Use Product Shots

Give previews of your product

In the world of digital marketing, a picture is often worth more than a thousand words. Using product shots on your website can be a game-changer for your business, turning curious visitors into eager customers. This simple yet powerful tactic involves showcasing clear, high-quality images of your product throughout your site, especially on your homepage.

Many businesses make the mistake of keeping their products hidden, thinking it will create mystery and intrigue. However, this approach can backfire, leaving potential customers confused and unsure about what they're actually buying. By prominently displaying product shots, you're giving visitors a clear idea of what you're offering and how it can benefit them.

The impact of using product shots can be significant. For example, when Soapbox added product images to their homepage, they saw a whopping 43% increase in conversions. This boost in sales demonstrates just how much customers value seeing what they're getting before they commit to a purchase.

Beyond boosting sales, product shots serve another crucial purpose: they build trust and familiarity. When customers can see your product in action, they're more likely to understand its features and feel confident in their purchase. This visual familiarity can even make the onboarding process smoother, as new users already have a basic understanding of how the product works.

Why this works

Product shots work so effectively because they tap into several key psychological principles that influence consumer behavior:

Visual processing. The human brain processes visual information 60,000 times faster than text. By showcasing your product visually, you're allowing potential customers to quickly grasp what you're offering and how it might benefit them.
Reduced uncertainty. In the digital world, customers can't physically touch or examine products before purchasing. Clear product images help bridge this gap, reducing the perceived risk of buying something unseen.
Concrete vs. abstract thinking. Product shots move your offering from an abstract concept to a concrete, tangible item in the customer's mind. This shift can make the purchase decision feel more real and immediate.
Social proof. High-quality product images suggest professionalism and success, subtly communicating that other customers trust and use your product.
Emotional connection. Images can evoke emotions more readily than text. A well-crafted product shot can help customers envision how the product fits into their lives, creating an emotional connection.

For digital businesses, product shots are particularly crucial:

SaaS companies. Screenshots or mockups of the software interface help potential users understand the user experience and feature set.
Digital product creators. Images of ebooks, course materials, or digital downloads give customers a sense of the value they're receiving.
Ecommerce stores. High-quality images of physical products from multiple angles can significantly reduce return rates by setting accurate expectations.
Marketplaces. Showcasing images of popular items or services can help new users quickly understand the platform's offerings.

Remember, the key is to use high-quality, relevant images that truly represent your product. Poor quality or misleading images can have the opposite effect, potentially damaging trust and reducing conversions.

How you can steal this

Here's how you can implement product shots effectively for your digital business:

Audit your current visuals. Review your website, especially the homepage, to identify areas where product shots could be added or improved. Look for text-heavy sections that could benefit from visual representation.
Invest in high-quality imagery. For digital products:
- SaaS company. Create crisp screenshots or mockups of your software interface, highlighting key features.
- Digital product creators. Design attractive 3D renderings of your ebooks, course materials, or digital downloads.
- Ecommerce stores. Use professional product photography, including multiple angles and lifestyle shots.
- Marketplaces. Showcase a diverse range of high-quality images representing popular items or services on your platform.
Strategically place product shots. Include images:
- Above the fold on your homepage
- On product pages
- In your email marketing campaigns
- Across your social media profiles
Use context. Show your product in action or in its intended environment. For example, a project management tool could show screenshots of the software being used in a team meeting.
Leverage before and after shots. If applicable, demonstrate the transformation your product provides. A photo editing app could show side-by-side comparisons of images before and after using the app.
Incorporate user-generated content. Encourage customers to share images of them using your product and feature these on your site or social media.
Optimize for mobile. Ensure your product shots look great and load quickly on mobile devices.
A/B test your images. Try different product shots, angles, or placements to see which ones resonate most with your audience and drive conversions.
Keep it real. Avoid overly staged or unrealistic images that could set false expectations. Authenticity builds trust.
Update regularly. As your product evolves, make sure to update your product shots to reflect the latest features and design.
Add descriptive alt text. This improves accessibility and can boost SEO.
Consider interactive elements. For complex products, consider 360-degree views, zoom functionality, or short video demonstrations.

Remember, the goal is to give potential customers a clear, accurate representation of your product. By implementing these strategies, you can significantly boost conversions and build trust with your audience, just as Soapbox saw a 43% increase in conversions after adding product images to their homepage.

Examples of use product shots

Here are some detailed examples of how different types of internet businesses can effectively use product shots:

SaaS company. A project management tool startup, TaskMaster, revamped their homepage by adding high-quality screenshots of their dashboard, Gantt chart feature, and mobile app. They saw a 35% increase in free trial sign-ups within the first month.
Digital course creator. An online fitness instructor selling a "30-Day Transformation" program added before-and-after photos of successful students to her sales page. This led to a 28% boost in course enrollments.
Ecommerce store. A boutique skincare brand, GlowUp, implemented 360-degree product views for their best-selling serums. This reduced return rates by 22% as customers had a clearer understanding of the product size and packaging.
Marketplace app. A freelance services platform, SkillShare, added a scrolling banner of professional headshots from top-rated freelancers on their homepage. This resulted in a 15% increase in client sign-ups.
Subscription box service. CrateJoy, a monthly tech gadget box, started including "unboxing" style photos on their landing page, showcasing the experience of receiving and opening the box. This led to a 40% increase in subscription rates.
Digital product creator. A graphic designer selling Photoshop templates added preview images of each template in use, along with a thumbnail gallery. This improved their conversion rate by 50%.
Virtual event platform. ZoomFest added screenshots of their custom virtual lobby, networking rooms, and main stage to their features page. This resulted in a 30% increase in demo requests from corporate clients.
Mobile app developer. A meditation app, ZenMind, incorporated app store-style screenshots and a short demo video on their website. This led to a 25% increase in app downloads.
B2B software company. An AI-powered sales tool, SalesGenius, added annotated screenshots of their analytics dashboard to their homepage. This resulted in a 45% increase in qualified leads requesting demos.
Online learning platform. SkillShare showcased a grid of thumbnails representing their most popular courses on their homepage. This visual representation of their offering led to a 20% increase in new user registrations.

Remember, like Soapbox's 43% jump in conversions, these examples demonstrate the power of well-implemented product shots. The key is to use high-quality, relevant images that accurately represent your product and help potential customers visualize its value in their lives or businesses.