Did you know that global e-commerce retail sales reached more than $5 trillion USD in 2021 [1]? By 2026, this figure is expected to reach more than $8 trillion USD.
This figure is set to increase year-on-year moving forwards, as is the number of people who are purchasing products and services online with the increasing popularity of mobile commerce (m-commerce). As of 2021, more than 70% [2] of online transactions in South Korea were already being completed using mobile devices.
But with so many potential customers out there, how do you increase sales and ensure that your business stands out from the competition?
It’s no secret that consumers can be tricky to convince, regardless of the sector within which you’re operating. From technology to fashion, the most successful brands are creative, agile, and always one step ahead.
There are numerous ways to capture the attention of consumers online, but one of the most powerful and arguably one of the most overlooked is product photography.
The importance of high-quality product photos
Research has revealed that more than 90% [3] of consumers look at the quality of the visual materials and product photos with which they are presented to inform their purchasing decisions. The same percentage is shared by online selling giant Etsy [4] in its Seller Handbook.
So, if you want to achieve significant success with your e-commerce business, it is imperative to invest in high-quality product photography that highlights every single one of the reasons why your products or services are the right options for your target audience.
It is also important to emphasise that at a time when competition across all sectors is increasing even further, your product photography also needs to tell a compelling story and speak to your brand values and ethos.
Photo from https://kirklands.co.uk/product-category/kitchenware-and-storage/cookware/pots-and-pans/
Product photography and storytelling
Almost 80% [5] of online consumers are looking for imagery that brings those products to life. But what does this mean in reality?
– Quality and detail
If you want to increase sales, you need to ensure that your imagery is of a high enough quality that potential customers can see plenty of detail. It’s also a good idea to ensure that your imagery is as large as possible without compromising user experience and page load times on both your desktop and mobile websites. In addition to wide-angle photographs, don’t forget to get into the details with close-up images as well.
– Context
It’s just as important to think about context when shooting imagery that will ultimately play a key role in the marketing of both your products and your brand.
A close-up image of a bag of coffee allows customers to see exactly what they can expect to receive in the mail. However, by also sharing an image that features the same bag of coffee beans alongside a freshly brewed mug of coffee, a glass of orange juice and a bowl of cereal on a kitchen counter, you are helping your customers to visualise how it might feel to sit down to enjoy that mug of coffee on a lazy weekend morning.
Effective product and marketing imagery can tell a story, evoke memories, and allow the viewer to imagine the positive experiences they can look forward to with the help of the products your business has to offer. Get this right, and your marketing efforts will quickly help you to increase sales, build your brand image, and enhance your online reach.
At Netinspire, we work with our clients to achieve the highest conversion rates possible, which includes having the best images to showcase your products or services. Please contact us if you need an e-commerce image strategy or a conversion rate optimisation plan.
Resources:
[1] https://www.statista.com/stati
[2] https://www.statista.com/topic
[3] https://www.justuno.com/blog/6
[4] https://www.etsy.com/fr/seller
[5] https://www.objeqt.com/blog/pr
