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The Importance of the Image Size for Conversions on Shopify
Last modified: October 10, 2023
The size of the image of your products can have a significant effect on the conversions of your products. Research has been conducted that has tested hundreds of participants on whether larger product images or smaller product images tend to lead to better sales on a website. The findings were very important and can impact how you edit and design your website.
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PixPix: Simple Image Editor
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Bulk Image Edit - Image SEO
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Swap Photo Editor
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Image Optimizer
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SEO Image Optimizer ‑ SEO
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Crush.pics - Image Compression
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Retail Ready Photos by Pixc
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Image Optimizer & Compression
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Image/Photo Gallery, Portfolio
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Photo Editor + Stock Images
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Smart Image Optimizer
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On Demand Photo Editing
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The Study
The study took two products, a shirt and a hard drive. The researchers then created a website with a large image and a small image for both products and gave them the same price. Participants were then tested as to whether they would buy the product or not.
The researchers thought that the smaller images would yield fewer sales than the larger images. This is because the general notion is that larger images allow your brand to showcase more of the product and the greater detail can be more important for customers.
What the Study Found
The study found some interesting results. When they looked at the shirt, those product pages with smaller images were seen as more valuable and therefore were generally bought by the audience. Those with the larger image were less favorably viewed. There are several reasons why this might be the case.
The first option is that the larger image takes longer to load and you would need to improve website speed. Speed does have an impact on conversions and therefore the larger image could have made a significant impact in that respect.
Or the larger picture, the shirt, might have made the customer feel like the clothes item was larger than stated. They might have felt uncomfortable buying the product because it might look baggy on them.
In contrast, when looking at the hard drive, the larger image performed better. The larger image gave customers the perception that the product was worth more money and therefore it was worth more investment. The price offered was, therefore, seen as more of a bargain than if the product had a smaller image.
Applying this to your Shopify Store
This is an interesting study that showcases that while customers want to see images before they make a purchase, larger images aren’t always better. You might need to make some images smaller for the customer to feel that they’re getting a product that they’re comfortable with. That isn’t to say that the larger images are out for all products, however. Some products will benefit from the larger image.
It might be that some consumable products or style products need to be in a smaller image and those that are status images (like computers, cars, houses, etc.) might require you to have larger images.
Considerations for Product Image Sizing
Adapting to Different Devices
In the field of e-commerce, the adaptability of product images across various devices is paramount. We’ve observed that images should be responsive, ensuring they automatically adjust to fit screens of different sizes, from desktop monitors to smartphones.
This adaptability not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes to a seamless user experience, a factor we prioritize, drawing from our extensive experience in e-commerce.
SEO Implications
The size of product images directly influences SEO, a factor often overlooked. Large images can slow down page loading speed, a critical element in search engine ranking algorithms.
We ensure images are optimized for swift loading while maintaining quality, a practice rooted in our years of digital marketing expertise. Alt texts, often underestimated, should be effectively utilized to boost image visibility on search engines, enhancing organic traffic influx.
Visual Appeal and Clarity
The clarity and appeal of product images are intrinsic to enticing potential buyers. We advocate for high-resolution images that capture the intricate details of products, offering viewers a near-tangible experience.
However, the balance between resolution and loading speed is critical, a nuance we’ve mastered over the years, ensuring images are captivating yet swift to load, optimizing user engagement and conversion rates.
Enhancing User Experience with Optimal Image Sizes
Impact of Image Quality and Size
In the competitive landscape of e-commerce, the quality and size of product images play a pivotal role in influencing customer perceptions and purchase decisions.
A well-optimized image not only elevates the aesthetic appeal of a product but also enhances the overall shopping experience. We understand that the nuances of image optimization can be intricate, drawing from our extensive experience in digital marketing and development.
Striking the Balance
Balancing image quality and website performance is an art mastered over years of experience. High-resolution images, while visually appealing, can sometimes hamper website speed.
We advocate for a meticulous approach, ensuring images are sufficiently detailed for zooming yet optimized for swift page loading, a practice honed from our years in the field.
Consistency in Presentation
Consistency in image presentation is a cornerstone of professional e-commerce websites. We ensure that each product is showcased with uniformity in size, style, and quality, reflecting the meticulous standards we’ve upheld over the years.
This consistency aids in seamless navigation and comparison, enhancing the user’s journey through the online store.
Adhering to Shopify Image Best Practices
Technical and Creative Aspects
Navigating the technical and creative aspects of image optimization requires a blend of expertise and innovation. Shopify supports a variety of image formats, including JPG, PNG, and GIF, each offering distinct advantages.
Our team is adept at selecting the appropriate format that aligns with the product’s visual requirements and the website’s performance criteria.
Shopify’s Image Specifications
Shopify’s flexibility in image sizes and formats is a boon for e-commerce entrepreneurs. With the capacity to upload images up to 4472 x 4472 px and a recommendation of 2048 x 2048 px for square images, the platform caters to diverse needs.
Our team’s proficiency ensures that each image is tailored to meet these specifications while resonating with the brand’s essence.
Customizing for Brand Identity
Brand identity is accentuated by the strategic customization of images. Every brand possesses a distinct narrative, whether it’s the striking appeal of vibrant colors or the understated elegance of pastels.
We are skilled at aligning image aesthetics with brand identity, ensuring that each visual element echoes the brand’s ethos and engages the target audience effectively.
Conclusion: The Importance of the Image Size for Conversions on Shopify
When it comes to increasing the conversion of your Shopify store, be sure that you’re covering all the angles. The size of your images might be something that you’ve missed. Consider the above study when you’re designing product pages.
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How do I resize images for my Shopify store?
You can use various tools and software to resize images, including Shopify’s built-in image editor, third-party apps, or desktop software like Photoshop.
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How many images should I have for each product?
It’s advisable to have multiple images showcasing different angles and details of the product to provide customers with a comprehensive view.
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What are the best practices for using images to increase conversions?
Use high-quality images, offer multiple views, optimize image sizes for quick loading, and consider the psychological impacts of different sizes on perceived value.
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