(alternatively titled: "I never want to see a screwdriver again."

I've been surfing the internet again. 

This usually ends in one of two ways.

A) I find something that I don't need, but buy it anyway

B) I find something that I really want, but can't figure out how to buy it.

My new favorite thing, except for catch up on Season 3 of Dexter, is to browse the internet for car dealer websites. There are hundreds of thousands of them. Some are the same (All Toyota dealers have the same sort of feel), and some are completely different. I mean, it all depends on who designs the page.

Dealers, I need you to do me a big favor. I know that your website serves as a place for you to organize your inventory, track traffic, monitor clicks, do some live dealer chat services, and a plethora of other things. But can you remember one thing?

You are in sales. Your website should appeal to customers. Build your website for the customer!

Some dealer websites remind me of Ikea building directions. If you're not familiar, Ikea sells (most) furniture cheap because you have to assemble it. I just bought a brand new bed, and figured it would be about 3 peices, and I could build it while drinking a glass of wine.

Yeah. No.

What I got what this: And the red comments were added by me. They didn't come with comments. Just pictures.

I know you aren't a furniture supplier. However, take a lesson from Ikea and know that people like me are single, without a brawny man or construction oriented female friend to assist in building these items. At least without words. 

Not all people who visit your site will know the car business, or where to click for a quote, or how to contact you, unless say it loud, bold, and clear. "CLICK HERE FOR:" - But, you know, make it pretty.

Many dealer websites are good in theory, and YOU may know how to navigate them. I generally figure it out after a while, or I scroll down to the site map, which is where you can find everything. But not everyone knows that, nor should they have to.

When having your website built, it might be worth it for you to have a neutral party who isn't in the business take a look at it's navigational ease. Maybe a sister or brother. In reality, your site should be basic, functional, and informative. So easy, a baby could do it. So simple, a grandmom can manage.

For me, I look to either my 85 year old grandmother or 3 year old baby cousin for navigation tips. I was making a blog site, and my ever-so-intelligent cousin asked, "Where's your picture? Where's the facebook?" 

...Brilliance. I'm offering his consulting services in exchange for someone to build my Ikea bed for me.

If you take nothing else from this little rant/rave/Monday silliness, remember to Keep it Simple, and build your website for your customers. Do NOT assume that they will know what to do. Make it clear. Don't lose a customer because your website is too hard to navigate.