E-commerce has been steadily growing in popularity for the past decade, and more and more people now opt to shop online. In 2024, 20.1% of retail purchases are expected to take place online, and that number is projected to rise until 2027. However, with such fierce competition it has become increasingly challenging for online retailers to differentiate themselves and catch the attention of potential customers. This is where Google Shopping comes into play. Google Shopping is an excellent platform for online retailers to showcase their products to potential customers, with the aim of driving traffic to their website and boosting sales. One way to do this is through the effective use of high-quality product imagery.
Product images are an essential component of any e-commerce website and are even more critical when it comes to Google Shopping. Shoppers who experience a greater sense of connection with a product are more likely to make a purchase. High-quality images can help create this connection by highlighting the product and its features. One of the core principles of Google Shopping is providing shoppers with an intuitive and interactive experience that influences consumers buying decisions. And visual elements are the best way to achieve this type of engagement.
Google Shopping showcases a wide range of products from different retailers at the same time. Therefore, it’s crucial that retailers take the time to optimise their product images for maximum impact. Below are some tips on how to optimise product images for Google Shopping.
Image Size
Google recommends the minimum image size for its search results to be at least 250 x 250 pixels. However, that could be too small for some products, so it’s good practice to aim for an image to be at least 800 x 800 pixels if possible. Keep in mind that the higher the resolution, the better. This will give the customer the ability to zoom in on the image for a closer look at the product’s details. Be careful not to exceed the maximum file size though, which is 16MB. Find out the full image guideline from Google here.
Image Background
Google has specific guidelines for the background of the main product image. The product image must have a plain white, or transparent background with no shadows or reflections. The product should be centred and take up at least 75% of the image, but no more than 90%.
Image Quality
The quality of the image is an essential factor in the success of the Google Shopping campaign. A blurry or pixelated image will not entice or attract potential buyers. Therefore, consider using a professional camera with good lighting to take product photos or hiring a professional photographer if it’s within the budget.
Image SEO
Google Shopping uses a product title and description to pull in search terms. However, adding high-quality image title tags that include relevant search terms is an extra boost to ensure the products show up in the search results. Ensure that the image file name accurately reflects the product e.g use “red t-shirt with short sleeves and v neck”, rather than “red t-shirt 1”. For more Google Shopping SEO Tips, check out our blog Essential SEO Strategies for Boosting Your Google Shopping Sales.
Multiple Images
One image may not be enough to showcase the product effectively. In some cases, it’s essential to show the product from different angles to highlight its features or show multiple variations of the same product. Adding multiple images to a Google Shopping product listing can make it a more attractive and interactive experience for potential buyers.
Consistency
When listing products on Google Shopping, ensure that they have the same quality, style, and aesthetic across the board. All product images must conform to Google’s image guidelines and look cohesive to build brand visibility and recognition.
Optimising product images for Google Shopping requires time and effort. However, with the right images, the chance of standing out to potential buyers becomes significantly higher. Remember, the image quality will impact the buyer’s first impression of the product and will influence their decision to explore further or not. Therefore, it’s worthwhile investing time and energy in creating high-quality images that provide an immersive experience for potential shoppers.
Conclusion
High-quality product images play a critical role in catching the attention of potential buyers and driving traffic to a website. Follow the above tips to optimise product imagery and boost visibility and click-through rates on Google Shopping. By doing so, retailers can create a better shopping experience for their customers and generate more revenue.
Interested in finding out more about Google Shopping? Check out our Paid Advertising Blog Section.
