Constructive Criticism Please... (website)

[s_x_i]

Well, I'm about ready for my grand opening. The website we had up wasn't cutting it so I made a new one... I got one guy helping a little with layout, but other than that, it's all me. :shrug:

www.specialistmotorsales.com

Things to fix:

Logo - right now it's just a holding graphic, I'm working on one in Photoshop
Facebook - remove "Recent Posts" in bottom corner, insert FB friends thing
Add news
Add Detail Page
Spellcheck :bash:
Add Inventory (the inventory pages are all just testing the template right now, there's nothing significant on them)
What else?

I know I'm going to integrate a secure credit app when I get my Dealer-Partnership agreement finalized, that way people can get approved for a loan before they come into the dealership.

What else should I put on here?

Criticise please, but try to be kind, I do have feelings you know.

 

[DaleM]

Spam ban! Lol!

 

[s_x_i]

I figured I could get away with it until I'm open... oke:

 

[HawaiiKid]

Looks pretty good to me actually...I'd put "Business Hours" rather than "Opening Hours" at the bottom maybe (nitpicking). I'd also change the Home Page to say Specialist Motor Sales, no .com (since you are a real car lot, and it makes you sound more legit), and make the "Mileage" pull down menu "xxx Miles or under" rather than "xxx+ Miles".

Opinions may not count for much since I'm a noob, but I spend a lot of time on used car site

 

[Ironhand]

Try something different.

EVERY car lot takes pics of their cars in the lot and its boring!

Do some rolling shots, put some scenery behind it with a logo somewhere in the pic, get creative, spice that shit up. Your specialist motor sales right? Why do everything like everyone else? You may be a small lot, but spice will attract customers. Find ways to do things different then the guy down the road.

But thats just my thoughts.

 

[oldmodman]

Try something different.

EVERY car lot takes pics of their cars in the lot and its boring!

Do some rolling shots, put some scenery behind it with a logo somewhere in the pic, get creative, spice that shit up. Your specialist motor sales right? Why do everything like everyone else? You may be a small lot, but spice will attract customers. Find ways to do things different then the guy down the road.

But thats just my thoughts.

Now this would make it much more interesting. Good suggestion!

But don't forget the big titted models. Most customers are going to be guys and we like hooters. Except for those SVT members that only like butts.

 

[CobraBob]

Great looking website that will be even better when you spruce up the photos as suggested. In addition, under Contact Us I would put the city, state, zip on one line vs. putting the city on its own line. Also, check the Hours text. There an issue with the first letter of each line.

I wish you the best with this new business. I like your idea and marketing thrust. Customer service before, during and after the sale is where it is today.

 

[s_x_i]

Wow - great idea with the rolling shots! :idea: I'll try get some of the nicer cars out this weekend and see what I can do about that.

Thanks for the keen eyes guys, gonna make some more edits later today :beer:

 

[Matts00GT]

Whenever I'm shopping for a new car and I see "call for price," I immediately think to myself, "not buying that one."

 

[s_x_i]

Yeah, I'll put prices up when I upload inventory... I just stuck pics in the holes to see if the template was working. "Call for Price" is just the template default if you don't enter any info.

 

[Screw-Rice]

-I see you already addressed the "call for price" issue. Instant turn off for me, makes me think they are going pull every shady tactic known.

-Take a lot of pics. Can't stand seeing something that looks decent only to get there , and realize they took "strategic photos" to hide faded paint/damage.

-If a vehicle has extra options, note it in the description. Hate seeing the basic description thrown in, then notice extra options in the pics. If I am looking for heated seats, moonroof,etc I want to quickly find the ones with those options.

This next part might come across as harsh, just trying to help...

-Probably just me...but your opening paragraph seems just a little cheesy. Don't ask me questions, inform me why I should look at buying from you. Calling me a friend, means you're going to smile as you try to stick it in me.

Tired of the regular dealership experience? Ready to be treated fairly, honestly and with respect, no matter what your financial situation or credit score? Then you've come to the right place my friend. SpecialistMotorSales.com is re-defining the way the Brazos Valley buys cars.

Maybe something more like,

Here at SpecialistMotorSales we pride ourselves on not offering the typical "dealer experience". We are an independent dealer, and honesty is our priority. Every customer is treated with the utmost respect, no matter their credit, or financial situation. We are re-defining the way the Brazos Valley sells cars.

Like I said, it may very well just be me, but I tend to be very skeptical with "those type" of opening lines.

 

[ChiSVT]

Wordpress theme?

 

[FL-Orange]

Wow - great idea with the rolling shots! :idea: I'll try get some of the nicer cars out this weekend and see what I can do about that.

Thanks for the keen eyes guys, gonna make some more edits later today :beer:

Even if rolling shots prove difficult to do (if one guy is taking pics only) you could find good "scenery". There's a dealership down here that takes all their cars to a nice plaza for pics.

 

[PoohBear]

Under "Opening Hours", it looks as though the bullet point is interfering with the first letter of the day.

Most of what I think might need some work or changes has already been pointed out. Name on main page, should just have the name of your dealership without the .COM part.

I also agree with what Screw-Rice said about your opening paragraph/introduction, sounds cheesy and like mentioned, "Calling me a friend, means you're going to smile as you try to stick it in me."

Good luck with your business and much success.

 

[zak88lx]

Your site looks good!

Here's a used car site that I visit quite frequently.
They have a nice layout and at least 20 pics per vehicle.
They also have a used vehicle search which is nice:

Envision Auto - Calgary

 

[s_x_i]

Some great ideas here guys, especially "screwrice" Thank you! :beer:

and yes, I'm using wordpress

 

[Screw-Rice]

Glad to help. Wont even charge you . :lol:

Although I may be looking to you when I get serious about upgrading my truck. Want a 05+ F250 diesel. If I can get a good deal, and help out a small business I don't mind traveling. Not to mention Colorado seems to charge a premium for 4x4 trucks, and performance cars. So been scoping out TX, and Az for deals for when the time comes.