You did it – your product is finally ready to go to market after months of research, development, and distribution talks.
Or at least you think it is, until you realize you don’t have pictures to go with your e-commerce listings.
Professional photos are an essential part of your marketing and sales strategy.
This is what hooks customers as they scroll through different options. A set of strong photos also keeps them interested to find out more about your product.
Don’t believe us?
Here are five reasons why you need to invest in product photography before going live on an e-commerce site.
1. Make a Good Impression
It doesn’t matter if you’re a new company or if you’ve been around for years – your product photography creates your first impression with new customers.
As such, you need to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward.
Consumers who can’t see your photo because it’s blurry or just bad quality won’t click on it.
But, those who notice a well-shot, high-resolution image are more likely to look into a product’s details.
Place your item against a solid backdrop for users to best see it clearly.
Or, put it in the setting in which it’s made to be used. This might be an outdoor shoot for camping gear or product placement of accessories on a model.
2. Help Customers Understand Your Offer
Placement goes a long way when it comes to product photography.
But, that’s not the whole picture.
Be sure to get shots of different angles and settings. This helps potential customers fully understand what your product looks like and how they can use it.
One great picture can fully express everything you’re trying to say in your marketing copy. It captures the elegant design of an office desk or the fit of workout gear better than you can put into words.
More so, it shows how versatile some products can be.
Take pictures of different kinds of people using your items in different settings. For example, the same video game college kids can enjoy in their dorm room might be a family favorite in someone’s home.
3. Show Off the Details
Speaking of sharing a product’s use, don’t forget to get close-ups of the details.
Fashion retailers should pay particular attention to this. Close-ups allow customers to get an idea of the texture and feel of the fabric you use in your clothes.
Other industries like electronics and handmade crafts can benefit from zoomed-in shots, too.
In fact, it’s about more than what the photo can do.
Taking the time to get this kind of product photography shows your commitment to your customers.
It expresses you care about the little things to make the big things even better. A few extra photos might be the missing piece you need to create a stronger sense of brand loyalty and increase sales.
4. Boost Shares and Interactions
Another way to get more orders in is to use product photography as part of your marketing.
Take your best shots and put them on online platforms beyond your e-commerce retailer.
Use them in social media campaigns and sprinkle a few on your landing pages as well.
Strong visuals are everything when it comes to Facebook Ads and Instagram campaigns.
They get someone’s attention while they scroll through their news feed, which opens the door to create a new relationship.
Plus, people will remember product information 55% more with a relevant photo than without.
More so, those who already know your brand will be excited to see you on their screen, and may even share your post with their network.
This increases your brand’s reach far beyond an online store. It turns your product offering into a community of consumers.
Similar effects can be seen on your website, and more.
If your email opt-ins are looking a little low, use product photography to make your call to action more effective. Photography can also help lower bounce rates and increase the number of landing pages a user goes to on their visit to your website.
5. Stand Out
While you’re focusing on your strategy – whether it be improving sales numbers or online traffic – you need to keep your competitors in mind.
Chances are, they’ve discovered the benefits of product photography, too.
Take a look to see how they’re using their photos to reach consumers. Maybe even draw some inspiration from the angles they use and how they present a product.
More importantly, always try to stay ahead of the trends in your industry.
Photos can say a thousand words, but they won’t mean much if you’re just repeating something you’ve already said. Update your product photography from time to time to stay relevant and interesting.
Many retailers do this around the holidays, for example. But, other great times to take new pictures include a new product launch or company expansion.
This exudes a sense of innovation and commitment to excellence.
Customers who already know you will appreciate the consistency. Plus, new consumers will be more likely to get on board with your brand.
Get the Perfect Product Photography Shot
It’s one thing to understand you need product photography to succeed in e-commerce.
But, it’s another to know how to get a great shot. Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning a shoot.
Use the Right Tools
If you don’t have a professional camera, hire someone who does.
Make sure this person has a strong portfolio of product pictures. Ask them what kind of camera and lighting equipment they will bring and if they need anything from you.
Set up enough time for the shoot as well.
You should be able to get multiple shots of each product without rushing.
Shoot Every Color
Speaking of your products, if you have multiple colors for one item, you need to shoot them all.
How else is your customer supposed to decide between white and cream?
Put various colors together in one photo or take single shots against the same backdrop. Either way, don’t discredit this valuable detail.
Be Consistent
As you go through each item (and all its colors), aim for consistency.
Use the same angles for similar products, or show your customers how different items go together.
Sharp, clean images are best, but if you choose to use saturation or other edits, stick to the same presets.
Photos, Keywords, Inventory, and More: How to Succeed in Amazon
Ready to go live with your fresh set of product photos?
Great, but there are a few other things you should consider if you really want to do well on an online retailing platform.
Click here for all the tools you need to reach your Amazon sales goals.
