First impressions are lasting impressions. In today’s digital world, your website and your Google maps listing will be many potential customers’ first introduction to your auto repair shop. Because it really is true that “a picture is worth 1,000 words,” make sure your auto shop website is full of photos, and that they are strategically chosen to present your repair shop in the best light.
The Benefits of Taking Pictures For Your Auto Repair Shop
You may wonder why building your web presence with images is so important to the business of servicing vehicles. Vehicle owners looking for a reputable repair shop have options galore. When the photos they see on your website resonate with them, they’ll be more likely to choose your shop over competitors. It’s always preferable to “show” a potential customer something rather than “tell” them something. You can use words to tell people your shop is clean and organized, you have state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, your technicians are friendly, and you specialize in European vehicles. But it’s better to get these points across by using photos(or, even better, video) showing these qualities in action. Here are 10 tips to guide you in your auto repair shop photo shoot and help bring your website alive with outstanding photos.
1. Make Sure Each Image is Relevant and Has a Purpose
One major reason why you should only use images that tie directly to your business is that you have limited space on your website. Make sure each photo you select is outstanding, impactful, and specific to your business. Don’t waste space and viewers’ time with generic stock photos.
2. Be Real
You should always use real employees versus stock photos for credibility. Customers can tell! Be authentic, and do not outsource your images or video.
3. Timing is Everything
When photographing vehicles, the lighting is best a few minutes after the sun sets or a few minutes before the sun rises. The more pictures you take, the better chance you will have the images you need.
4. Check Your Photos Carefully
The devil is in the details. Make sure there is nothing inappropriate in the background of a photo, and make sure nothing undesirable is reflected in a vehicle’s windows and mirrors.
5. Consider Color
Color brings a photo (and a website) to life. A red car in the service bay will pop in a photo more than a white car will.
6. Action Shots are Money Shots
Don’t just take a photo of your team standing and smiling for the camera. Take photos of your team interacting with customers and working on vehicles. Again, the more pictures, the better!
7. Remove Distractions
If you’re photographing a technician using a piece of equipment, remove clutter from the background so viewers will see what you want them to see. Make sure the car and the bay are tidy.
8. Put Your Best Foot Forward
Your website photography session is your opportunity to shine. Make sure your business is clean, and your employees are well-groomed, tidy, and wearing their uniforms. Clean rubber gloves & uniforms are a must.
9. Use Perspective
When photographing, don’t make every shot eye level. Lie on the ground and shoot upward, or stand on something to provide a view from above.
10. Crop Away
Taking a great photo is just the first step. Make sure to crop out unnecessary details and use photo-editing software to enhance image quality. Canva is an excellent resource and allows you to edit photos online.
The more thought you put into your website and online directory sites, the more effective they will be. Do not rely on a professional photographer to have an eye for auto repair shop marketing images. If they show up for a photo shoot and the shop is cluttered and dirty, or there are not brand specific cars available it is unlikely that they will speak up. A great photo shoot is in your hands, literally.
