Help on brainstorming a website........

I'm going to help my DB's dad redesign the business website and could use some tips if you don't mind giving them. Basically what I'm wanting to ask is this: If you are looking to buy a used camper (RV) or looking to rent one. What kind of info would you expect to see on a site? What kind of helpful things would you like to see about the business or anything else?
It's a family business. They do consignments too so what would you expect if you were looking to sell your vehicle?
Just a little input that I'm trying to get to get brain juices flowing as I'm going to be the one doing all of this change sometime in the near future and I don't have a clue about RV stuff.......LOL

Pictures! You could not have too many pictures of both the interior and exterior when it comes to something like that.

Highlight any associations with associations such as the Better Business Bureau, local chamber of commerce, RV sellers, etc.

Also, testimonials from past customers are good.

Content that would bring additional search hits would be information on local campgrounds and state parks, camping tips, camping stories, etc. The more content you have to bring someone to your site, and the longer you keep them clicking around there when they do visit, the better.

Whatever you put on it, be sure to keep it easy to navigate, free of anything that would require technical ability beyond the most basic. I agree that pictures are desirable, but too many might take too long to load. There are plenty of people like me, who still have dial-up connections and slow modems, and one good photo can offer enough for someone to request others if desired. Prominent display of contact information is good, because on such a large purchase I prefer to make personal contact after the initial interest is piqued. A general description of services offered, something about the history of the business, mention that it's a family business and a warm invitation to inquire so your personal needs can be discussed would go a long way with me. And whatever you do, keep it simple, no busy background or moving novelties.

Amen about the animated stuff, Aimee. Nothing repels people quicker than irritating blinking and jittering graphics or hard-to-read text!

As far as pictures go, they can be done well -- loaded as tiny thumbnails of 3k which load very quickly and can be clicked to enlarge to still-manageable larger images. Pictures really do sell, especially when it comes to products people can't see first-hand.

Check out http://www.rv.net and http://www.rvsearch.com I would like a picture, floor plan, gas mileage, engine type, length, height, slide outs, engine type, in other words - everything there is to know about the RV.

This message was edited Thursday, Aug 28th 10:36 PM

This message was edited Thursday, Aug 28th 10:36 PM

ok, general info on the vehicles will be available. I'm just talking mainly layout right now. The photo part we're still working on trying to figure it out as they are in NM and I'm in OH........LOL
They really don't have anyone that's computer inclined and has the time but will deal with the picture problem later on.

Some good pointers though, keep em coming :)

I want to thank everyone who sent me emails with suggestions. If you have any more, I'd love to hear them. this is going to be fun to reconstruct

You know I am clueless on this one, but wish I could help.