In today’s world, where technology plays such an integral role in our everyday lives, it’s no surprise that customers are developing astronomical expectations and competition within eCommerce is growing like wildfire. The driving factor for success has shifted from offering a quality product at a competitive price point to providing an exceptional end-to-end experience for your customers — in what’s being referred to as “the age of the customer”.

It’s a fact; customers are drawn to a good brand story. C’mon, you can’t deny that you’ve fallen prey to buying a product because you fell in love with the brand and wanted to be a part of their story. When leveraged in the right way, brand stories can be incredibly impactful and encourage customers to form a connection with your products. Where better to support that connection than directly on the product page?

In the world of eCommerce, generating revenue is the name of the game. That revenue is dependent on purchases made by customers, which is why we put so much time and effort (and blood, sweat & tears) into optimizing the customer’s user experience. Countless hours are spent considering, critiquing and improving every possible interaction with the user, in an effort to convert shoppers into buyers. However, perhaps the most critical area of impact for eCommerce success is the customer’s ability to find product. After all, if customers can’t find the product they’re looking for, then how can we expect them to buy it?

You know the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words?” Well, it is especially true in the world of ecommerce. With more and more shoppers making the switch to online shopping out of convenience and availability, retailers need to make up for the lack of physical experience shoppers would normally get from experiencing the product in person. So, as retailers, how do we wisely choose images that will convey the “thousand words” we need them to?

The following four points will help you successfully provide your shoppers with the information they need to plunge into the buying process.

It’s no secret in the office that I’m a Harry Potter fanatic. I’ve read all the books. I’ve seen all the movies. My Spotify is stacked with all seven soundtracks. Needless to say, it came as no surprise when I took a couple days off to head to Orlando and witness the magic for myself. What I came away with was more valuable than any ( over-priced ) souvenir I could’ve purchased.