Maybe this has already been covered recently or in some older posts but I've been looking around and haven't found it.
I'm talking about website architecture, navigation, and graphic design as it pertains to Internet new and used car sales. I'm not talking about sites that have to do double duty promoting the dealership's showroom sales in addition to Internet sales. I'm talking pure Internet sales sites.
Iit seems to me that a good dealership Internet sales website should incorporate as many of these features as possible.
- A clearly implied message on the home page that the site is an Internet-centric retail site.
- A fresh appeal to people’s curiosity; the goal is to draw them in without employing stale car dealer website graphics and slogans
- A quick and simple explanation of how the site works
- Clear, large photos of the actual products being offered - not stock photos or renderings
- Brief but specific descriptions of each vehicle’s features (does this one have sunroof, Autobahn Pkg, navigation, etc. etc.?)
- Live chat or other instant form of customer service
- A "wish list" (vehicle finder) feature.
- (Optional) Published "Internet" prices.
To start the debate I will offer a site that I, personally, think is very good. www.ecarlink.com. Note that I am in no way associated with or employed by this company. I just think Len and co. are on the front line of innovation with this site.
Anyone else have any opinions and/or know of some existing sites that they think are hitting the target?
I'm talking about website architecture, navigation, and graphic design as it pertains to Internet new and used car sales. I'm not talking about sites that have to do double duty promoting the dealership's showroom sales in addition to Internet sales. I'm talking pure Internet sales sites.
Iit seems to me that a good dealership Internet sales website should incorporate as many of these features as possible.
- A clearly implied message on the home page that the site is an Internet-centric retail site.
- A fresh appeal to people’s curiosity; the goal is to draw them in without employing stale car dealer website graphics and slogans
- A quick and simple explanation of how the site works
- Clear, large photos of the actual products being offered - not stock photos or renderings
- Brief but specific descriptions of each vehicle’s features (does this one have sunroof, Autobahn Pkg, navigation, etc. etc.?)
- Live chat or other instant form of customer service
- A "wish list" (vehicle finder) feature.
- (Optional) Published "Internet" prices.
To start the debate I will offer a site that I, personally, think is very good. www.ecarlink.com. Note that I am in no way associated with or employed by this company. I just think Len and co. are on the front line of innovation with this site.
Anyone else have any opinions and/or know of some existing sites that they think are hitting the target?