Why Your Product Isn't Selling: The Power of High-Quality Photos

One of the biggest reasons your product isn’t selling might be as simple as your product photos. It’s easy to overlook, but in today’s fast-paced world of online shopping, photos are often the deciding factor for a customer. You’ve probably heard the phrase “a picture is worth a thousand words,” and when it comes to e-commerce, it couldn’t be more true.

Customers Want Answers—Fast!

In the world of online shopping, most people don’t have time to read through a long product description. In fact, only a small percentage of your potential customers will even bother to skim it. That’s why your product photos need to do the heavy lifting. If a customer has any lingering questions after looking at your images, they’re more likely to click away than search for answers in the description. You might be losing sales simply because your photos aren’t answering their questions.

Here’s the reality: your photos need to answer common customer questions before they even ask them. They need to show everything your customer needs to know about your product at a glance.

What Your Product Photos Should Communicate

Whenever I take product photos, I make sure they cover a few essential questions:

  1. What does the product look like from multiple angles?

    • Customers want to see the full picture—literally. Don’t limit them to just one angle. Show off your product from the front, back, sides, and even underneath if relevant. The more views, the better. This builds trust, because customers can get a clear understanding of what they’re buying.

  2. How big is it?

    • Size matters! People need a sense of scale, and if they can’t gauge the size from your photos, they’ll hesitate. Include images that give a clear size comparison. You can do this by showing the product next to common objects (like holding it in your hand) or by adding measurements directly onto the image.

  3. What are the special features?

    • Does your product have unique details or features? Don’t assume people will read about them in the description. Highlight these features with close-up shots that focus on the craftsmanship, textures, or any special attributes that make your product stand out.

  4. How is it used in real life?

    • Lifestyle photos are a game-changer. Show your product in action. If you’re selling a tumbler, show it being used at a picnic or on a busy mom’s kitchen counter. If it’s a decorative item, display it in a cozy living room setting. People need to see how your product fits into their lives, not just how it looks on a white background.

You Don’t Need Expensive Equipment to Get Great Photos

Here’s the best part: you don’t need a professional camera or studio setup to take high-quality photos. I use my iPhone along with the free Lightroom app. It’s an incredibly user-friendly tool that allows you to edit photos quickly and easily. For an extra boost, I purchased some amazing Lightroom presets from Etsy that transform my photos into bright, airy images with just one click. These simple tools make a world of difference and help me achieve professional-looking photos without the expensive equipment.

Here's an example of some of my product photos I took from my iphone and edited in lightroom:

Why This Matters for Your Sales

When you’re selling online, photos are your first impression. They’re what draw people in, answer their questions, and ultimately, get them to click that “buy” button. A well-lit, clear, and informative set of images can make the difference between a sale and a missed opportunity.

Think about it from the customer’s perspective. If your photos don’t fully answer their questions—whether it’s about size, features, or how the product works—they’re less likely to take the next step and make a purchase. Instead, they’ll move on to a competitor whose photos leave no room for doubt.

Action Step: Next time you take product photos, ask yourself: Are these images answering all the questions a potential customer might have? If not, it’s time to rethink your photography strategy. You don’t need fancy equipment, just a little extra attention to detail and the right tools to make your images shine.

Pro Tip: Make a checklist to refer to each time you take product photos so you don't miss anything!

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