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You know what they say — a bad listing is bad for business.
Ok, we might have made that one up, but it’s true nonetheless.
If your online vehicle listings suck, your online traffic leads and sales will too. Let’s dive into some of the biggest mistakes dealerships make when creating and marketing their vehicles online.
1. Bad Visuals
The saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” couldn’t be more accurate in the world of online car sales. High-quality images and videos are essential for capturing potential buyers’ attention and effectively showcasing your vehicles’ features. Poor-quality visuals can deter buyers and reflect poorly on your dealership’s professionalism.
To combat this, invest in professional photography and videography services to ensure your listings are visually appealing. Additionally, providing multiple angles and close-ups of key features gives buyers a comprehensive view of the vehicle.
Related Reading: 5 Vehicle Pictures Every VDP Should Have
2. Poor or Missing Vehicle Information
Transparency is vital to the success of your vehicle detail pages. Providing comprehensive and accurate information about your vehicles builds trust with potential buyers and increases the likelihood of a successful sale. Make sure to include essential details such as make, model, year, mileage, and any additional features or upgrades.
Inaccuracies or missing information can frustrate buyers and damage your dealership’s credibility. Try investing in things like third-party inspections or vehicle condition reports to give customers the information they need to make a decision.
Related Reading: Everything You Need to Know About Vehicle Condition Reports (FAQs)
3. Neglecting Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Best Practices
It's no secret that today’s online marketplace is overcrowded and competitive. Simply listing your vehicles online isn’t enough because shoppers have a multitude of options for similar vehicles at their fingertips.
To dominate search results pages, you must ensure your listings are optimized for search engines to improve visibility and attract more traffic. This involves using relevant keywords, optimizing meta tags and descriptions, and creating high-quality content that resonates with your target audience.
Related Reading: Maximizing Dealership Performance: 3 Tips for Attracting Buyers Based on Today's Car Shopping Habits
4. Ignoring Mobile-Friendly Design Principles
With most car shoppers browsing on their phones or tablets, having a mobile-friendly website is no longer optional—it’s essential. This applies to your VDPs and SRPs as well. Neglecting mobile-friendly design can result in a poor user experience and deter potential buyers from engaging with your listings.
Ensure your listings are optimized for mobile devices, with responsive design elements that adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes. This includes optimizing images and videos for faster loading times and ensuring easy navigation on smaller screens.
5. Not Regularly Updating Listings
Lastly, your online car listings shouldn’t be a set-it-and-forget-it affair. It’s crucial to regularly update your listings with new inventory, pricing updates, and any other relevant information to remain competitive in the fast-paced online marketplace.
Outdated listings can frustrate buyers and give the impression that your dealership is not actively engaged or trustworthy. Establish a schedule for updating your listings and allocate resources to ensure it's done consistently. Keeping your listings current and relevant can maintain buyer interest and drive more sales.
Digital Merchandising Services for Dealerships
Effective online listings are essential for the success of car dealerships in today’s digital landscape. By avoiding these common mistakes, your dealership can enhance its online presence and attract more customers.
Dealer Specialties offers comprehensive merchandising solutions to help dealerships optimize their digital listings and achieve greater success. Contact us today to learn more about how we can elevate your dealership’s online presence.
