These days, no product photos can mean no sales. And no photo or bad quality photos can push sales down by 60%! Of course, it depends on the product. A photo of a screw is less important than photos of a sofa. We’ve all shopped online… Who can trust a product without photos?
An image is worth a thousand words.
Consumers need to see a product before they buy. How does it work? Not just any photo will do. Your photo needs to sell.
A good photo attracts the eye.
When a consumer arrives on a product page or a product list page, their eye is intuitively attracted to the photos. Some photos attract the eye faster than others. Cut-out photos or the photos where the product stands out clearly from the background attract the eye first. That’s the first image to use to present a product. Because you need more than one – at least four actually. Why?
The aim: Four pictures
The consensus among professionals is that most consumers have enough information with four photos. Any more is superfluous. Consumers feel reassured they have enough information about the product and are ready to buy.
Here’s an effective solution:
1 • Photo 1 – cut-out
The photo shows the whole product cut-out.
The consumer can confirm that it’s what they are looking for.
2 • Photo 2 – scenario
The product has been referenced correctly.
The consumer can check the size and colour of the product, and any accessories.
3 • Photo 3 – zoom
Zoom in on the product to focus on an advantage. You can use more than one zoomed image. Let’s call them 3a, 3b, etc.
The consumer can check out all the positive features of the product.
4 • Photo 4 – reassurance
The product is shown in another situation.
The consumer feels fully informed about the product. That feel they won’t learn any new information from more images. They are reassured they have full knowledge of the product. They go to the next step, either reading the description or buying.
Show off the product with images
A beautiful, very sharp photo with the right light and good colour definition is pleasing to the eye.
Any effort the consumer needs to make is an obstacle to a sale.
If the image attracts the eye and gives immediate and helpful information, you speed up the sale.
Advertisers have understood the importance of images for sales for a long time. A good photo puts a product in a positive light. How? Here are some tips.
- Place the product in the centre – make it the focus.
- Put slightly more light on the product – make it brighter and more attractive.
- Make the product occupy three-quarters of the image – make it the centre of attention.
- Ensure the definition of the product is sharp – the texture is so clear you feel like you can touch it.
- The product is immobile – it’s available, waiting for the buyer.
Other types of visual content can help consumers decide:
Demonstration video
Quality labels or certifications, brands and logos
Diagrams explaining complex use
Use Google Image
Don’t forget to take into account the constraints of Google Image. More and more consumers search for a product without even knowing its name. They simply drag the photo into the search engine which then offers them products.
Similarly, when a consumer searches for a product, Google puts images at the top of the first page of results or SERP.
Hence the importance of images meeting search engine preferences to be sure to be selected.
- JPEG format
- Less than 150KB
- 700 x 600 pixels
- Subtitle featuring an alt tag identifying the product
How Retail Shake helps you choose
With Retail Shake, you can view the photos of your products and your competitors’ products. You have an overall view of the photos in product sheets on the market. You’ll know how to improve your photo to make it stand out.
For example, if your product has a special characteristic or a technical or design feature, it should be highlighted in your photo. This helps potential buyers to identify it. Retail Shake helps you stand out from your competitors!
