Captivating Imagery: The Key to Creating Standout Vehicle Listings and Increasing Leads
September 30, 2023

In the competitive world of online vehicle listings, it's crucial for car dealerships to make a lasting impression on potential buyers. One of the most effective ways to capture attention, showcase a vehicle's best features, and increase leads is through high-quality, engaging imagery. In this blog post, we'll discuss the importance of captivating images in car ads, provide tips for capturing and selecting the best photos, and explain how this can lead to more inquiries for your dealership. By highlighting the value of captivating imagery, SaleShark will demonstrate its expertise in creating effective, visually appealing ads for dealerships.
The Impact of Captivating Imagery on Leads
1. Attract attention: High-quality images can quickly grab the attention of potential buyers as they scroll through vehicle listings. With so many options available, it's essential to make a strong visual impact that entices users to click on your ad and learn more about your vehicle, ultimately increasing the chances of generating leads.
2. Create a lasting impression: Compelling images not only attract attention but also leave a lasting impression on potential buyers. A well-presented vehicle can evoke positive emotions and help buyers envision themselves driving the car, making them more likely to consider purchasing it and reaching out for more information.
With 200,000 cars being listed on carsales.com.au alone, it is key to have your listing stand out.
3. Showcase key features: Using captivating imagery allows you to highlight the unique selling points of your vehicle, such as its sleek design, luxurious interior, or advanced technology. By showcasing these features visually, you can effectively communicate your vehicle's value to potential buyers, encouraging them to inquire further.
4. Stand out from the competition: With countless vehicle listings available, incorporating high-quality, engaging images in your ads can set your dealership apart from the competition and help potential buyers remember your vehicles, ultimately leading to more leads and inquiries.
Tips for Capturing and Selecting the Best Photos

1. Use natural lighting: Natural light is your best friend when photographing vehicles. Shoot outdoors on a bright, overcast day to avoid harsh shadows and ensure even lighting on the car's surface. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can create glare and reflections that detract from the vehicle's appearance. If you are fortunate enough to have a photobooth consider using a light diffuser instead of shining light directly on the vehicle.
2. Capture various angles and details: To provide a comprehensive view of your vehicle, take photos from multiple angles, including the front, rear, sides, and interior. Don't forget to capture close-ups of key features, such as the infotainment system, wheels, or engine. Likewise, don’t take photos for the sake of getting your numbers up (e.g. photos of electric window switches). Carsales recommends a minimum of 18 photos. For vehicles with plenty of aftermarket options (e.g. Toyota Landcruisers with gear) you may want up to 30 photos.
3. Clean and prepare the vehicle: Before taking photos, ensure your vehicle is clean and presentable, both inside and out. Remove any distracting items from the interior, and consider using a tyre shine product to enhance the appearance of the wheels.
4. Choose the right background: Select a neutral, uncluttered background that allows your vehicle to stand out. Avoid busy areas or backgrounds with distracting elements, such as other vehicles, signs, or people. Keep in mind that carsales.com.au does not allow dealership branding in the background or on the vehicle, so ensure your chosen setting complies with their guidelines.
5. Edit and enhance your images: Use photo editing software to make minor adjustments, such as cropping, straightening, and adjusting brightness or contrast. Be careful not to over-edit your images, as this can create an unrealistic representation of the vehicle. Many photo editing programs (e.g. Adobe Lightroom) allow you to save presets. This will give your photos a unique and consistent style.
Conclusion
Investing time and effort into capturing captivating imagery for your vehicle listings can make a significant difference in attracting potential buyers, showcasing the unique selling points of your cars, and ultimately increasing leads for your dealership. By following these tips and prioritising high-quality, engaging images, your dealership will be well on its way to creating standout vehicle listings that drive sales and customer satisfaction.
At SaleShark, we understand the importance of compelling visuals in vehicle ads, and our AI-powered solution is designed to help you create visually appealing and effective listings that generate more leads. Trust SaleShark to elevate your dealership's online presence and boost your sales success.