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Automotive Website Design: Tips for Creating Impressive Website Design that Drives Sales

UX/UI
July 7, 2023
14 min
Content

In the highly competitive global car market, having an exceptional automotive website design is a necessity in establishing trust with potential customers at the touchpoints of the buyer journey. To stand out from the crowd, companies are now placing special emphasis on advertisement campaigns, online accessibility, and designing auto appraisal websites that truly shine.

“We solve business tasks with the help of an interface”. Yevhen Ivliev, Head of UX/UI at Promodo

We’ve already revealed to you the success story of the US car dealership that managed to grow leads and conversions with Promodo. Continuing to cooperate with our digital marketing agency, the client decided to refresh their auto dealership website design and ordered the services of our UX/UI department. 

automotive case study

Why Does Your Automotive Business Need a Website With a Great Design?

An astounding 95% of vehicle buyers utilize the internet as their primary source of information. This underscores the importance of a responsive auto dealer website design that ensures your business can effectively reach customers through their smartphones, where they spend a significant amount of their time.

Only one in three potential car buyers enter the market with a specific vehicle in mind. A user-friendly website design plays a pivotal role in assisting these customers in making the right decision by providing a seamless browsing experience and facilitating easy exploration of available options.

Approximately 76% of new and used vehicle shoppers conduct a Google search before making a purchase. A website with SEO-friendly automotive web design principles helps your business appear prominently in search engine results, increasing visibility and the likelihood of attracting potential customers.

During their purchasing journey, automobile consumers typically visit an average of 4.2 websites. By presenting a visually captivating and elegant automobile website design, your automotive website has a higher chance of capturing users' attention and becoming their preferred choice among the multitude of options available. Additionally, a simple and intuitive design helps streamline the purchasing process, setting you apart from competitors and facilitating a smooth customer experience.

In the fiercely competitive automotive industry, the significance of an outstanding website design cannot be overstated. By focusing on creating an exceptional user experience, you can guide potential buyers, tap into the power of online information, secure a strong digital presence, capture attention, and leverage customization to maximize your business's success. Embracing the importance of website design in the car industry is an essential step toward standing out, attracting customers, and thriving in the global market.

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Automotive Website Design Tips from Promodo Experts

When designing an automotive website, incorporating certain recommendations can greatly enhance the user experience and overall effectiveness of the design. Here are some automotive website design tips that include the mentioned recommendations:

“At Promodo, our main product is smart design, which means that before creating layouts, we immerse ourselves in business to achieve the best possible outcome”. Yevhen Ivliev, Head of UX/UI at Promodo

Research is Key

No matter whether you created car dealer website designs or providing UX/UI services for other industries, a profound analysis is the primary step which ensures the success of the project. Having considerable experience in UX/UI, Promodo’s experts conduct research for their projects in three major categories:

  • Product. We investigate how the need for the product is formed, what are motivators and demotivators of purchase. Besides, we also analyze frequency of consumption and purchase of the client’s product.
  • Business. In order to develop an effective website design, we identify the goals the client is searching online, its financial models, planned website traffic, logistics peculiarities, and competitors of the brand. 
  • Audience. The third element of the research for any UX/UI project is customer analysis. We segment them by need of products and consumption models. We also research their consumer behavior and patterns.

In automotive design, applying an agile design process is paramount to overcoming the problematic development often associated with UI-centric software.

As a result, such a detailed research allows creating not only stylish website design, but also make the interface drive sales and increase conversions. 

Make the Customer Journey Easy

At Promodo, we recommend focusing on creating a user-friendly experience by making important information easily accessible. Ensure that you lead the automotive website visitors through their customer journey easily and clearly. Look at the logic that our UX/UI designers developed creating automotive dealership web design for Stoom

best car dealership website design

Use Minimalistic Design

We are more than sure that best car dealer website designs need to be clean and minimalistic, avoiding clutter and distractions. A simple layout with ample white space allows the focus to remain on the vehicles and key information. This minimalist approach enhances the visual appeal and ease of navigation.

Add Video Backgrounds

Incorporate engaging video backgrounds on your website to captivate visitors' attention and create an immersive experience. Use high-quality videos that highlight the vehicles in action or showcase their unique features. Video backgrounds can provide a dynamic and visually appealing element to your automotive website.

Apply New Automotive UX/UI Trends

Stay up-to-date with the latest automotive user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) trends. Research emerging design practices specific to the automotive industry and incorporate them into your website. This may include using intuitive interfaces, interactive elements, and smooth transitions to create a modern and engaging user experience.

Adopt of an Agile Design

In the realm of automotive design, the adoption of an agile design process is paramount, especially in addressing the challenges of UI-centric software development. This approach prioritizes adaptability and embraces change throughout the design journey. By remaining open to evolving requirements and incorporating user feedback iteratively, automotive designers can ensure that their creations meet the evolving needs and expectations of users. Embracing a flexible, agile design methodology is key to overcoming obstacles and delivering innovative solutions in the ever-evolving automotive landscape.

Essential Design Features to Implement in Automotive Website

When designing a used car dealer website, there are several essential features that can greatly enhance the user experience and drive engagement. Implementing these design features will not only attract potential customers but also increase the chances of converting them into leads. Here are some crucial design elements to consider:

Advanced Search Functionality

Implement a robust search feature in your automobile dealership design that allows users to filter and sort vehicles based on specific criteria. Provide website search options such as make, model, year, price range, mileage, and more. Additionally, consider adding advanced search options like fuel type, transmission, body type, and features to help users refine their search and find the perfect vehicle quickly. Making your auto dealership web design maximally comfortable and helpful for your uses, your automobile business would be able to grow conversions in 1.8 times. 

"When conducting an SEO audit for car dealers, we emphasize to our clients the significance of optimizing online search functionality based on car brands, models, and vehicle identification numbers. This crucial task falls under the responsibility of the UI/UX department to ensure accurate and efficient user experience," explained Oleksandr Utkin, SEO Team Lead at Promodo.

Featured Listings and Special Offers

Another essential feature for auto body website design or auto repair web design is to highlight special offers prominently on the homepage or dedicated sections. These listings should include eye-catching images, essential details, and attractive pricing to capture the attention of visitors. By showcasing popular or discounted vehicles, you can generate interest and encourage users to explore your inventory further.

best car dealership website design
Example of Special Offers on the Car Dealer's Website

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Creating your auto repair website design or automotive dealer website design, don’t forget about customer reviews and testimonials on your website. Display positive feedback from satisfied customers to establish trust and showcase the positive experiences others have had with your dealership. Implement rating systems or review platforms to encourage customers to share their experiences. These reviews can significantly influence potential buyers' decision-making process.

Call-to-Action Buttons

Strategically place prominent and visually appealing call-to-action (CTA) buttons throughout your website. CTAs can include "Schedule a Test Drive," "Get a Quote," "Apply for Financing," or "Try the Car." These buttons should stand out and lead users to take specific actions that advance them in the buying process. Clear and compelling CTAs encourage user engagement and generate valuable leads.

cta example

Contact Information and Live Chat

Having your auto dealer website design planned, don’t forget about contact information. Make it easy for potential customers to reach you by prominently displaying your phone number, email address, and physical address on every page. Consider implementing a live chat feature, which is also a comfortable communication channel for the automotive website users. 

What Makes a Successful Used Car Dealer Website Design

The used car dealership market captures 36.7% of the US vehicle industry, and its share keeps growing. The competition among used car dealers is enhancing. That is why a used car dealer website design plays a crucial role in attracting and engaging potential customers. A well-designed automotive website can make a significant difference in converting visitors into leads and ultimately driving sales. So, what are the key elements that contribute to a successful used car dealer website design? Let's explore them below.

User-Friendly Navigation

A successful used car dealer website should have a clear and intuitive navigation structure. Visitors should be able to find the information they are looking for easily and quickly. A well-organized menu, clear categories, and search functionality can help users navigate through the inventory, financing options, contact details, and any additional services you offer.

best used car dealer website design

Responsive and Mobile-Friendly Design

With the increasing use of mobile devices, it is essential for a used car dealer website to have a responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes. A mobile-friendly automotive website ensures that potential customers can access your inventory and other important information seamlessly, regardless of the device they are using. This enhances user experience and keeps visitors engaged.

High-Quality Vehicle Images and Videos

Visual content is vital in the automotive industry, and for a used car dealer website, high-quality images and videos are a must. Provide multiple images of each vehicle from different angles, both exterior and interior. Additionally, consider incorporating videos that showcase the vehicles in action or highlight their key features, when creating automotive dealership website design. Clear visuals build trust and enable potential buyers to get a comprehensive view of the cars they are interested in.

Detailed Vehicle Information

A successful used car dealership website design should provide comprehensive and accurate information about each vehicle in your inventory. Include details such as make, model, year, mileage, price, VIN number, and any additional features or specifications. The more information you provide, the better equipped your potential customers will be to make an informed decision. You can also consider adding features like vehicle history reports to further boost transparency.

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Online Financing Options

Many customers rely on financing options when purchasing a used car. Integrating an online financing application or providing clear information about the financing process can be a game-changer for your website. Make it easy for potential buyers to understand the financing options available and guide them through the application process. This can help streamline the purchasing journey and increase the chances of conversion.

“Providing digital marketing services for car dealers in the US and Canadian markets, we have learned the preferences of local customers. Financing solutions serve as significant competitive advantages for used car dealers. Many individuals with poor or bad credit are actively seeking opportunities to purchase a car. Moreover, they prefer dealerships that provide in-house financing options rather than relying on third-party financial institutions”, explained Ihor Stromets, Middle PPC Specialist at Promodo

Trust-Building Elements

When designing a used car dealer website, building trust is crucial, where customers may have concerns about the condition and reliability of the vehicles. Incorporate trust-building elements into your website design, such as customer testimonials, reviews, and ratings. Additionally, highlighting any certifications, warranties, or guarantees you offer can further reassure potential buyers and differentiate your dealership from competitors.

By focusing on these key elements of automotive dealership website design, you can create a car website design that attracts, engages, and converts potential customers, ultimately driving the success of your dealership.

Typical Mistakes in Used Car Dealer Website Design

Designing a used car dealer website requires careful attention to detail to ensure a smooth user experience and maximize conversions for your dealership. However, there are some common mistakes that dealerships often make in their website designs. By being aware of these pitfalls, you can avoid them and create a more effective and successful website. Here are some typical mistakes to watch out for:

Lack of Relevant Information on the Home Page

One of the core mistakes of the automotive dealership web design is lack of relevant information on the home page. The home page serves as the face of your company, providing an opportunity to showcase how you started, your business goals, vision, and plans. Rather than using generic statements like "We value our customers," focus on understanding and addressing the specific needs and “pains”. Offer solutions that resonate with them and demonstrate why you are a reliable and trustworthy car dealer. Use the home page as a platform to highlight your unique value proposition and create a strong connection with your automotive website visitors.

Complex and Confusing Navigation

Having a complex and confusing navigation structure is another typical mistakes in the auto dealer web design. If users find it difficult to navigate through your website and locate the information they need, they are likely to leave and look elsewhere. What is more, 68% of them would not return to such a website. Keep the navigation simple, intuitive, and consistent across all pages, making it easy for users to find the inventory, contact information, financing options, and any other important details in your automotive dealership web design.

Overwhelming or Cluttered Design

A cluttered automotive dealer website design with excessive information, too many colors, or busy backgrounds can overwhelm visitors. The best car dealership website design needs to be clean, professional, and visually appealing. Use a balanced color scheme, appropriate typography, and ample whitespace to create a pleasant browsing experience.

For example, the color palette shown below that our UX/UI team used for the automotive brand Stroom

Ignoring Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Neglecting automotive SEO can hinder your website's visibility in search engine results. Conduct keyword research to identify relevant terms and incorporate them naturally into your website's content, meta tags, headings, and URLs. Optimize page titles, meta descriptions, and alt tags for images. Implementing proper SEO techniques will help improve your website's ranking and attract organic traffic.

By avoiding these typical mistakes in used car dealer website design, you can create a user-friendly, visually appealing, and effective online platform that attracts potential buyers and drives successful conversions.

Promodo is here to make your automotive business grow!
Apply for a consultation to get data-driven digital marketing solutions.
Written by
Olesia Holovko

Team Lead of Content for promodo.com

Content marketing manager at Promodo with 7+ years of writing.

When creating valuable business content, I always seek fresh data, interesting facts, the expertise of professionals, and meaningful insights to bring relevant ideas to the audience. I believe that good content can enrich the experience of marketers, empower business owners to make data-driven decisions, and enhance companies in growth.

Written by
Yevhen Ivliev

Head of UX/UI at Promodo

‣ Experience in international markets (East Asia, Africa, South America).

‣ As a Design Lead, developed innovative design solutions and strategies that helped improve user experience and reflected in positive changes in key performance metrics.

‣ Project leadership and management: While working in design agencies, he has successfully led project teams, ensuring that tasks are completed on time and within budget.

‣ While working for a startup, he played a key role in growing the company from one market to five, which led to increased sales and revenue.

‣ Successfully assembled and managed a multi-national team of 15 talented professionals from different countries, fostering cultural diversity and creativity.  

‣ My design solutions have contributed to increased conversions, reduced bounce rates, and increased user engagement, positively impacting key business metrics. ‣ Ensured high quality UX/UI products, taking into account the needs of users, which led to excellent reviews and customer loyalty.

‣ Successfully collaborated with various internal teams such as product development, marketing, and analytics, which contributed to a harmonious approach and achievement of common goals.

‣ Actively contributed to the development and implementation of design processes and methodologies, which ensured more efficient and synergistic teamwork.

Written by
Ihor Stromets

Middle PPC Specialist

He has been working in digital marketing for more than 5 years. Ihor is a PPC expert for the automotive businesses in the United States, UK, and Canada.

Written by
Oleksandr Utkin

SEO Team Lead at Promodo

I have been working as a SEO expert since 2018. I've passed from the Middle SEO expert to Team Lead.
I work with the largest Ukrainian eCommerce clients. Furthermore, I am an expert in Core Web Vitals and HTML5 semantic pivot. Now I manage my own team.


Published:
July 7, 2023
Updated:
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