Visual search is gaining ground in online consumer habits

Tools like Google Lens are transforming how we discover and purchase products online. But what about your e-commerce? Is it ready to take advantage of this revolution? In this article, we dive into visual SEO optimization for online stores, a topic both captivating and essential.

The Rise of Visual Search: An Opportunity to Seize

Imagine this: during a walk, a potential customer admires a shop window. An item catches their attention, but there’s no indication of the brand or model. Thanks to visual search and tools like Google Lens (as well as Pinterest Lens and Snapchat Scan, among others), this person can take a photo of the object and instantly get information about the product. Even more interestingly, visual search results can include links to online stores where the product can be purchased.

This technology, which seems straight out of a science fiction novel, is now an everyday reality. A ViSenze study reveals that 62% of Millennials and Gen Z consumers want visual search capabilities more than any other new technology.

Visual search opens new horizons for e-commerce, but it also raises this crucial question: how can you ensure that your products are easily found through these tools?

Image Optimization: The Heart of the Strategy

The answer lies in the SEO optimization of your images. Here are some tips to make your product photos irresistible to visual search algorithms:

1. Quality First: High-quality images are not only pleasing to the eye but also help visual search tools better understand and classify your product. Ensure your photos are clear, well-lit, and representative of the product.
2. Strategic Keywords: Just like text, images benefit from good SEO when associated with relevant keywords. Use descriptive file names, keyword-rich alt tags, and include as much pertinent information as possible.
3. The Power of Metadata: Don’t neglect the metadata of your images. This offers an additional optimization opportunity by incorporating valuable information that search engines will take into account.

Beyond Images: Develop a Holistic Approach

Optimizing your images for visual search isn’t just about refining your photos. It’s a comprehensive strategy that encompasses multiple aspects of your online presence:

1. Optimized User Experience: A fast, responsive, and easy-to-navigate website encourages visitors to explore your visual content and improves your chances of being discovered through visual search.
2. Enriched Content: Integrate your product images into a rich and informative context. Detailed product descriptions, blogs, and buying guides around your images enhance their relevance to search engines.
3. Social Media and E-Reputation: Your efforts shouldn’t be limited to your website. Images shared on social media or mentioned in customer reviews also contribute to your visibility in visual search. Besides Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, creating a Pinterest account is highly recommended to increase your online visibility. As a visual search platform par excellence, Pinterest Lens is one of the most sophisticated tools available.

The Future of Visual Search: How to Prepare Today

So, is your e-commerce ready for the era of visual search? Now is the time to find out. Start with an audit of your current image and SEO practices. Identify opportunities for improvement and implement a continuous optimization strategy.

Visual search is not just a gimmick; it’s a natural evolution in how your customers interact with the digital world. As an e-commerce retailer, adopting and optimizing it for your online store can transform how your customers discover and interact with your products.