Mastering Amazon image optimisation: Your guide to Amazon product images
10-minute read
Did you know that 83% of our digital purchase decisions are influenced by product images? That's right!
Yet, many Amazon sellers often underestimate the importance of high-quality images and create product listings that leave a lot to be desired...
We totally get it—graphic design can be pricey, and there’s no crystal ball to see how snazzy new images will impact your conversion rates.
But based on our years of experience on the Amazon platform, creating top-notch images might just be the game changer you're looking for!
This guide explores the art and science behind optimizing your Amazon images. We'll cover strategies to enhance your images, align with Amazon's requirements, and ultimately boost conversions and profitability.
Ready to elevate your product images on Amazon?
The importance of Amazon images
In the bustling Amazon marketplace, images are your silent salespeople. They have the power to captivate, inform, and persuade—all without saying a word.
The psychological impact of images cannot be overstated. Human brains process visuals 60,000 times faster than text. When faced with a sea of options, your images can make or break whether a customer clicks on your listing or clicks on your competitor's.
Moreover, Amazon customers spend an average of just 15 seconds on a product page. Within that short timeframe, they're zipping through your images rather than reading bullet points, picking up on essential details about your product's quality and reliability so that they can make a quick buying decision.
However, perhaps the biggest benefit of Amazon image optimisation is the impact on your bottom line. By maximising your conversion rates, you're helping to squeeze efficiency out of your advertising spend, reducing your Total ACoS and increasing your profit margins.
In essence, superior images are not just beneficial—they're vital for your Amazon success.
What are Amazon’s image requirements?
Before you start taking snaps and messing about on Canva, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with Amazon's image requirements. Following these guidelines ensures your listing stays compliant and maintains its spot in the search results.
All Amazon image requirements
Amazon have a have minimum set or requirements that all images must comply to on their site:
Images must accurately represent the product you are selling and match the product’s title.
Images must be provided in JPEG (.jpg or .jpeg), TIFF (.tif), PNG (.png) or non-animated GIF (.gif) file formats.
Images should be 1600px or larger for the optimal zoom experience.
Images must be 500px to 10,000px on their longest side.
Images must be clear, unpixelated and have no jagged edges.
Images must not contain nudity or be sexually suggestive. This includes both models and drawings. Kids clothing must not include a model.
Images must not include customer reviews, five-star imagery, claims (e.g. free shipping) or seller-specific information.
Images must not include any Amazon logos or trademarks, variations, modifications or anything confusingly similar to Amazon’s logos and trademarks.
Images must not include any badges used on Amazon. E.g. “Amazon’s Choice”, “Best seller”, etc.
Amazon's main image requirements
Main images must have a pure white background. This creates a consistent shopping experience for Amazon customers.
Main images must be professional quality photos of the product.
Main images must show the product as 85% of the image.
Main images must not have text, logos, borders, colour blocks, watermarks or other graphics covering the product or in the background. Products with multiple pieces must be relative in size, with no one piece enlarged.
Main images must show the entire product within the frame of the image, not cutting off any part.
Main images must not show accessories that aren’t included with purchase or any props that might confuse the customer.
Main images must only show the product once in the image, e.g. front only and not both the front and the back in the same image.
Main images must not include packaging, unless it’s an important product feature, e.g. a carrying case or gift basket may be included.
Main images of clothing must be on a model if it is clothing in adult sizes. The model must be standing, not sitting, kneeling, leaning or lying down.
By meeting these requirements, your images will not only look polished but also meet Amazon's standards for quality and professionalism.
Best practice for your Amazon product images
Focus on your main or primary image
Your primary image is the first thing customers see when browsing on Amazon, and as such, it needs to be perfect. A well-executed main image can single-handedly boost click-through rates and conversions (we’ve seen up to a 20% increase in conversion rate from primary image optimisation alone!).
The main image is the hero shot, providing a clear view of what the customer can expect. It should be visually appealing, clearly showcase the product, and accurately represent its features and benefits.
Invest in professional photography or a high-end 3D image render. Ensure the image is sharp, well-lit, and free from shadows. Experiment with a range of product angles.
Once you have an excellent basis for the primary image, you can also consider adding some creative elements, such as keywords of key ingredients, to better inform potential customers and potentially increase the CTR. Be aware that adding additional information or graphic elements is technically against Amazon’s terms of service, so be selective and subtle.
Once your main image is perfect, think about how it will appear in thumbnails across Amazon. Is it eye-catching? Does it stand out from the competition? Does it convey the product's value & USPs?
Ensuring your main image incorporates all these tips, will set your listing apart from competitors and draw potential buyers in.
With a standout primary image, you can grab attention and entice customers to explore further and buy.
Use all image slots
Amazon allows sellers to upload multiple images for a reason! Upload a full set of 7-9 images, and give them some variety. Give potential buyers a glimpse of what makes your product or brand special, and you might just spark their interest!
Each slot is an opportunity to showcase different angles, features, and uses of your product or brand. By utilising every available image slot, you present a comprehensive view that addresses potential inquiries and persuades hesitant buyers.
Start by showcasing your product from various perspectives. Highlight unique features, textures, or components with close-up shots. If your product is complex or comes with several parts, lay them out clearly in one frame to avoid confusion. You can even add 'Comparison Images' that compare your product's key features with similar products in the niche.
Lastly, consider the flow of your images. They should tell a story about the product, guiding the viewer on a visual tour from beginning to end. This approach not only keeps potential buyers engaged but also increases the likelihood of a purchase by providing all the information they need upfront.
Add text & icons to your Images - Mirror the bullet points
Images are powerful, but when combined with informative text, they become even more compelling.
Adding brief text or icons to your images can highlight key benefits or features that might not be immediately evident. Think of it as a visual extension of your bullet points, offering concise, impactful information.
Choose elements like icons or short calls-to-action that align with your brand's image. Ensure text is legible, using a clean font that doesn’t distract from the image itself. Use taglines to highlight features that differentiate your product from similar listings.
By mirroring your bullet points within your images, you reinforce the key message and value of your product, and help customers connect with your brand.
Create lifestyle images
Lifestyle images are your chance to show your product in action, offering a glimpse into how it fits into the buyer’s life. These images evoke emotion and aspiration, helping customers envision themselves using the product. It’s about creating a connection and showing the product's relevance beyond specifications.
Consider who your target audience is and what scenes resonate with them. If you’re selling running shoes, for instance, show them in action on a scenic trail or urban environment. Capture moments that highlight the product's benefits and align with the customer's lifestyle.
Ensure these images are authentic and relatable. Overly staged or unrealistic scenes can detract from the authenticity and appeal. Realism in lifestyle images creates trust and drives engagement, making your product more appealing to prospective buyers.
Use all available image space
Maximising the available space within your images is crucial for creating a visually engaging listing. By filling the frame effectively, you ensure that your product is the focal point, instantly drawing the viewer's eye. Large, clear images also provide more detail, which can be pivotal in influencing a purchase decision.
Avoid wasted space by cropping images appropriately and adjusting the layout to fit all necessary elements. If you’re highlighting small features, ensure they are prominently displayed, perhaps using inset images to zoom in on important details.
Using all available space in the primary image also helps your product stand out on the search results page, helping to increase your CTR.
Use image experiments
Experimenting with your images can provide valuable insights into what resonates most with your audience. Use Amazon's Experiments feature to refine your images based on real-time feedback, ensuring your listings are always optimised for performance.
Start by testing variations of your main image. Perhaps a different angle could yield better results. Review metrics such as click-through rates and conversion rates to gauge the impact of each variation, and let Amazon auto-publish the winner.
Continuously iterating based on data-driven insights helps you adapt to changing consumer preferences and marketplace trends. This proactive approach keeps your listing competitive and appealing, ensuring sustained success for your Amazon store.
In summary
Optimising your Amazon images is more than a strategy—it's a necessity for any seller looking to thrive in today's competitive market. By investing time and resources into your images, you not only enhance the appeal of your listings but also establish a professional and trustworthy brand presence on the UK's largest online marketplace.
Remember the importance of adhering to Amazon's image guidelines, focus on quality, and use all available slots to provide a comprehensive view of your product. Incorporate text and lifestyle images to tell a compelling story and engage your audience on multiple levels.
Ultimately, the effort you put into perfecting your images translates into higher engagement, increased sales, and a loyal customer base. By increasing your conversion rates, you make your Amazon PPC campaigns more efficient and drive up your profit margins.
Ready to take your Amazon listings to the next level? Start by applying these strategies and watch your conversions grow.
If you're keen to explore further Amazon UK strategies, get in touch to speak with an Amazon expert!
