

Want to Stay Updated on AI Tools and Trends in Automotive Marketing?

Visit Automotive Internet Media to explore the latest in video production, platform updates, and practical ways to incorporate AI into your digital strategy.

Recent Posts

Drive Sustained Growth with YouTube Shorts for Your Dealership

by

Drive Sustained Growth with YouTube Shorts for Your Dealership

Video content is more powerful than ever, and YouTube Shorts have become one of the most effective tools for dealerships to boost channel growth, engagement, and visibility. With over 120 million daily active users, Shorts offer a high-impact way to share your message with minimal effort.

Published: May 30, 2025

Automotive Internet Media | Digital Marketing Agency

YouTube Shorts

Why Should Your Dealership Post YouTube Shorts?

YouTube Shorts are short-form videos (60 seconds or less) that allow you to capture attention quickly, drive viewers to your long-form content, and build a loyal subscriber base. Dealerships using Shorts regularly see:

  • Channel growth
  • Increase in engagement rates
  • Stronger brand awareness

Shorts also open the door for cross-promotion, giving you the ability to create teasers or highlight reels that drive traffic to your full-length videos, such as vehicle walkarounds, service how-to’s, or dealership events.

YouTube Shorts vs. Other Platforms

You might wonder—why choose YouTube Shorts over TikTok or Instagram Reels?

TikTok thrives on trends and viral challenges, driven by an interest-based algorithm that pushes content to broad audiences. Instagram Reels, on the other hand, often echo TikTok trends and lean heavily into influencer-style content, focusing more on quick entertainment than informative or product-focused messaging.

YouTube stands out by offering long-term value and a trusted platform for consistent growth. Shorts not only boost visibility but also drive viewers to your full-length videos. Plus, with the power of Google’s targeting, your content can reach the right audience more effectively.

Wider Reach, More Views

One major edge YouTube Shorts offers is a higher reach. Unlike TikTok, which shows content to only a fraction of your followers, YouTube pushes Shorts to ALL of your subscribers, increasing visibility with every upload.

According to Search Engine Land, “YouTube Shorts now reach 2 billion monthly users and generate approximately 70 billion daily views.” For auto dealers, that’s a massive audience ready to discover your inventory, service specials, or community events you participate in or host.

What Kind of Shorts Drive Website Traffic for Car Dealerships?

YouTube Shorts can be a powerful tool for dealerships, not just for brand awareness or engagement, but for driving actual traffic to your website and inventory pages. The most effective Shorts tend to focus on freshly arrived vehicles, quick highlights of key features, tech or safety demos, service tips, or brief recaps of dealership events. The key is pairing each Short with a clear, compelling call to action, such as “View this vehicle now on our website” or “Schedule your test drive today.” By consistently posting these bite-sized videos and linking viewers directly to relevant inventory or service pages, dealerships can generate real interest and funnel potential buyers straight to their digital showroom.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re interested in adding YouTube Shorts to your dealership’s video marketing strategy, Automotive Internet Media can help. Whether you need full-service support, video content creation, or on-site production anywhere in the Chicagoland area, we’ve got you covered. Our team in Hinsdale, IL is ready to help your dealership unlock its full video potential and attract more viewers today. Contact us now to learn more about how we can take your content strategy to the next level or visit our website to learn more about the video services we offer.

Recent Posts