5 Ways to Boost E-commerce Sales through Visual Merchandising
We’ve been around the e-commerce block long enough to know one thing: the way your products look can make or break a sale. And we’re not the only ones who think that way – 67% of shoppers say that product images are a big deal when it comes to deciding what to buy.
But it’s not just about pretty pictures. Good visual merchandising goes deeper, influencing how customers feel, what they think, and ultimately, what they buy. It’s about creating an experience that draws people in and turns them into repeat buyers.
As digital marketers, we’re always hunting for ways to boost sales. That’s why we’ve put together five proven strategies to up your e-commerce game through visual merchandising. You’ll get practical tips you can apply right away to make your products stand out and your sales take off.
1. Leverage the Power of White Space
White space, often overlooked, is one of the most powerful tools in visual merchandising. Websites with ample white space see 35-45% higher visual attention compared to those with cluttered layouts or too little breathing room.
This proves that not everything is about aesthetics but about guiding your customer’s eye to what matters most – your products.
White space helps create a clean, focused environment that allows your product images to stand out. This minimalist approach reduces distractions and makes your site feel more organized and user-friendly, which can significantly enhance the shopping experience.
To do it right:
Space out your elements: leave room between your product images, text, and buttons.
Avoid cramming too many elements into one area.
Use white space to draw attention to important details, like CTA buttons or key product features.
Here’s how a brand implements this strategy:
Mannequin Mall is a niche retailer specializing in fashion mannequins. Take a look at their product page for the Female Dress Form with a Tripod Base. Notice how the empty space around the product images and customization options allows the product to take center stage.
This is a simple but effective approach that highlights the product without overwhelming the visitor.
This intentional use of white space creates a streamlined, elegant look that keeps customers’ focus exactly where it should be – on the product, driving a higher chance of conversion.
2. Show Your Products from Every Angle
When shopping online, customers can’t pick up, touch, or inspect your products like they would in a store. That’s why showing your products from every angle is essential. It bridges the gap between the digital and physical shopping experience.
Products displayed with multiple angles and close-ups see higher engagement and conversion rates because they give customers a comprehensive view. This helps build trust and reduces hesitation.
To do this right:
Include high-quality images that showcase your product from various perspectives: front, back, sides, and close-ups of key features.
Make sure the lighting is consistent and highlights the product’s details, textures, and materials.
Don’t settle for a single image or standard views. Go further by showing close-ups of intricate details like buttons, seams, or other unique elements.
For complex products, consider adding a 360-degree viewer or video to give shoppers an even more interactive experience.
Breville, a leading brand in the kitchen and cooking appliances sector, nails this approach with their Creatista Plus espresso machine product page.
They offer an array of images that showcase the machine from all angles, zooming in on everything from the sleek design to the polished steam wand and customizable settings. They leave no detail uncovered, making it easy for potential buyers to fully understand the product’s quality and functionality.
This strategy highlights the product’s best features and builds confidence in the purchase, helping to drive sales by giving customers the complete picture – literally.
3. Be Consistent on Your Category Pages
Consistency on your category pages might seem like a minor detail, but it plays a big role in how customers perceive and interact with your site.
When your product images follow a consistent style, layout, and design, it creates a smoother browsing experience. This makes it easier for shoppers to compare items, make decisions, and stay engaged.
What’s more, consistency builds visual harmony and reduces cognitive load, allowing customers to focus on the products themselves rather than navigating an inconsistent layout.
To do this right:
Use the same background, lighting, and image size for all your product photos on category pages.
Keep the angles and distances uniform to create a cohesive look.
Arrange your products in a clean, easy-to-scan grid layout with similar spacing between items.
Avoid mixing different styles, such as lifestyle images mixed with plain backgrounds, as this can disrupt the flow and confuse shoppers.
The goal is to present your products clearly and consistently so that customers can compare them at a glance.
Moto Machines, a specialist in motorcycle accessories, sets a great example of this approach.
On their collections page featuring Evotech Performance products, every item is photographed in the same way: against a white background, shot from the same distance, and displayed in a concise grid.
This uniform presentation makes it effortless for customers to browse and compare different accessories. The consistency creates a professional appearance while enhancing the overall shopping experience by keeping the focus on the products.
4. Use Video to Show Your Product in Realistic Settings
Video is one of the most powerful tools in your visual merchandising toolkit. It’s engaging, informative, and incredibly persuasive (82% of people say they’ve been convinced to buy a product or service just by watching a video).
When customers see a product in action, especially in realistic settings, it helps them visualize how it would fit into their own lives, reducing uncertainty and boosting their confidence in making a purchase.
To do this right:
Showcase your products in real-world scenarios.
Instead of just highlighting features, focus on the product’s benefits and how it solves a problem or enhances daily life.
Keep the videos short, high-quality, and authentic.
Use natural lighting, realistic settings, and real people to create relatable content.
Include close-ups to highlight key features and demonstrate how the product works.
Make sure the video plays smoothly on both desktop and mobile devices for the best user experience.
Vinyl Status, a brand specializing in custom stickers, decals, and wall art, does a great job of implementing this tactic.
On their custom wall decals product page, they include a video that shows their products being used in natural settings by real people – whether it’s decorating a home office, a kid’s room, or a business space.
The video effectively captures the product’s versatility and quality in action, making it easy for customers to imagine the product in their own spaces.
Showcase your products in realistic environments, and you’ll start building trust and inspiring customers to make a purchase.
5. Showcase UGC for Social Proof
User-generated content (UGC) is a goldmine for ecommerce brands because it’s authentic, relatable, and trusted.
UGC, like customer photos, reviews, and social media posts, is a major influential factor for 79% of people when deciding what or whether to buy. When potential buyers see real people using and loving a product, it builds trust and makes the product feel more attainable and desirable.
To do this right:
Actively encourage your customers to share their experiences with your products.
Highlight customer photos, reviews, and videos directly on your product pages.
Make it easy for customers to upload their content and consider adding incentives like discounts or shoutouts on your social media.
Showcase a mix of content (photos, videos, and written reviews) to provide a well-rounded view of your products in action.
Avoid filtering out all negative feedback. A balanced representation of reviews enhances credibility and shows that you value honest feedback.
Welly, a brand known for its fun and colorful bandages and first aid kits for kids, does a fantastic job of incorporating UGC on their Camping Bandages product page.
They not only feature text reviews and star ratings but also encourage customers to upload photos of their purchases. These images serve as mini-ads, showcasing the product in real-life scenarios, from scraped knees on camping trips to creative sticker-like uses by kids.
This real-world social proof helps potential buyers visualize how the product works in their lives, enhancing trust and driving conversions.
By showcasing UGC, Welly turns satisfied customers into brand ambassadors, making their products even more appealing.
Final Thoughts
We’ve walked through five game-changing visual tactics, but they’re useless if they’re just sitting in your brain.
So, what will be your move? Maybe carve out some white space or finally get that product video shot. Whatever you choose, do it now.
In the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it world of e-commerce, yesterday’s eye-catching is today’s wallpaper. Your products have stories to tell and sales to make. They’re just waiting for you to show them off.