fbpx

Tag: Marketing Tips

How to Create Product Photos that Stand Out From the Competition

Posted on by Kaitlin Colston

Product photos can make a huge impact when it comes to positioning your brand online. More so than shopping in person, your consumers rely heavily on the information and photos you provide them. Product photography plays a huge role in a consumer’s buying decisions. According to FieldAgent, 83% of US Smartphone users say that product photography is extremely influential to their purchasing decisions. 

What is Product Photography? 

Before we dive into how to take great product photos, we must define what product photography is. In essence, product photography is a type of commercial photography that involves taking photos of products for commercial use. This applies to anything you can sell from a basic stock photo with a white backdrop you see on many storefronts to lifestyle shots that showcase how a product is used in a recipe or a runner showing off a pair of brand new running shoes. Product photos are everywhere, and they play a powerful role in brand engagement and sales if they stand out. 

6 Key Elements For Product Photos

Lighting 

Lighting can make or break your product photo. You can use natural light or studio light to capture your product. 

Lighting will set the tone for your photo. In the example below, Sweet Logic captures their confetti mix using soft and bright lighting which exudes a clean and cheery feel and allows the consumer to focus on the product.

Lighting - Product Photos

Source: Sweet Logic

In contrast, if you are looking to create a more dramatic light you could play with shadows or times of day to create a different look. 

Composition

How you arrange your photo will determine where the viewer’s eye will go. The composition can make a photo more interesting depending on where you place the elements within your photo. Using complementary backgrounds, a curated color palette, and keeping props simple will allow your product to be the main focus. 

Additionally, while there are no hard and fast rules to composition, try using the tried and true technique, the rule of thirds. In this simple technique, you divide the frame into 9 equal parts. You place the important parts of your photo (in this case the product) where the lines intersect. By placing the subject off-center and giving the photo negative space typically leads to a more attractive photo result. 

Use a Tripod 

Thinking of skipping a tripod? Don’t. Using a tripod provides stability and allows for sharp and clear photos. They play a crucial part if you want your product photos to look high-quality. Tripods are not expensive and many on the market will help no matter what type of camera you are using! 

Context is Key 

Give your product context for consumers browsing online. Stock photos are helpful, but showcasing your product in lifestyle situations and real-life applications allows your customers to understand how to use your product. Context can help build emotional connections to your brand and reassure them of their decision to buy. 

Context - Product Photos

Source: Amazi Foods

Above, Amazi Foods gives valuable context and shows consumers how they can create a delectable cake using their plantain chips. Not only does this give a real-life example of how a consumer can use the product, but the photo creates desire enticing any viewer to order! Craving the recipe? Check it out here!

What equipment will I need? 

Smartphone 

Smartphones have come a long way and advances in technology have allowed for advanced electronics that can handle many lighting conditions, and create detailed photos. While a smartphone will not create the most professional-looking product photos it can be a great way to get started. 

Digital SLRs/Mirrorless Cameras 

If you are wanting to do your product photos yourself but would like to produce better quality than a smartphone can offer, the next step would be to invest in a digital SLR or mirrorless camera. This will allow you more control as well as the ability to work in various lighting conditions. These cameras will also create a more detailed product photo. 

Hire An Agency

After reading above you can see, product photography takes a lot of time, investment, and skill. And you need to get it right! According to Justuno, 93% of consumers consider visual appearance to be a key deciding factor in their purchase decision. If you are short on time or skills, considering hiring an agency that is well versed in product photography. Professional photographers know exactly what it takes to create images that add value, build trust and ultimately boost conversions and sales for your product and brand. 

Key Takeaways For Better Product Photos

  • Photography can directly impact your sales, make sure to give consumers detailed photos and information that empowers them in their buying decisions. 
  • Lighting, composition, and context play a key role in producing great product photos 
  • 93% of consumers consider visual appearance while making a purchase decision, overcome this marketing challenge and hire an agency to create professional product photos that deliver value, build trust and ultimately boost sales for your brand and products. 

3 Reasons Why Re-targeting Matters

Posted on by Alexandra Harris

3 REASONS WHY RE-TARGETING MATTERS

People who visit your company’s website have demonstrated an interest in your product or service, even if they don’t make a purchase on their initial visit. By re-targeting these users with skillfully positioned ads, you can significantly increase your conversion rates. Re-targeting also increases other marketing efforts, such as brand awareness and brand recall. These are just some of the reasons why re-targeting matters:

1. Multiple chances to convert

Re-targeting provides a second (or third) chance to convert users by focusing on those who have visited your website or landing page. These users have demonstrated an interest in your brand, product, or service.  As such, they are more qualified and likely to be persuaded by your continued efforts. 

2. Build the brand

It is essential to understand that re-targeting is more than just a performance or conversion-focused tactic. It also plays a role in building brand awareness. “I see your ads everywhere!” is retargeting at play. Potential customers believe you’re spending millions of dollars on ad campaigns when they see ads on the sites they visit. These impressions build both trust and awareness of your brand.

3. Up-sell and cross-sell opportunities

Re-targeting is not exclusive to first-time conversions. Companies can build a list of high-value users to up-sell or cross-sell, by placing a retargeting pixel on conversion or “thank you” pages. If a consumer has converted before, there is a good chance they will convert again.

​Simply put, re-targeting adds immense value and opportunity to any business, and there is no reason to delay adding re-targeting to your marketing arsenal. Adelante Creative can help you get started. Get in touch with us today for more information.

Kindly,

Alexandra harris
FOunder