A car listing, especially in the case of pre-owned vehicles, plays a vital role in influencing buyer decisions. There are many different aspects of the listing that must be taken care of. However, what sellers often overlook is the quantity of the images.
This brings up the question: How many photos should a used car listing have?
The minimum acceptable range for a used car listing is 12-20 photos. However, this doesn’t mean you should strictly limit yourself to 20 photos. Most buyers go for 20-30 photos, as this range appropriately engages buyers and builds complete transparency.
In this blog, we will tell you all about the ideal number of photos in a used car listing. Additionally, we will guide you to create such a listing that will lead to better sales. So, let’s jump right into it!
Why Photo Count Matters In Used Car Listings
Before diving into how many photos a used car listing should have, let’s first understand the importance of photo count in car listings.
Car listing images have a strong influence over buyers. To begin with, these images are a direct reflection of what you’re selling. These visuals help set the impression a buyer will have about your dealership.
It’s not just about the quality of these images. Rather, the quantity also has an impact on consumer behavior. A good volume of images covers all the details a buyer might be interested in knowing. And, when selling pre-owned cars, you don’t want to spare any details.
This plays a huge role in reducing buyer hesitation. It helps build trust and maintain transparency. Thus, giving the final push required to go ahead with your dealership.
Furthermore, the image count in a listing helps grow the engagement metrics as well. The right quantity helps attract the buyer’s attention, improving Click-Through Rates and conversion leads.
However, going overboard with the photos can also be disadvantageous for your dealership. Excessive photos can divert the client’s attention and cause them to be overwhelmed. So, it’s crucial to cover all the details without using too many images, or you will end up driving your potential buyers away.
How Many Photos Should A Used Car Listing Have?
Now, let’s get into the main discourse, how many photos should a used car listing have? Well, there is no specific number, however, the minimum range lies between 12-20 photos.
Some sellers try to limit themselves to 10 photos, but this can significantly hurt their conversion rates. So, we recommend you don’t go any lower than 12 photos for used car listings.
However, does this mean you should stop at 20 photos?
Well, not necessarily. Some dealerships, more specifically, the ones associated with a franchise, can even go as high as 30-35 images.
Such a high image count allows them to be meticulous. They can neatly capture various angles, showcasing special features as well as any flaws the used vehicles might have.
While this is great for showcasing every minor detail, a high image count may not be for everyone. If you’re a private seller or an independent dealership with budget cars, you don’t need to upload more than 25 images.
It’s fine to have a lower limit to pictures, as long as the quality is maintained properly.
Overall, the quantity of images can vary depending on your individual goal as a used car seller. With that being said, the general rule is to never go under 12 images. However, most dealers usually see great results using anywhere between 20 and 30 images.
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6 Common Mistakes To Avoid In Used Car Listing Photos
Despite knowing the ideal photo count, some sellers often struggle to create a proper listing. This typically happens due to some common errors that lead them to upload fewer or even more images than required.
Nevertheless, you have nothing to worry about. We will now explore these common mistakes, so you will know what to avoid when creating your listings.
- Skipping vital angles and close-up shots.
- Not including the interior shots that show the dashboards, seats, and other features inside the vehicle.
- Repetitively focusing on the same angle or every little detail.
- Skipping shots that include flaws such as minor dents or scratches.
- Overloading the listing with almost identical images.
- Using a “coming soon” graphic long after uploading the listing.
How To Reach the Ideal Photo Count For A Used Car Listing? 5 Things to Keep in Mind
Let’s take a look at how you can easily create a listing with the ideal photo count. Always remember, the goal is to cater to the buyer’s queries without bombarding them with unnecessary images.
- Always consider what the buyer might be interested in knowing. Even if you think the information seems obvious, keep in mind that buyers expect visual proof.
- Start by making a mental note of how many pictures you want for individual focus, such as the exterior, interior, condition, special features, etc.
- Make a checklist of all the features you need to cover and then follow through with it as you take the shots.
- Maintain a proper symmetry of the vehicles, as buyers would want to see both sides of the car. For example, include the left and right side exterior as well front and rear seats one after another.
- Avoid packing too much detail into one image. For example, don’t just add a wide-angle dashboard photo. Rather, focus on individual detail.
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FAQ
Q. Do more photos sell cars faster?
A high image count doesn’t always guarantee quick sales. While it can maintain transparency, too many images can ruin the overall presentation and even cause image fatigue among buyers.
Q. Can I take car listing photos with my phone?
Yes, smartphones are good enough to get high-quality. Just make sure to maintain proper lighting and angles.
Q. Do photos affect search ranking on car marketplaces?
Yes, the photos do affect marketplace ranking. The quantity, quality, and loading speed of photos contribute to user engagement and consequently search ranking.
Conclusion
So, how many photos should a used car listing have? For a used car listing, the lowest number of photos should be 12. Generally, for most buyers, 20-30 images seem to be the sweet spot that builds trust, increases click-through rates, and answers buyer questions thoroughly.
However, the number of photos needed for a used-car listing will not be the same for everyone. The key isn’t to aimlessly upload as many photos as possible. The goal is to maintain a neat listing that just doesn’t focus on appearance but also includes the functionality.
