Google is requesting that users of Google Base submit the largest images they have of products. They prefer images at least 300x300 pixels, but they do acknowledge that a small image is better than no image at all.
"When you're considering purchasing an item online, it's helpful to know what that product looks like, with as much visual detail as possible," says Janna Salinas of Google Base Support. "Images that are very small, like thumbnail pictures, don't help customers as much as larger images that show more product detail."
You could really apply this way of thinking whether or not you are a Google Base user. If you sell merchandise on your site, you should provide the highest quality images possible, so that customers can really see what they're getting. If you only include small thumbnails on your product pages, you may even be losing sales as a result.
It's hard enough to get online shoppers to buy these days. Did you know that comScore reported only the 2nd decline in e-commerce sales estimates ever for the second quarter? There are a lot of obstacles to overcome when selling good online, so the ones that are in your control should be up to par. Something as simple as including larger images could make a world of difference in many cases.
While we're on the subject, I might as well point out some new survey results from Harris Interactive that indicate a lack of human assistance is affecting the decisions of many online shoppers on whether or not to make a purchase. I discussed this in more detail at WebProNews.
Getting Your Products in Google Shopping SearchesAre You Listed in Google Base?Google + Business Profiles and Updates to Place PagesNew Google Features Small Businesses Should Know AboutFive Non-Local SEO TipsOften Overlooked Places To Leave Your Stamp OnlineGoogle Launches Trusted Stores Program to Reward Online Retailers Get the Most Out of Your Google Places ListingHas Online Shopping Already Peaked for the Year? JotSpot Now a Google App
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Larger Images
Images
Images that are large do make a difference expecially on Line. If you can't see what you are buying then your not going to buy it.
N. Crozier
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Sharp image is paramount for
Sharp image is paramount for online businesses to make the sale. If you're selling hummingbird solar lamp you want the sharpest image to convert the sale!
Large Photos in Online Sales
When we were putting together Collectors Online Mall we made sure there was an ability for all photos on the site to be large. With up to 16 photos allowed per listing this provides for sellers to really show off their item.
As we have a few stores there ourselves I know the importance of showing off the positive and even showing close-ups of flaws like a small chip in glassware or a scratch on a Lionel Train so that the buyer can see the extent of the flaw and feel safe in buying the item.
It's also important to take photos in good light and not play around with photo shop adjustments too much. You want the item to look real -as if the buyer is in a concrete store picking up and turning the object.
Larger images
Have to agree with the article. People who come to my web site want to see examples of the service I provide. I have posted a few examples of my work only to have been regularly asked by enquirers for larger images or PDF's of drawings. Since then I have started to gradually increase the size of the images making them easier to see on screen and helping potential clients make a decision whether to use my services or another.
Products Full Size Pictures
If you are selling physical products online, having good crisp and detailed pictures and description is paramount. I am always surprised to see 80x80 px thumbnails in some e-commerce site and full images of about 300px.
Not only the lack of sharpness of your pictures might just tell your prospects that your product is of lower quality and gathering the dust somewhere but it also show the lack of commitment on the part of the owner.
When you don't have to spend more than 2 hours a day in your online store (unlike the brick-and-mortar store) the least one can do I devote some time in taking good pictures of the products, doing a little photoshop to show your product in the best natural light as possible.
No, I am not talking about using Photoshop like popular magazines do or you will be asking for a lot of order returns. All I am asking is for the site owner to show how serious s/he is about her business.
I just launched a new e-commerce site VenusTemple.com. My standards for thumbnails pictures is 200px width and 150 px height or whichever is higher to retain the image proportions. As for the product's full size picture,
I target a width from 600 - 700px depending on the total width of the web page. With sharp thumbnails, you make a food the first impression. With crisp and detailed (large enough) you are helping your prospect make up her mind whether to "Add To Cart" or browse to the next product.
A good website design and sharp & details pictures go hand in hand in an e-commerce site. Businesses offline and online spend millions in packaging, have you ever wonder why?
Whether you are looking for a laptop or an e-book the images and the digital package.
Let them see
At last someone gets the point. I've been trying to convince people for years that bigger imagery is better. I've been a 'fullscreen freak' for ages now trying to get the client the best possbible imagery for their product.
I've resorted to 360 panoramas for as much as possible now check out the latest offering here but still have a hard time getting people to see ObjectVR as a viable propoosition for 'shop' sales.
Yes
I probaby have some of the largest images allowed on my safety and security web site but have had to shrink them to fit some applications. I agree, the larger the image, the more detail the customer can view but it's not always possible. I'm glad to hear Google Base has figured this out. Thanks, Chris
Large images longer download time?
My concern (and it is probably obvious that I am not a computer whizz) is that the page takes too long to download for visitors and that they click off. People don't want to wait. Is this no longer true?
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