A good car listing is the key to bringing in more buyers, and so it must be created with meticulous care. From taking the images and editing to writing the descriptions, every little detail requires special attention. However, what sellers often forget to take care of is getting the right order of the photos.
So, what is the best order of photos for car listings?
To put up the best order of photos, you must maintain a logical sequence that gives buyers a complete view of the car. So, start with exterior shots that include all four sides, followed by the interior shots from the front and rear seats. Then, include close-up shots of special features and even flaws.
Stay with us as we tell you all about maintaining the right car listing image order. Additionally, we will inform you about common mistakes that you should avoid for a well-crafted listing.
Why The Ideal Car Photo Sequence Matters In Car Listings: 7 Key Benefits
Before we reveal car listing image order, let’s first understand the importance of maintaining the right sequence in listings.
Despite it being a crucial step, most dealers often fail to get the car listing image order right. This happens when people spend most of their effort on photography and editing, without any consideration for the image sequence.
So, if you want to make your sales faster and more efficient, you need to be more mindful of the order of the images in your listing. Let’s break down how the order of photos plays a role in the success of your dealership.
- Sets up a positive first impression among buyers.
- Gives interested buyers a virtual tour.
- Makes sure that buyers aren’t confused or misinformed.
- Helps keep the buyers engaged, ensuring they explore and give your dealership a chance.
- Boosts CTR metrics.
- The thumbnail image impacts SEO ranking in search engines.
- Helps buyers believe that your dealership is professional, well-organized, and transparent.
What Is The Best Order Of Photos For Car Listings?
Below, we have prepared a sequential list of categories that cover different aspects of a vehicle. If you successfully maintain this order, you can ensure every detail is covered, without spending long hours organizing the listing.
1. Hero Image
The first image will be the center of everyone’s attention. It is also known as the hero shot and will show up in the landing pages.
For this, we recommend you take a front ¾ shot of the car, from either the driver’s side or the passenger side. The view of this shit has to be from a 45-degree angle, which captures both the front and side profiles.
2. Full Exterior View
Next, give the clients a complete exterior view. You have to capture the exterior of the car from different, important angles.
Start with a straight front shot. Next, front ¾ from the passenger side, followed by the passenger side profile.
After that, take a rear ¾ shot from the passenger side, a full rear shot, and a rear ¾ shot from the driver’s side.
Next, capture a full image of the driver’s side profile, followed by a front ¾ shot from the driver’s side. This will cover a complete 360-degree tour of the exterior.
3. Exterior Details
Now, it’s time to provide the buyers with exterior details. These will all be close-up shots that will allow them inspect the key exterior features.
Capture the tires, rims, headlights, and any special detail, such as a sunroof.
4. Front Interior
Once you’re done with the exterior, it’s time to capture the interior shots. For the interior, start with the front shots taken from the rear seats.
Firstly, take a wide-angle image of the entire area, showcasing the seats, dashboards, and the front windshield.
Next, take images of the driver’s seat, passenger seat, the doors, and the center console.
5. Essential Interior Details
After you’re done with the interior’s front, capture the details. Take a clear shot of the dashboard, odometer, and infotainment system.
Make sure the car is running during these shots, which will allow the odometer reading to be shown properly.
6. Rear Interior
Now, you have to show the rear of the interior properly. Take images of the rear seats and the trunk.
7. Engine Bay
Once all that is done, provide a clean shot of the engine bay.
8. Documents
In the midst of all mechanical parts, don’t forget about the documents. Provide near, close-up shots of service records and registration certificates if you’re selling used vehicles.
9. Condition
To finish up, include pictures that reveal the true condition of your vehicle. This step is primarily for used car listings so that you can show any damages or flaws the car might have.
While we understand the temptation to exclude these details, we highly recommend against it. These shots are key to maintaining transparency with buyers.
So, capture images of scratches, dents, tire damage, and even any stains on the seats.
Existing Relevant Content:
How to Take Car Pictures with a Phone: The Ultimate Guide
How many photos should a used car listing have? – A Complete Guide
How to Make Used Car Images Look Professional: A Complete Guide
5 Common Mistakes To Avoid
Now, you know the best order of photos for car listings. To further guide you in this process, we are now going to address some common mistakes private sellers and even well-established dealerships make.
Avoiding these mistakes will allow you to create a neat, engaging listing and boost your sales. So, let’s get right into them!
1. Low-Quality Shots
The most common mistake is using low-quality photos. Blurry shots, bad lighting, too much or too little exposure are all little errors that can ruin a listing. They will create a bad impression and harm your sales.
If you’re struggling with taking the right images, you can opt for the C-AR app. It specializes in vehicle photography, helping you attract clients with the perfect car photos.
2. Insufficient Images
Another common mistake is providing insufficient images. While trying to maintain the quality and order of photos, don’t make the mistake of forgetting to collect enough images.
Low image count won’t give buyers adequate information, making them move on to a different, more elaborate listing. Moreover, it can sometimes give buyers the impression of a scam or fraud.
3. Duplicates
The use of repetitive images is yet another common mistake. It is a very common reason for frustration among buyers. Instead of duplicates, clients appreciate a detailed listing that gives them every answer without visiting a showroom.
4. Incorrect Orientation
Wrong image orientation is never a good look, especially when you’re trying to sell something. In fact, rotated photos in the thumbnail are a common reason why buyers won’t click on your listing. Thus, it lowers the CTR and decreases sales significantly.
5. Distractions
Lastly, the images in a car listing should be well-organized and free of distractions. In a buyer’s eyes, any little unnecessary item could be a distraction. So, the background has to be neat and clutter-free. Moreover, try to avoid any distracting reflections as well.
FAQ
Q. What photos are required for a car listing?
A good car listing should consist of the exterior from all four sides, the interior features, and close-up shots of special features and flaws.
Q. How many photos should a car listing have?
To create a detailed and engaging listing, you must include anywhere between 12 to 30 photos.
Q. Can I use my smartphone to take professional-quality car photos?
Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to maintain the right lighting, angles, and composition, followed by proper editing.
Conclusion
So, what is the best order of photos for car listings? The best photo order is the one that maintains a logical demonstration of the car, covering every little feature. To achieve this, we recommend you start with the exterior shots.
The exterior images should be divided into ¾ front shot, straight shot, ¾ rear shot, and complete rear shot. After this, add images of the interior and make sure to cover angles from both front and rear seats. Finish it up with close-up shots of special features and any damages for complete transparency!
