How Many Product Images Do You Really Need for Your Website?
Have you ever wondered if the number of product images on your website could make or break a sale? You’re not alone. Many business owners struggle to decide how many images are enough to showcase their products without overwhelming customers. In this post, I’ll help you find the sweet spot, share tips backed by research, and explain how the right number of images can transform your e-commerce site.
Why Do Product Images Matter?
When people shop online, they can’t touch or try your product. Images are their only way to get a feel for what you’re offering. High-quality, detailed product photos build trust and help customers imagine the product in their lives.
According to a study by Shopify, 50% of online shoppers say clear, high-quality images are more important than product descriptions or reviews when deciding to buy. That’s why it’s crucial to get this right.
The Magic Number: How Many Images Do You Need?
The exact number of images depends on your product and audience. Here’s a breakdown of what works best for different types of products:
1. For Simple Products
If you’re selling something straightforward like a face serum, a pre-roll, or a yoga mat, 1 to 3 images are usually enough. Include:
A front view
A back view
A close-up of any details (like texture, packaging, or labels)
Lifestyle shots (the product in use)
A scale image (to show size relative to something familiar)
2. For Complex Products
Products like skincare kits, cannabis vaporizers, or wellness equipment need more visuals. Aim for 2 to 5 images, including:
Multiple angles
Close-ups of key features
Assembly details or exploded views
Contextual images showing the product in real-life settings
3. For Fashion and Apparel
Beauty accessories, like makeup bags or hairstyling tools, often require 3 to 7 images to help customers feel confident in their choice. Use a mix of:
Front, back, and side views
Detail shots (fabric, zippers, logos)
Model images from different angles
Images showing variations (colors, patterns, etc.)
4. For Customizable Products
If your product can be personalized or comes in many variations, like CBD tinctures with different flavors or wellness gift boxes, showcase all options. Use 4 to 8 images to:
Highlight all variations
Demonstrate customization features
Show examples of finished products
Addressing Common Pain Points
“I Don’t Know What’s Overkill”
Too many images can slow down your site, and too few can leave customers guessing. Focus on quality over quantity. Showcase your product comprehensively without redundancy.
“I’m Not a Photographer”
That’s where I can help. At Lit Studio, I offer e-commerce product photography and bulk options for businesses that need a large number of consistent, high-quality images.
“It’s Too Expensive to Get All the Photos I Need”
Investing in bulk e-commerce photography can save you money in the long run. It’s cost-effective and ensures a uniform look across your site, which helps build brand trust.
Tips for Choosing Your Product Images
Start with Essentials: Begin with 3 to 5 key shots for each product.
Add Value with Details: Use close-ups to highlight unique features.
Incorporate Lifestyle Shots: Show your product in use to help customers visualize its purpose.
Think About Scale: Include size references for clarity.
Optimize for Speed: Use optimized images to keep your website loading fast.
Real-World Example
Black Owl CBD, a cannabis brand, saw remarkable improvements after partnering with Lit Studio. The Black Owl CBD team worked with me to create a detailed image strategy that brought their products to life. By incorporating high-quality product images and close-ups, Black Owl CBD enhanced the overall value of their products.
As a result, customers felt more confident in their purchases, leading to fewer returns and a boost in brand trust.
Black Owl CBD shares:
"Working with Keith has been one of the best decisions our brand has ever made. The images are always above and beyond expectations, and we couldn't be happier to be long-term clients. We will continue to use Keith and The Lit Studio for all our photography needs across every brand we manage. 100% satisfaction guaranteed!"
Wrap-Up: Quality Over Quantity
The right number of images depends on your product and audience, but the goal is always the same: make your product irresistible. By investing in professional e-commerce photography, you’ll ensure every image adds value and drives conversions.
Key Takeaways
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Front, back, and detailed views are essential for simple products.
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Use 3-5 images for products with more features or variations.
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High-quality images build trust, reduce returns, and boost sales.
How many product images do you currently use? Could your website benefit from more (or fewer)? Let me know in the comments.
P.S. Need high-quality images for your website? At Lit Studio, I specialize in e-commerce and bulk product photography to help your brand stand out. Let’s talk about how I can bring your products to life.
