Do I need a Google Ads account?

Yes, Google Vehicle Ads run through Google Ads and require a Google Merchant Center account. Dealer Essential provides the properly formatted inventory feed—we handle the technical complexity so you don't have to.

How does this differ from regular Google Ads?

Regular Google Ads show text. Vehicle Ads show your ACTUAL inventory with photos, prices, and "Get Directions" buttons right in search results. When someone searches "2022 Honda Civic near me," they see YOUR car, not just an ad.

Will my inventory show on Google Maps too?

Yes! With Google Business Profile integration, your inventory appears in local searches and on Google Maps. When buyers search near your location, they see your cars with photos, prices, and distance. It's like having a virtual lot on Google.

This sounds complicated. Is it hard to set up?

We do the hard part. Dealer Essential creates the vehicle feed, formats it to Google's specifications, submits to Merchant Center, and keeps it updated. Your job is just approving your inventory—we handle the technical stuff.

How much do Google Vehicle Ads cost?

You pay Google for ad clicks (you set your own budget). Dealer Essential's feed service is included in your subscription—no extra charge. Many dealers start with $500-1,000/month on Google and scale based on results.

What results can I expect from Vehicle Ads?

Dealers typically see 40-60% lower cost-per-lead compared to traditional Google Ads, because buyers see actual inventory instead of generic ads. Leads are more qualified—they've already seen your car and price before clicking.

How do I track which cars are getting clicks and leads?

Dealer Essential shows you which specific vehicles drive traffic and generate leads. See which cars are hot on Google and which aren't—then adjust your lot or pricing accordingly.

Do I need to hire someone to manage this?

Not necessarily. Dealer Essential handles the feed automatically, and Google's Smart Bidding optimizes your ads. Many dealers run effective Vehicle Ads campaigns without dedicated marketing staff. We can recommend agencies if you want hands-off management.

What about Google's structured data requirements?

We handle it. Google has strict technical requirements for vehicle feeds—product identifiers, attributes, image specifications, all of it. Dealer Essential generates compliant feeds automatically. You never have to think about structured data.

Can I run Vehicle Ads alongside my existing marketing?

Absolutely. Vehicle Ads complement your other marketing—they don't replace it. Many dealers run Vehicle Ads alongside their existing SEM, social media, and marketplace strategies. More visibility = more leads.

Billions of car-related searches happen on Google monthly

Your cars
aren't on Google Vehicle Ads

When someone Googles "used Honda Civic near me," they're ready to buy—right now. If your inventory isn't in those search results, you don't exist.

Floor plan cost: $0.00× every unlisted car

SYNCING

2024 Mercedes-Benz GL

$34,995

32 sites

+25 more

The problem

Sound familiar?

Monday, 9:00 AM

You're paying $2,000/month on Google Ads. Clicks happen, but you have no idea which vehicles drive traffic—or sales.

Wednesday, 2:15 PM

Someone searches "2022 Ford F-150 near me." Your F-150 sits on your lot. But it doesn't show in Google. Your competitor does.

Friday, End of Month

Your marketing guy mentions "structured data." You have no idea what it means. But apparently, you need it.

What if your actual inventory showed up when buyers search—with photos, prices, and directions?

The Solution

One upload. Google Vehicle Ads + 30 marketplaces.

Dealer Essential creates the perfect Google Vehicle Ads feed. Your inventory in search results, Maps, and Shopping.

2019 Mercedes GL

$34,995

2024 Nissan Kicks

$22,900

+27 more

app.dealeressential.com/inventory

Synced to

32 marketplaces

+27

$34,995

New

$18,500

Featured

$22,900

$15,750

Sale

Vehicle Ads feed

Automatic Google Merchant Center feed. Your cars show in search with photos and prices.

Local inventory ads

When someone nearby searches, your inventory shows with distance and "Get Directions."

Performance tracking

See which vehicles get clicks and generate leads. Optimize your lot for search.

"We went from "paying for clicks" to showing actual cars in search. Cost per lead dropped 60%."
Kevin Nakamura
Marketing Director, Crossroads Auto • 55 cars/month
60% lower cost/lead

60%

lower cost per lead

Top

Google search placement

Real-time

inventory in search

500+

dealers trust us

How It Works

From your lot to Google Vehicle Ads
in under 3 minutes.

Step 1: Scan

5 sec

Step 1

Scan

Point your phone at the VIN. We pull all specs automatically.

2 min

Step 2

Snap

Our app guides perfect angles. AI enhances every photo.

10 sec

Step 3

Approve

AI writes compelling descriptions. Review and tap approve.

Instant

Step 4

Live

Published to Google Vehicle Ads and 30+ sites simultaneously.

Swipe to explore steps →

The Math

$59/mo

One extra car sold per month pays for the entire year.

8+ hrs/wk

Time saved

2 weeks

Faster turns

24/7

Lead response

Discover other channels

Post to Google Vehicle Ads and 30+ other marketplaces with one click.

Carfax TrueCar See all channels →

Start selling on Google Vehicle Ads today.

Join 500+ dealers who've automated their listings. Starting at $59/month. No long-term contracts.

No per-user fees15-min setupCancel anytime

Google Vehicle Ads Questions

Common questions from dealers

Still have questions? Visit our support center or book a free demo

Stock the Lot

Attract Buyers

Work the Deal

Manage the Business

Help & Support

Popular Topics

Free Tools

Stock the Lot

Attract Buyers

Work the Deal

Manage the Business

Help & Support

Popular Topics

Free Tools

Your cars
aren't on Google Vehicle Ads