Not all vehicle inventory videos are created equal. Some dealerships knock it out of the park with videos that are both entertaining and informative. Often this has to do with the energy of the salesperson and their creative approach to giving a sales presentation for the vehicle being featured.
Traditional walkaround videos are often created in a linear format, where the salesperson walks around the vehicle in a methodical fashion, zooms in on a few features, peeks into the interior, and wraps things up.
To shake things up a little, try creating a video that is aligned with what car shoppers care about most. A free-form video emphasizes the most desired features first, creating excitement and interest from the start.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a compelling free-form inventory video that grabs attention, provides valuable information, and gets your audience excited about your inventory.
Start with the Most Desired Features
In 2024, the most desired vehicle features include technology, comfort, safety, and performance upgrades. Start your video with a brief overview of the vehicle, then show off the most highly sought-after features. For example:
- Infotainment systems: Touchscreen displays, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and high-quality sound systems are key draws.
- Advanced safety features: Highlight lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and parking assistance.
- Luxury seating and climate comfort: Show off heated, ventilated, or massaging leather seats. Include multi-zone climate controls, which are a major selling point for families.
- Charging and connectivity: Point out wireless charging stations, USB ports, and Wi-Fi hotspots, which are popular among tech-savvy buyers.
Open the Trunk and Showcase Storage Capacity
A car’s storage space is one of the most critical considerations for buyers, especially those with families or active lifestyles. Open the trunk and talk about its capacity.
If the seats fold down, demonstrate how easy it is to increase cargo space. Bonus points if you mention things like hidden compartments or hands-free trunk opening, which appeal to people looking for convenience. If the vehicle has a roof rack or bike mount, this is the perfect time to highlight those features.
Pop the Hood and Start the Engine
If you want to generate an emotional response from a prospect, open the hood and start the engine. Whether it’s a V8 with a growling exhaust or a hybrid with a whisper-quiet startup, the engine’s sound adds to the appeal of a vehicle.
Talk briefly about the engine’s performance: Is it fuel-efficient? Turbocharged? Does it offer quick acceleration or smooth handling for long drives? These details give your audience something to imagine when they picture themselves behind the wheel.
Showcase Key Luxury and Comfort Features
If the car has premium or upgraded features, highlight them with enthusiasm. This includes sunroofs and panoramic roofs, rear-seat entertainment systems, built in WiFi, mounted screens, and more. Don’t just point out the feature, focus on how that feature will make the customer feel while they’re driving the vehicle.
Use Start-and-Pause Recording for a Seamless Presentation
Recording a free-form inventory video is easy when you use a video marketing app that allows you to start and pause the recording as needed. This way, you can move smoothly from one feature to the next without awkward transitions or dead air.
For example, after demonstrating the dashboard, pause the recording. Move to the rear of the vehicle, and when you’re ready, resume recording to show off the trunk space. This approach keeps the video tight and focused while making it easier to shoot.
Think of a free-form inventory video as a sales presentation that taps into a customer’s emotions. Focus on what sets this vehicle apart and emphasize those details with energy and enthusiasm. A well-made free-form video can create the emotional connection that inspires viewers to take that next step—and ultimately drive away in their new car.
