Your AI product photos look great – but how are they affecting your eCommerce sales?
For anyone with an online store, this is the most important question when it comes to product photos. While AI photo generators certainly have the potential to reduce costs and save time, it’s still important to track the performance of these images to ensure they’re delivering results in the long term.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Why it’s so important to test AI product photos
- Essential measurement tools to track image performance
- How to safely leverage image AI with FinalTouch
There are several methods to track the success of product photos and images on your eCommerce store. Monitoring the impact of images on conversion rates is crucial as high-quality, appealing photos can significantly influence a customer’s decision to purchase a product.
Why Testing is Essential for AI Product Photos
Every element of your online store can impact sales and conversion rates. Your product photos are one of the most critical of these elements. And AI has made it easier than ever to create product photos at scale, without the heavy costs of traditional product photography. These images can also be extraordinarily lifelike. In addition, it’s easy to tailor them to specific customer preferences. These are all good things that can elevate the customer experience.
However, as with every new technology, it’s important to track the effectiveness of AI imagery.
Authenticity Matters
An image that is obviously artificial may raise authenticity concerns. If customers feel that images are misleading, the risk of shopping cart abandonment increases.
In addition, AI-generated images can differ from traditional product photos in subtle but important ways. Whether it’s a slightly different hue, an unexpected pattern, or the way light reflects, these nuances can have a ripple effect on an average customer’s purchasing decision. In worst-case scenarios, misrepresentative images can escalate cart abandonment rates, affecting your bottom line.
eCommerce KPIs
It’s also important to consider key performance indicators (KPIs) like customer acquisition cost (CAC) and customer lifetime value (CLV). An inaccurate or misleading product photo can lead to returns, complaints, or negative reviews, increasing CAC in the long term and diminishing CLV.
All of this underscores the need to carefully evaluate any AI product photo generator or tool that you use for your product photo requirements.
Essential eCommerce Measurement Tools and Methods for Testing AI Product Photos
Once you have an AI photo generator that passes the test in terms of authenticity and accuracy, it’s important to keep testing, just as you would with traditional images.
Here are some methods and solutions that belong in any eCommerce store’s toolkit.
1. A/B Testing
Also known as split testing, this is one of the simplest and most effective methods for tracking the performance of images.
To perform a test, simply split your audience by displaying two different images for the same product. Then, monitor which one drives more conversions.
A/B Testing can directly compare the success of different AI product photos. You can also use it to test these images against traditional ones that don’t use AI. The results can give key insights into customer preferences and shopping decisions.
2. Heatmap Tools
These tools show you how people are spending their time when they visit your site.
Tools like Hotjar can show where visitors are focusing on your online store’s product page. If more people engage with AI-generated images, that suggests that they are working well. You can also use these tools to evaluate your overall checkout process.
3. Google Analytics
Google Analytics is an indispensable tool for eCommerce managers looking to measure the impact of images on sales. By setting up specific goals and funnels, you can track user behaviors from the moment they view a product to the completion of a purchase. This comprehensive insight reveals how your AI product photos influence key metrics, from the average order value (AOV) to overall sales conversion rates.
4. Customer Feedback
Another great way to find out how your customers feel about your product photos is to ask them. You can use post-purchase surveys or feedback forms, asking customers about their experience with the product photos. These surveys can give you a window into customer preferences and spotlight areas for improvement.
5. Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) Tools
CRO tools are digital platforms that enhance a website’s performance, specifically in converting visitors into customers or prompting desired actions. They offer features like A/B testing, heatmaps, session recordings, and surveys, enabling website owners to understand user behavior, pinpoint issues, and implement improvements to optimize user experience and drive conversions.
Implement AI Safely and Effectively with FinalTouch
At FinalTouch, we understand the complex needs and challenges of eCommerce business owners. That’s why we work so hard to ensure that our platform delivers AI product photos that are realistic, as well as unique. Using FinalTouch, marketing teams can scale up their product photo creation, without worrying about authenticity or copyright issues.
Join our free early access today to harness the potential of AI while safeguarding your store’s KPIs and driving long term success.