If you want to sell on Amazon, there's no getting around attractive product images. Many retailers are faced with the decision: Should I take the photos myself or should I hire an expert? In this article, you will find out why the decision determines success and failure on Amazon, when your own photos are exceptionally sufficient - and when you are standing in your own way.
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Why product images on Amazon are so important
Product images are the shop window of your Amazon store. They decide whether customers stay with you or keep scrolling.
Product images as the key to success
- Pictures are the first impression of a product for buyers.
- A good photo makes people want to find out more. A bad picture immediately costs you potential buyers.
- Nobody sells on Amazon just for fun - it's all about top rankings and long-term success.
Since corona: more competition and higher demands
The last few years have changed Amazon. Corona has brought many new retailers to the marketplace because retail has suffered.
- Never before have there been so many new retailers in such a short space of time.
- The competition has grown, with many offering similar products.
- Customers compare much more closely and are becoming more demanding.
Why is "self-made" no longer enough?
Competition is tougher and many products look similar. If you start with poor or average photos, you immediately disappear into the crowd.
Mediocre photos lead to failure
- Those who only offer mediocre images fall behind in the ranking.
- A strong product needs strong images.
If your product is great but your image isn't, the customer won't recognize its potential. - This applies to every price segment. Regardless of whether the product is inexpensive or high-quality - the images play a decisive role.
The most common mistakes when it comes to "making your own product images"
Many Amazon retailers believe they can save money on images. Two myths persist:
Myth 1: "My smartphone is enough!"
The cameras on current phones such as the iPhone 13 or 14 take good photos. But:
That's not enough for Amazon.
- Smartphone pictures rarely look professional enough.
- Light, background, perspective and post-processing are underestimated.
- Without a lot of experience, you can't create a convincing, strong-selling Amazon image.
A self-made photo often looks like what it is: simply self-made. That may be enough for social media, but not in the tough Amazon competition.
Myth 2: "I know someone who takes photos!"
Many people fall back on friends who take photos as a hobby. Sounds clever, but usually misses the mark:
- Professional photographers are familiar with technology, but rarely with Amazon standards.
- Amazon requires certain image sizes, backgrounds and perspectives.
- Only experience with Amazon marketing delivers images that really sell.
A real-life example: retailers send friends out, invest time and money - and end up back with a professional because the results don't fit.
Self-tests cost time and money
Bad images don't just cost sales. They also eat up time and money.
- Hours of photography, post-processing and correcting.
- Despite the "friendship price", several hundred euros are often spent.
- The "cheap" way is often the more expensive one in the end.
Disadvantages of self-made product images at a glance:
- Lack of experience with Amazon requirements
- Time required for coordination, post-processing, improvements
- Costs due to failures and second attempts
- Missed sales opportunities due to poor conversion
When it makes sense to take product images yourself
There is one exception where your own photos may suffice: You don't want a top ranking or a sales booster, you just want to offer an additional product.
The special scenario: spare parts and accessories
An example:
You successfully sell a bicycle bag. Some customers need a new clip or a small spare part after a while.
- What counts here is customer satisfaction, not new rankings.
- The photos only need to show what is delivered.
- It's about service, not about acquiring new customers.
Such by-products do not need glossy photos. A clear, honest photo is completely sufficient.
Sales or service? The decision is simple
- Want sales and visibility? Go to a professional.
- Is it about service for existing customers? Simple photos are enough.
If the goal is sales - always hire professionals!
Why you need experts for successful Amazon product images
Most products on Amazon don't fail because of the product - but because of the marketing and the images.
Advantages of professionals
Experience with Amazon-specific requirements
- Professionals know the Amazon guidelines. Incorrect image sizes or backgrounds often lead to rejections or poor placement.
- They know how to present a product in the perfect light.
- Professionals use sales psychology in a targeted manner.
Pictures that sell
- Professionals know how to get the best out of a product.
- They combine marketing strategies with photographic know-how.
- The visual language is tailored to the target group.
Example: Stacvalley - Europe's largest agency for Amazon content
- Over 700 Amazon retailers rely on professional support.
- Strategy, implementation and aftercare come from a single source.
- The successes speak for themselves: more visibility, more sales.
Save money and time
- Investing in professionals from the outset saves expensive mistakes.
- No time wasted with subsequent corrections or new photos.
- The money invested comes back with better sales and less stress.
Directly to the expert:
If you are looking for support, you can book a free initial consultation with Stacvalley. There you will receive an honest assessment and an image strategy that suits your product.
Practical tips for better Amazon product images
Want to take off as a retailer? Here are five tips on how to get the most out of your product images:
- Avoid a selfie atmosphere:
Photos with your smartphone on the sofa won't convince anyone. - Use a clear image strategy:
Think in advance about what message the images should convey and what appeals to your target group. - Hire photographers with Amazon experience:
A good photographer is by no means an Amazon pro. Only those who understand the platform can use its possibilities. - Test and compare regularly:
Keep checking how your images compare to the competition. - Use professional agencies:
Services such as Stacvalley offer complete packages from a single source - from strategy to image editing.
Why are professional images so important?
- They are the digital business card of your product.
- They increase conversion and ranking.
- If you save here, you will pay for it later.
Don't save in the wrong place! Quality always pays off in the long term.
About Luca Igel and Stacvalley - experts for Amazon product images
Luca Igel knows the Amazon market from his own experience. When he started out as a retailer himself five years ago, he searched in vain for photographers who understood the special requirements for Amazon.
From retailer to expert
- Luca developed his own strategies and built up a team of specialized photographers and designers.
- Demand increased when other dealers saw his results.
Today, Stacvalley is the largest agency for Amazon product images in Europe:
- Over 700 dealers rely on the team from Kassel.
- Professionals for product images, videos, A+ content and PPC management.
- Customers praise the professional, creative and reliable collaboration.
You can find more information about the offer on the Stacvalley website. If you would like direct support, you can book an initial consultation here.
Conclusion:
Good product photos are not a luxury, but a must. If you don't want to sink into mediocrity on Amazon, rely on quality - and therefore on professionals who know how to turn a good product into a successful one. It's better to get it right straight away instead of spending time and money on corrections later. Good luck selling on Amazon!
