Repair Shop Websites Library

Keeping It Simple

By: Rhonda Hiltbrand at NWZ WORX, www.nwzworx.com.
Automotive Marketing & Business Consulting, Direct Mail & Technology Services

The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak. ~Hans Hofmann

Ten years ago the trend in websites was to have one that had sounds and motion. I remember ours had stars that actually twinkled with our earth logo large and spinning. It would have made any observatory proud. Websites truly bedazzled back in the day. Today they need to be pared down and uncluttered. Why the change? Because consumers have changed the way they interact with websites. They no longer have to be sitting at their desk to search the web. Mobile phones have changed us and many people use their phones for all their online functions. In order to have your site translate well on a phone, the simpler the better!

Mobile websites need to be brief, to the point and easy to read. Cell phones are small so be easy on the eyes. Two out of three cell phone users prefer websites they can access on their phone. Users, of course, expect a flawless experience when accessing your website on their mobile phone.

A straightforward website will translate easier to the mobile experience. The more sophisticated phones have better screen resolutions and as mobile phones keep improving the likelihood that your website can be read with ease is good. Browser optimization is key and mobile phones make that easier with each new device.

The NRF (National Retail Federation) did a holiday shopping survey that you might find interesting. More than half of consumers, who own smart phones will use the device to research products, redeem coupons, purchase holiday gifts and other items.

  • One-third will use their phone to research products and compare prices.
  • 17% will use their phone to redeem coupons, 14% to purchase products.
  • 25% will use their phones to look up a business phone number and hours. For tablet users these numbers increase.
  • 17.6% of men will use their phone to shop for and purchase gifts compared to 10.8% of women.
  • 38.5% of men will use a tablet to shop for and purchase gifts compared to 31.3% of women.
I know you are a service industry and you may be wondering what that has to do with you. When consumers are trying to find you, your hours, your telephone number or a coupon on your site, make sure they can no matter what device they are using. Check your site yourself with your smart phone or tablet and see how easy it is to read.

Your website provider can help you with this if you need improvement!

PS: When it comes to holiday shopping, make it easy on your customers by offering to shuttle them to the mall and town centers while you service their vehicle!

Go Back to the Library.