In today’s fast-paced world, it’s no secret that people are glued to their phones and devices—your potential customers included. So, how can you make sure your dealership stands out in this crowded digital landscape?

One incredibly effective way is by using video pre-roll ads. When done right, video pre-roll can help your business grab attention, boost online traffic, and drive more customers to your showroom.

Let’s break down how this works and how Epsilon Individual Automotive can guide you through using this strategy for your dealership.

What Exactly Is Video Pre-Roll?

You know when you’re about to watch a video on YouTube, and an ad plays first? That’s video pre-roll. These ads typically last between 15 to 60 seconds and pop up before the content you want to watch.

Depending on your goals, these ads can range from showcasing your dealership’s special offers to providing details about a new vehicle in your inventory. The key is to grab your audience’s attention quickly, and when done correctly, pre-roll ads can be incredibly effective for driving business.

Epsilon Individual Automotive understands that every second matters in these ads. That’s why we use our expertise to help create videos that are not only attention-grabbing but also aligned with your brand’s message and goals. Our team knows how to craft compelling pre-roll ads that make a real impact.

Why Different Platforms Matter

Not all social media platforms are created equal. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok all have different formats, audience behaviors, and technical requirements. For example, people are used to longer ads on YouTube, so a 30-second or even a minute-long pre-roll can work. On Instagram, however, short, punchy visuals work best—think 10-second videos that immediately catch the viewer’s eye.

Knowing these platform nuances is crucial to ensuring your pre-roll ad works as effectively as possible. Epsilon Individual Automotive doesn’t just create ads; we optimize them for the platform they’re shown on. From video length to the way the ad is framed, we ensure it looks perfect wherever it runs, grabbing attention and not getting lost in the shuffle.

Skippable vs. Non-Skippable Ads: What’s the Difference?

Regarding video pre-roll, you’ll need to decide whether to go with skippable or non-skippable ads. Skippable ads are those that let viewers skip after 5 seconds. While some people may skip the ad right away, it’s still important to grab their attention fast with a strong opening to keep them watching. On the other hand, non-skippable ads are usually 15 to 20 seconds long, and viewers can’t skip them. The good news? People tend to watch these to the end because they have no choice. And studies show that non-skippable ads tend to have a higher completion rate and better conversion rates.

At Epsilon Individual Automotive, we can help you choose the right type of ad based on your goals. If you need to get your message across quickly and ensure people watch it through, non-skippable ads might be your best bet. But if you’re aiming for a more casual approach or testing out an idea, skippable ads might work better.

How to Make Your Pre-Roll Ads Stand Out

Grab Attention Right Away  

The first few seconds are everything. Whether you’re doing a skippable or non-skippable pre-roll, you must immediately catch the viewer’s eye. Start strong with a bold visual, an interesting hook, or a compelling offer. You have a limited window to get people’s attention, so don’t wait too long to make your point.

At Epsilon Individual Automotive, we specialize in crafting attention-grabbing openings that get straight to the heart of what your dealership has to offer—whether it’s a special promotion, a new vehicle model, or something else. We know how to make the most of those first few seconds to draw viewers in.

Craft an Effective Call to Action (CTA)  

After you’ve grabbed their attention, it’s time to tell them what to do next. A strong CTA is crucial. Whether it’s to visit your website, schedule a test drive, or check out your pre-owned inventory, the CTA should be clear and direct. The best time to deliver your CTA is after you’ve made a strong case for why the viewer should care. For example, after showcasing a great deal or offering, encourage them to take action immediately.

Our team knows how to create CTAs that aren’t just “click here.” We design action-oriented language that speaks directly to the viewer and makes them want to act. Whether it’s through bold on-screen text or engaging voiceovers, we help you create CTAs that convert.

Make It Easy to Take Action  

One of the biggest mistakes many advertisers make is assuming viewers will know what to do next. When you’re using video pre-roll ads, you want to make sure it’s as easy as possible for potential customers to get where they need to go. Make sure you include clickable links and clear directions. For example, if you’re running a campaign for your pre-owned inventory, ensure viewers can click straight through to that section of your website.

At Epsilon Individual Automotive, we understand that a smooth transition from the ad to your site is key to conversion. We integrate clickable links and guide viewers directly to what they’re interested in, whether that’s a special offer, new inventory, or a promotion.

Personalization is Key  

In today’s world, one-size-fits-all marketing just doesn’t cut it. People expect content that speaks to their interests and needs. That’s why personalized ads are such a powerful tool. Using data and insights about your target audience can tailor your video pre-roll ads to reach the right people with the right message.

Adaptive advertising, which personalizes the experience for each viewer, can increase engagement by as much as 40%.¹ At Epsilon Individual Automotive, we use cutting-edge tools to personalize ads based on demographics, browsing history, and past interactions. Delivering the right message to the right person at the right time increases the chances of converting viewers into customers.

Measuring Success: How to Know If Your Ads Are Working

So, how do you know if your video pre-roll ads are doing their job? You’ll need to keep an eye on key performance indicators (KPIs), such as:

• View-Through Rate (VTR): How many people watched the ad all the way through? A higher VTR means your ad was engaging and kept viewers’ attention.
• Click-Through Rate (CTR): How many people clicked the link in your ad? A higher CTR means your CTA was compelling and effective.
• Conversion Rates: Ultimately, the goal is to get people to take action—whether that’s visiting your website, scheduling a test drive, or purchasing a vehicle. Conversion rates measure how well your ad actually drives business.

At Epsilon Individual Automotive, we track these metrics closely. We analyze how each campaign is performing in real-time and use this data to continuously improve. That means we can adjust your ads as needed to ensure they’re delivering the best possible results.

Why Choose Epsilon Individual Automotive?

What makes Epsilon Individual Automotive the perfect partner for your video pre-roll campaigns? It’s our deep understanding of the automotive industry and our commitment to delivering personalized, results-driven marketing solutions. Here’s why you should consider working with us:

• Tailored Marketing Solutions: From digital ads to direct mail and everything in between, we offer a full suite of services designed to meet the specific needs of your dealership.
• Expert Creative Team: Our in-house production studio ensures your videos look top-notch and are perfectly aligned with your brand’s voice and messaging.
• Data-Driven Strategies: Using advanced automotive data tools, we help you target the right audience with personalized ads that resonate and drive results.
• Continuous Optimization: We don’t just set it and forget it. We monitor your campaigns and make data-driven adjustments to maximize performance.

Get Started with Video Pre-Roll Campaigns

If you’re ready to take your automotive advertising to the next level, Epsilon Individual Automotive is here to help. Our team can craft video pre-roll campaigns that grab attention, deliver results, and drive more customers to your dealership.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see how video pre-roll can work for your business.  Our creative approach, personalized strategies, and commitment to driving results can help you make the most of every second of your video pre-roll ad.

 

¹ https://www.adjust.com/blog/pre-roll-video-advertising-explained/