Optimizing product images involves more than simply uploading product images. Before making a purchase, customers largely rely on images to evaluate the quality, features, and appropriateness of products. Therefore, improving the visual quality may stimulate the target audience’s emotions. In addition, it has a huge effect on revenue and conversion rates. In this article, we will discuss the 10 most effective ways that can assist an e-commerce business in increasing sales.

Picture Credit: Element5 Digital

Eliminating Necessary Distractions and Flaws

Simple and effective product images make it easy for customers to understand the essence of a product. However, too many distractions may draw focus away from the actual product. Distractions of many kinds, such as an overuse of props, Background noise, or tiny flaws like stains, might occur.

Fortunately, these interruptions can be eliminated by using image editing techniques. Elements in the image can be removed or improved using tools like Adobe Photoshop or similar photo-editing software. This guarantees that the product stays the main focus, free from unnecessary distractions.

Filling the Frame through Cropping

According to core e-commerce principles, placing the product prominently within the frame is a key rule. This approach ensures that customers can easily view the goods without having to zoom in, strain, or engage in unnecessary engagement. It makes no difference what sort of surfing gadget they are using, though.

For example, the oral care business Keeko has an approach that involves using primary images on a white background. The images have been zoomed in such that the product fills the whole frame. They improve potential customers’ browsing experiences by doing this. Additionally, they make it possible for people to inspect the product’s details carefully without creating any unnecessary difficulties.

Picture Credit: George Milton

Leveraging White Backgrounds

Although on-set limitations prohibit its immediate deployment, using white backgrounds is still a suggested practice for key product images. This strategy makes it easier to compare products, promotes customer involvement, and allows for obvious product visibility.

In general, white backgrounds are the preferred choice for major images. However, this does not compel a business’s own website to have a stark white background. It is possible to experiment with different white tones or colors. Hylo Athletics, for example, demonstrates this by using an off-white background to highlight their selection of vegan sneakers.

Altering the Background’s Color 

For the major product images, white backgrounds are advised, although creativity shouldn’t be constrained by this advice. It is intended specifically for websites and social media platforms. Background colors may be changed using tools like Photoshop.

To determine which background color will resonate with the audience the best, trying out a few different hues is a necessity. It is essential to follow the offered instructions while choosing the right colors for this goal.

Developing Composites of Lifestyle

Lifestyle photography demands more comprehensive efforts, encompassing tasks like set design, prop arrangement, styling, the potential involvement of assistants, etc. Integrating both white background and lifestyle photography is crucial for broadening the appeal to a diverse customer base.

The core idea is to showcase the products within numerous relatable scenarios to provide prospective buyers with contextual understanding. If the budget does not permit extra expenses for models, props, photographers, or locations, then outsourcing is a viable option.

One option is to engage a studio of photography, to craft composite images using the white background shots. Alternatively, a business can enlist the services of a professional photography studio, such as “Products on White Photography”. This will help in conducting the shoot and handling the editing of composites.

Picture Credit: Harrison Haines

Correcting Lighting Issues

The process of achieving suitable and effective Lighting begins right from the moment of taking the images. Its aim is to achieve the best possible lighting conditions during the actual shoot, but sometimes this objective is challenging. Various factors, like adverse weather conditions or glare from lighting, can make it difficult to attain the desired lighting quality. In instances where achieving the ideal lighting during the actual shoot is hindered by such factors, there is an alternative.

Post-processing, which involves editing the images after they have been taken, can come to the rescue. Through relatively simple adjustments, photographers can enhance the lighting effects to make the images more visually appealing. This process allows them to correct any lighting imperfections that occurred during the shoot, making the final product very polished. It can also be possible in cases where the original lighting conditions were not optimal.

Utilization of Shadows

Just as attention to lighting during the shoot is crucial, the presence of Shadows in product images is also carefully considered. Shadows play a pivotal role in adding depth to the flat white background images, infusing them with a dimensional sense. While managing shadows can be challenging, their impact can be quite dramatic.

The addition of a genuine drop shadow is a viable solution if shadows were not effectively captured during the shoot. This can be achieved using software like Photoshop in the post-production phase. A notable example of skilled shadow usage can be seen with Farmacy. It incorporates shadows to lend a lifelike quality to the product. In addition, the tool also steers clear of the mundane appearance often associated with standard stock images.

Furthermore, reflection shadows are also frequently introduced during post-processing. This technique enhances product images by introducing an element of drama. Products in the luxury, jewelry, perfume, and cosmetics sectors often benefit from reflection shadows. These products are often showcased under bright, fluorescent store lighting with reflective glass encasements.

Revision Skincare provides a prime example of adeptly utilizing reflection shadows in their product line. In this instance, the shadow, known as a reflection shadow, contributes to a heightened sense of three-dimensionality in the image. This enhances its overall impact.

Eliminating Wrinkles from Clothing

The appearance of wrinkles on apparel products can convey a sense of disorderliness and a lack of professionalism. This can raise concerns among potential shoppers not only about the products themselves but also about their overall quality. Although significant care is taken to iron and steam garments thoroughly prior to and during the photoshoot. This is because of the creases that can still manage to persist.

However, taking the necessary steps to rectify these wrinkles in the product images reflects a dedication to precision and thoroughness. This demonstrates a business’s commitment to presenting its products in the best possible light. The process of removing wrinkles from images is not overly time-consuming. Especially when compared to the positive impact it can have on the perception of the brand. By investing the effort to ensure the products appear well-presented, professional communication can resonate strongly with potential customers.

Picture Credit: Glenn Pasters – Peter

Image File Size Reduction

The size of image files has a direct influence on the loading time of web pages. Larger files result in longer loading times, which can lead to an unsatisfactory user experience, ultimately diminishing conversion rates. Furthermore, a slow-loading website negatively impacts SEO, resulting in reduced traffic. Given these implications, it becomes crucial to minimize the file size of images before incorporating them into a website.

Fortunately, various methods exist to achieve this without compromising the quality of product images. Numerous free tools, such as TinyPNG and Kraken.io, are available to assist in this endeavor. These tools enable businesses to efficiently reduce image file sizes, enhancing both the user experience and website performance.

Testing the Optimized Product Images

The exploration of optimizing product images has encompassed various strategies. While the integration of the suggestions provides a competitive edge, adopting a testing-oriented approach is of paramount importance.

Merely absorbing theoretical insights is not sufficient to discern what aligns best with one’s business or brand. Practical experimentation is imperative. However, understanding contemporary customer behavior research serves as a valuable starting point.

According to findings from a survey conducted by e-commerce consumer research tool PickFu, approximately 50% of customers examine the price. Although half of them subsequently focused on product images. While product titles and descriptions remain significant, they were relatively less crucial for surveyed individuals.

To facilitate A/B testing of product photography, recommendations include the utilization of tools like Google Optimize and AB Tasty. When embarking on the journey of testing product images to identify optimal approaches, establishing a baseline becomes foundational. A baseline serves as the point of reference while evaluating various iterations of product photo presentations.

The success of optimizing product images rests on the ability to convey both tangible and intangible aspects. But these approaches should resonate with the buyers. Therefore, striking a harmonious balance between technical excellence and artistic expression can lead to a higher sale. Further, it fosters customer engagement and establishes a strong brand identity within the competitive e-commerce landscape.