1:50 pm, December 20, 2011
Winner: Jackbarclay.bentleymotors.com | Produced by Autotorq.com
Commended: bsmarson.co.uk, nowvauxhall.co.uk
THIS category has become known as one of the mostly hotly-contested in the four years Ewards has been running. It aims to root out the best dealer website that represents just one brand.
The hot competition is probably due to the fact the site represents a single brand – the stakes are high in keeping customers’ attention. It’s not enough to excel in one area – design, navigation, ease of use and more, are all important for a victory.
In contrast to last year, Ewards ’11 saw our judges favouring simple, clean-cut websites with an eye for photography and social media integration. This year’s winner was Jack Barclay Bentley whose website trades heavily on ease of use and being a reflection of the products the firm sells.
A quick search function, a map to its Mayfair premises, a video and latest news are all easily found on the homepage.
These are joined by an ‘overview’ of the current models and pre-owned vehicles the firm can provide to customers, ownership information, servicing details, and an ‘about us’ menu.
It was a class act and one that impressed all of our judges, with the website romping home to victory. GForces judge Jamie Dixon felt the site was ‘clean, expressive, simple and to the point. The Jack Barclay website reflects well the product for the desired market.’
Strong photography on any site cannot be emphasised enough these days.
Whether it’s press photos of the models you’re selling or high-quality images of your current stock, never has there been more of a need to provide a set of good pictures on your website. Jack Barclay has realised this too – hence photographs taking a strong lead on their site.
It was this that really caught the eye of Car Care Plan’s Matthew Strudwick.
The Ewards judge was also taken with the simplicity of the site, adding: ‘The design of the Jack Barclay Bentley website is simple, modern and uncluttered.
‘The stunning photography really grabs the attention and sets this site apart. There’s plenty of current and historic model information to hand, and the integrated You Tube videos from Bentley are a nice touch. This is a great website that showcases Bentley cars and Jack Barclay’s offering to the fullest.’
