When it comes to selling online, makers often don’t realize they need to create their product photos - and product listings - from the perspective of a buyer, not their own.
This can feel hard because you’re so close to your work. Seeing your product from the perspective of a buyer isn’t something that usually comes naturally to craft sellers.
And if you’ve only sold in person or you're selling your products online for the first time it can feel challenging. Shopping online is a totally different experience.
Customers online can only experience product through a screen. They can’t hold, touch, smell, taste or try on your product like they could if they were in person.
That’s why your product photos need to do more than just look nice. They need to do a lot of heavy lifting because they provide clarity, build trust and help customers decide whether to purchase or keep scrolling.
Now this isn’t a step-by-step guide to take better photos. Instead, it’s a simple checklist for you to see if your photos are doing their job - helping buyers understand what you’re selling and feeling confident in saying yes.
Before you upload - or honestly before you even take photos - ask yourself these questions:
Product Photo Checklist Before You List Your Product
1. Can I easily tell what product is for sale?
If you came across your photos as a customer, would it be obvious what’s being sold, without guessing or zooming in? Is it super clear at first glance?
2. Does the product stand out against the background?
Is there enough contrast (a clear difference) between your product and the background? Or does the product blend in and get lost?
3. Is anything competing with your product?
Is there anything in the background that’s taking away attention from your product? Are your props distracting? Or is everything supporting and complementing your product?
4. Do your photos feel realistic and trustworthy?
Do they look like real photos taken by a person? Does the setting, lighting, shadows and overall vibe feel real and believable for your product?
5. Do these photos answer questions a buyer would have?
Can someone visually understand the size, texture, details and how to use your product without reading your description?
Remember, not everyone reads before they purchase a product. Many customers rely heavily just on the product photos to decide whether or not to make a purchase.
You don’t need to have perfect-looking photos. You just need photos that help a customer understand your product and feel confident in purchasing from your craft business.
When you start looking at your product photos through the lens of what your customer is thinking, it makes it easier for the right customers to find you - and say yes.
Bonus: If possible, ask friend or family member to give you feedback based on this checklist. Sometimes having fresh eyes can give you quick insight into what’s working and what you should consider adjusting.
Which one of these questions do you think your photos might be missing right now?