If your business sells products, then you need to do everything you can to showcase those products in the best possible light. Many businesses are quite happy putting significant investment into website design to make their pages look great and professional copywriting to ensure that the text sells the product correctly. But some are more reluctant to make the same sort of investment in product photography.
After all, the majority of products – unless you are manufacturing them yourself – will come with their own photographs from the manufacturer. Why shouldn’t you simply use these manufacturers’ photographs? Of course, many businesses do. But in 2023, there are huge benefits to be reaped from having your own high-quality product photography commissioned.
Indeed, having unique photographs can help your business to stand out, as well as be helpful across a wide range of marketing channels. But going beyond that, it can help to strengthen your brand and make you more memorable for potential customers.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why product photography is important in 2023 and take a look at how it can help your business. Investing in quality product photography doesn’t need to be expensive, and it can make a huge difference.
Why product photography is important in 2023
Product photography is an essential element of any business’s marketing strategy. It helps capture the attention of customers and gives them a better understanding of the product. Product photography also helps to differentiate a product from its competitors and can increase brand recognition. Additionally, product photography can help to increase sales by providing potential customers with more information about the product. See below why product photography is important?
01. The SEO advantages
It is well known that the quality of the content on your website has a huge effect on your SEO and where your website ranks on Google. Google’s algorithm is designed to recognize high-quality content, and this includes images. By using high-quality product photos that are optimized for the web, businesses can improve their website’s overall quality and relevance in the eyes of Google.
“Great images can be one of the most important aspects of your website from a user perspective,” says Peter Lyons, writing for SEO agency and ecommerce specialists Artemis Marketing. “They can help sell your products, tell visitors what your business is all about, and make your website look appealing. However, if your images aren’t done properly, then this could have a negative impact on the performance of your site, as well as your rankings in the search results.”
Furthermore, optimized product photos can help businesses rank for specific keywords. By including descriptive alt text and file names, businesses can provide additional context to search engines and increase their chances of ranking for relevant keywords. For example, if a business sells handmade soap, using photos with alt text like “all-natural handmade soap” can help them rank for those specific keywords.
02. Images are vital for social media performance
Some businesses think nothing of re-using stock product images for their social media channels – but this is one of the worst things that you can do. Customers can easily recognize a stock image and won’t be impressed. Social media posts need to be attention-grabbing and in your face. Re-photographing your products can make your job of social media marketing so much easier.
Having high-quality product photos can significantly enhance a business’s social media presence and increase engagement with its target audience. Social media platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest rely heavily on visual content, and using striking images can increase the likelihood of users engaging with your brand.
“You want to feature your product in the best light – make it shine on socials and give it the spotlight it deserves,” says Sandra Iakovleva, writing for Vista Create. “When you put your heart and soul into a business, you want that kind of effort to be translated into social media posts as well.”
03. Competitive advantage
In the world of ecommerce, it is important to outshine your competitors whenever possible. Great product photography can give your business a competitive advantage in a number of ways. First, it can set you apart from your competitors by making your products look more attractive and professional. Customers are more likely to choose a product that looks high-quality and visually appealing over a similar product with poor-quality photos.
In addition, great product photography can help you stand out on marketplaces such as Amazon and Etsy, where your product images are displayed alongside those of your competitors. High-quality product photos can catch the eye of potential customers and draw them in, increasing the likelihood that they will choose your product over others.
It’s also great for building trust with customers. If your photos look professional and polished, customers are more likely to trust that your products are of high quality and worth the investment. This can be especially important for businesses that are new or relatively unknown in the market.
04. Building your brand
Great product photography plays an important role in brand building for businesses. A brand is more than just a logo or a name; it encompasses the entire customer experience and perception of the business. By using high-quality product photography, businesses can communicate their values, personality, and quality to potential customers.
When customers see professional, high-quality images of a product, they are more likely to perceive the product and the brand behind it as trustworthy and reputable. They are also more likely to remember the product and brand, increasing brand recognition and brand recall.
In addition, great product photography can help businesses differentiate themselves from competitors in a crowded marketplace. By showcasing products in a unique and visually appealing way, businesses can create a distinct brand image and stand out from competitors who may be using generic or low-quality images. This can ultimately lead to increased customer loyalty and higher sales.
Tips for better product photography
The key to great product photography is to showcase your product in the best possible light. Here are some tips to help you improve your product photography:
- Invest in good equipment – a high-quality camera and lens, tripod, lighting, and backdrops are essential for capturing sharp, clear images that showcase your products optimally.
- Understand your product – to create compelling product photos, you need to know your product inside out. Understanding your product’s features, benefits, and unique selling points will help you highlight them in your photos.
- Use natural light – natural light is ideal for product photography as it gives a soft, natural look to your images. If possible, set up your shoot near a window or outdoors during the golden hour for the best results.
- Get creative with angles – experiment with different angles to find the best way to showcase your product. Close-up shots of details or unusual angles can make your product stand out from the crowd.
- Edit your photos – use photo editing software to adjust the brightness, contrast, and colors of your images. This can help to make your products look even more appealing and eye-catching.
- Work with professionals – perhaps most important is that you can gain a lot from working with a professional photographer with experience capturing images of products similar to yours.
Ultimately, great product photography matters in 2023 because it can have a huge positive impact on your business. It can be vital across a wide range of different marketing channels, but it can also help your company to stand out from its competitors and draw customers in via branding. Now is the perfect time to invest in great photography for your products – you might be surprised at the difference that it can make.
FAQ about why product photography is important
Why is product photography important for online businesses?
Product photography helps online businesses to showcase their products in the best possible light, increasing the chances of sales and customer engagement.
Can poor-quality product photography negatively affect my business?
Yes, poor-quality product photography can make your products look unappealing and unprofessional and can deter potential customers from making a purchase.
How can I ensure high-quality product photography for my business?
Hiring a professional photographer or investing in good equipment, such as a high-resolution camera and lighting, can help ensure high-quality product photography for your business. Additionally, proper editing and retouching can also enhance the overall quality of your product images.
