Better quality product images also leads to higher levels of customer satisfaction, allowing them to see exactly what they are getting and reducing the likelihood of a return. According to the Adobe 2013 Mobile Consumer Survey, visual product features were cited as most likely to increase the strong possibility of purchasing a product via a mobile website. Additionally, better images can help a customer narrow their search for a specific product or product type.
While the average seller may not be artistically inclined, it is possible to take engaging photographs. Here are seven tips to get you on the road to creating eye-catching photographs that sell:
- Have a plan. Here, it is essential for you to have a brand identity in mind. What type of image are you selling to your customers? Are you a premium seller, selling to the stylish younger adult, or are you geared towards the price savvy customer. You are using your images to help sell your brand to your customers. Think about what other websites your target customer may be shopping on, what type of magazines they might read, what type of lifestyle they may lead.
- High resolution. Make sure you use a high resolution image so your customer will get the clearest, cleanest image of your product.
- Multiple angles. Your customer can’t pick up your product. They can’t look at it from all angles in front of them. Your job as the seller is to be their hands, so their eyes can see what they would see in real life.
- Photograph each product variation. There are countless variations of each color. When a seller says a shirt comes in green, it is very likely that the customer may be envisioning a forest green, when the seller has a mint green shirt in their inventory. Photographing each product variation not only helps the customer, but it helps sellers cut down in return rates.
- Theme. Ensure that the final image edits have consistent size, contrast levels, and colors.
- Background. If you sell on certain marketplaces, you may be required to use a white background. If you run your web store, you can display your products on whatever background you choose. Try to use a neutral background if the product is the focus. There is an exception, however, when your product is being sold with an idea. If you are selling to a hip, young crowd, you may want to use interesting backgrounds that complement the product (clothing on a model in front of an interesting wall, etc.)
- Lighting. Use a soft, diffused light.
Take a look at the comprehensive product image guide by Volusion, “Your DIY Product Photography Resource Guide”. It’s an excellent “How-To” of highly effective product photography strategies that are essential for bigger sellers and absolutely doable for the smaller seller.
Barbara Anderson
Marketing Coordinator