9 Steps to Create a Compelling Motorcycle Listing
Creating your listing on the marketplace is a great opportunity to advertise your bike, but it can also be a challenge to stand out from the crowd when it’s time to sell your motorcycle. Many owners don’t know where to begin, what to include in the listing, or how to spark excitement when writing a sales description.
To help you get started, we have compiled these eight steps to create a compelling motorcycle listing that grabs shoppers’ attention and generates offers for your bike:
1. Start with a Strong Headline
The headline or title of your listing is the first thing buyers see. Start with the essentials—make, model, year, and unique features. For example: “2019 Harley-Davidson Street Glide – Custom Upgrades & Low Miles!”
Adding just a word or two about its condition can automatically make it stand out in search results from others who may be selling the same make and model.
2. Provide the Basics in the Listing
This is the easier part of crafting your motorcycle listing, and you can cut right to the chase so the shopper knows what they’re getting as soon as they land on your page. Cover the basics, including:
- Make, model, and year
- Mileage
- Engine size and specs
- Color and style
- Title status
- Location
- Best method of contact
- Firm or flexible on price
3. Focus on Stand-Out Features
To create an eye-catching listing, finding the best way to highlight your motorcycle’s attributes can be tricky for some sellers. You can use AI to help sell your motorcycle and get some guidance as you write your listing. This will also help you cover aspects you might otherwise overlook, including whether it is a special edition, or if there are accessories or add-ons that increase the value proposition for a potential buyer. Mention upgrades like a windscreen, saddlebags, heated grips, or an aftermarket exhaust.
4. Be Straightforward About the Bike’s Condition
Build trust in the transaction by including the motorcycle’s true condition in your listing. Note any wear and tear, imperfections, or irregularities. Anything from a minor scratch to a slightly worn seat or tires should be communicated to the shopper before they see the bike in person. Has it been dropped? It is best to say so. Shoppers appreciate honesty and don’t like surprises.
5. Provide a Detailed Maintenance History
While you’re giving shoppers the rundown of your machine’s condition, include its maintenance history in your listing. Let them know your motorcycle has been well cared for, and mention oil changes, regular service, and any major repairs. If it’s an older bike, include overhauls to major components like the engine, brakes, electrical components, or any other parts.
6. Include a Personal Touch
What made this motorcycle special to you? Include a short anecdote or personal experience from your time as an owner that speaks to the reliability and capabilities of the bike to create an emotional appeal for buyers. Keep it brief, and you’ll see that a little extra effort on your part can distinguish your listing from sellers simply attempting to move bikes on the market for easy profit.
7. Use Keywords for Searches
Use buzzwords and keywords in your listing descriptions that match the filters on the Cycle Trader marketplace so your listing is easier to find. Start with simple ones like “cruiser,” “sportbike,” or “beginner-friendly.” This will help increase the visibility of your motorcycle in online searches.
8. Include Quality Images and Video
Taking the extra time to wash your bike and take some quality pictures will make it far more attractive to potential buyers who see your listing. Find a nice location that won’t distract from the bike to make it the star of the show. Includes images from different angles along with close-up shots of elements like the dash and tire tread depth to guy viewers the full picture.
9. Conclude with a Call to Action
Wrap up with a message that keeps a new transaction moving forward. For example, try this with your own spin on it: “Contact me today to see this one-of-a-kind ride in person.”
Create a listing that distinguishes your motorcycle from others online. Add the basic details, remain transparent, include some personal flair in the messaging, and combine this with photos and videos of your motorcycle on the scene and in action to appeal to buyers.
Ryan Miller
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