Motorcycle dealerships need websites to sell bikes, parts, and services. But not all websites follow the rules. Some websites are slow, hard to use, or even illegal. To avoid problems, every motorcycle dealership website must meet key requirements and legal standards. These rules help businesses attract customers, rank higher on Google, and avoid fines. Let’s look at what a good dealership website needs.
1. Websites Must Be Easy to Use (Usability Standards)
A good website should be simple and easy to navigate. Visitors should find what they need without getting lost. If a website is confusing, people leave and go to another dealership.
How to Make a Website Easy to Use:
- Have clear menus at the top of the page
- Use easy-to-read fonts and colors
- Make buttons large enough to click
- Add a search bar to help people find what they need
2. Websites Must Work on Phones (Mobile-Friendly Design)
Many people use their phones to shop for motorcycles. If a website does not work on a phone, it is hard to use.
How to Make a Website Mobile-Friendly:
- Make sure images and text adjust to different screen sizes
- Keep buttons big enough for fingers to tap
- Avoid tiny text that is hard to read
- Test the website on different devices
Google also ranks mobile-friendly websites higher, so dealerships need to make sure their sites work well on phones and tablets.
If a website is slow, people leave. Google also lowers rankings for slow websites.
How to Make a Website Load Fast:
- Optimize images (use smaller file sizes)
- Avoid too many videos or animations
- Use simple code that runs smoothly
- Choose a fast web hosting provider
A fast website keeps customers happy and improves sales.
4. Websites Must Be Accessible (ADA Compliance)
The law requires websites to be accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. If a dealership’s website does not follow the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it could face lawsuits.
How to Make a Website ADA-Compliant:
- Add text descriptions for all images (alt text)
- Use captions on videos for hearing-impaired users
- Allow keyboard navigation (not just a mouse)
- Use clear headings and labels
- Avoid flashing lights that can cause seizures
By making websites accessible, dealerships can reach more customers and avoid legal trouble.
5. Websites Must Be Safe (Security Standards)
Dealership websites handle customer information. If hackers steal data, the business can face big fines and lose customer trust.
How to Keep a Website Secure:
- Use HTTPS for a secure connection
- Protect customer data with encryption
- Require strong passwords for accounts
- Update website software regularly
- Install firewalls and security tools
A secure website protects both the dealership and its customers.
6. Websites Must Follow Privacy Laws (Data Protection)
Many places have strict privacy laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Dealerships that collect customer data must follow these laws.
Privacy Law Requirements:
- Clearly explain how customer data is used
- Allow customers to delete their data
- Get permission before tracking users
- Protect stored information from hackers
A privacy policy should be easy to find on the website to keep customers informed.
7. Websites Must Follow Copyright Laws (Content Ownership)
A dealership cannot use images, videos, or text from other websites without permission. Using copyrighted content without permission can lead to legal action.
How to Follow Copyright Laws:
- Use only images and videos the dealership owns or has permission to use
- Give credit when using content from other sources
- Avoid copying text from other websites
- Use stock images or hire a photographer
Respecting copyright laws prevents lawsuits and keeps the dealership’s website professional.
8. Websites Must Have Clear Call-to-Actions (Marketing Best Practices)
A call-to-action (CTA) tells visitors what to do next. Without clear CTAs, customers may leave without buying anything.
Examples of Good CTAs:
- "Shop Motorcycles Now"
- "Schedule a Test Ride"
- "Get Financing Options"
- "Call Us Today"
A strong CTA helps turn visitors into buyers.
9. Websites Must Avoid Annoying Pop-ups (User Experience)
Too many pop-ups drive customers away. While pop-ups can help collect emails or show deals, they should not be overwhelming.
Best Practices for Pop-ups:
- Use them sparingly
- Allow users to close them easily
- Do not show them immediately after the page loads
- Make sure they do not block important content
A good website keeps visitors engaged without frustrating them.
10. Websites Must Be Easy to Update (Content Management)
A website needs fresh content to keep customers interested. Outdated websites lose traffic and business.
How to Keep a Website Updated:
- Add new motorcycles and parts regularly
- Update blog posts with the latest trends
- Check links to make sure they work
- Refresh images and videos
A dealership should use a simple content management system (CMS) so employees can easily update the site.
Conclusion
A motorcycle dealership’s website is one of its most important tools for selling bikes and attracting customers. But to be successful, it must follow key requirements and legal standards. A good website is fast, mobile-friendly, accessible, secure, and easy to use. By following these guidelines, dealerships can avoid legal trouble, rank higher on Google, and sell more motorcycles.
By learning from past mistakes and focusing on best practices, dealerships can build websites that work well for everyone. A great website helps businesses grow and keeps customers happy!
