The past 10+ years I’ve worked as a professional product photographer for a handful of small businesses. Working on various projects and with numerous different products, I’ve learned the importance of showcasing each product and the impact it can have on a small business that is scaling.

Entering the entrepreneurial world a few years ago, I’ve honestly been shocked to learn how many small business owners think they don’t need or can’t afford high quality images of their products. 😱

I want to first explain what the purpose of product photography is and why it’s crucial to your business.

The main purpose of product photography is to guide prospective customers from an initial awareness of the product, all the way through to becoming a customer and making a purchase.

I want you to take a minute to think about the last purchase you made online, think about what drew you into the item, it was most likely the photo(s) you saw that locked in the deal for you, right? You were able to see what the product looked like and most likely details about that product. Bonus points if you saw lifestyle images that gave you an even better idea of the product in an environment that was relatable for you.

Now Think about your own products you SELL, don’t you want to make it that EASY for a future customer to immediately want to buy your product. Here are FIVE reasons why you absolutely need to invest in high quality product images for your business, sooner vs later!

5 REASONS YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED HIGH QUALITY PRODUCT IMAGES

GET YOUR CUSTOMERS IN THE MOOD FOR BUYING
When someone can see a product and get an idea of what to expect from it, they are more likely to buy. Plus if you can showcase how your product solves a problem for your customer, the easier it is for them to make a purchase and images can help with that.

COMMUNICATE WITHOUT SAYING A WORD
Let’s be honest, most of us don’t really read all the details and at most we skim. So the best way to communicate with your customers is to show them all the details. Show all the colors the product comes in, show different sizes, show close ups of the product that are frequently asked about and show the product outside of its packaging.

INCREASE SALES AND LIMIT PRODUCT RETURNS
Gaining the trust of a consumer online is top priority and your product photos will help you with that. Showing a consumer every detail of the product will help them make a decision on something they cannot physically touch in person until it arrives to them. Being able to see those details not only gains their trust but also helps them understand and verify their purchase with very little product return, because the product will be what they expected to receive.

YOU CAN OVERCOME YOUR COMPETITION WITH THE RIGHT PICTURES
We all struggle with competition in business because every market is saturated with what you’re selling. You can make it easier to overcome your competition with the right kind of images. This means investing in more than your smartphone pictures. Hiring a professional product photographer will help you in this part of your business and you’ll see the difference it will make. Professional images are always identifiable due to their quality, lighting and clarity of the product. They can make a small business of three sisters working out of their home look like a big retail brand to their customers.

BUILD YOUR BRAND
Having high quality product images is a long term plan and helps build your businesses brand. It helps keep your business on the forefront of your customers minds and helps them identify with you easier. When they are scrolling through social media and they see an image that looks like your brand they will automatically think of you. Similar to when you see an image for Nike, Apple, or bath & body works, you automatically recognize the brand.

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Professional product photography is an investment into your businesses future and will help you with your profits over time. It isn’t an overnight reward but it’s lasting effects will help your business grow and be more recognizable. If you are just starting out you may have to take the DIY smartphone route and don’t think that is a bad thing. Everyone starts from somewhere and if that is where you are currently at in your business I want to help you out. Below you can gain access to my DIY product photography guide, it will walk you through a few quick tips on how to have some quality images on your own.