Posts by Steenman Associates
What Car Dealers Can Learn from Enthusiast Auctions Like ‘Bring a Trailer’
Part One of a Two-Part series. Published in Dealer Marketing Magazine April 30, 2025 By Ed Steenman. DMM Expert Panel Car dealers across the country have been noticing a shift in how cars are being bought and sold. Traditional wholesale channels are still the backbone of the industry, but online enthusiast car auctions—like Bring a…
Read MoreThat’s A Wrap (for now)!
Been doing the advertising/publicity for the Evergreen Shows longer than I can remember. This weekend will be their largest home show (by booth count) ever. Thanks team KOMO TV + our other media partners for lots of coverage beyond the base buys. We appreciate you! For me, this wraps up over six months of almost…
Read MoreStreaming Audio Advertising: A Game-Changer for Local Advertisers
As consumers increasingly shift from traditional radio to streaming audio, local automotive dealers have a powerful new tool to reach potential car buyers. Platforms like iHeartRadio, Spotify, and Pandora offer precise targeting based on geography, interests, and behavioral intent—capabilities that traditional radio cannot match. To maximize the benefits of streaming audio advertising, dealers must understand platform functionalities and tailor their messaging accordingly.
Read MoreThe New Age of Branding: Data, Creativity, and Streaming TV
But with everyone having access to the same tools and data, the real competitive edge now needs to come from something deeper. The true power of an ad isn’t just about where or when it’s seen, but whether it can stand out and make an emotional connection. You can measure impressions, clicks, and engagement all day, but the “a-ha” moment—that spark that sets a campaign apart—is much harder to quantify.
Read MoreShould you use QR codes on your streaming TV & Video ads?
90% of TV viewers in the U.S. now stream. If you’re one of them, you’ve probably seen video ads that feature QR codes. For reference, QR codes are a type of barcode, or scannable pattern, that can contain various forms of data, like website links, account information, phone numbers, or even coupons. Using a QR code in your streaming ads can be a good idea, but it depends on specific advertising goals and the context in which you plan to use it.
Read MoreMedia Insultant 2.28.24 SPECIAL EDITION WITH AUTO AD AGENCY GURU ED STEENMAN
Automotive advertising industry expert Ed Steenman is the featured guest on the Media Insultant podcast to talk trends and challenges for the 2024
Read MoreThree Industry Thought Leaders: Key Changes in the Automotive Industry Part Two
(Ed note: this article first appeared in July 2023. As of mid-September it, and the accompanying video, has received the most views of all content on the Dealer Marketing Magazine website). In Part One, Steenman engaged Hollenbeck, Phillips and Conley on Key Changes in the Retail Automotive Landscape. In Part Two, the focus shifts to understanding…
Read MoreDealer Marketing Magazine: Meet Ed Steenman
Although the advertising industry has become more complex and heavily analyzed, creativity remains at its core. Successful advertising campaigns must still break through the noise with engaging, innovative content rather than relying on overused, dull approaches. My mission has always been to brand dealerships differently, focusing on their involvement in the community rather than just selling cars.
Read MoreWelcome Pittsburgh Bridal Showcase
Pittsburgh Bridal Show has chosen Steenman Associates as their advertising agency to promote their April 2, 2023 event. Welcome aboard, we’re excited to apply our magic to help drive brides-to-be and success to your upcoming event.
Read MoreOur busy ‘return to in-person’ show season continues
Our busy ‘return to in-person’ show season continues with digital and media campaigns for the Eugene Spring RV show this week, the Lane County Home & Garden Show (also in Eugene) next week, along with Wedding Shows and Bridal events soon in Pittsburgh, Raleigh and more. 2023 is starting off strong!
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