As always nothing stands still for long in the world of technology, which is exactly why we love it! Image search seems to be the latest on trend development. Although not a new concept, it’s only been very recently that retailers such as Amazon and Wayfair have introduced it to their mobile platforms. This is its first appearance within e-commerce but it’s only a matter of time before more brands follow suit.
Related: E-commerce customers | what do they want in a site?
Image search, or as it’s also known ‘visual search’, makes it even easier for consumers to find exactly what it is they’re looking for.
So, what exactly is visual search?
Visual search is a dream come true for consumers. It’s a tool that allows users to find exactly what it is they’re looking for within seconds. By simply uploading an image of your desired product, artificial intelligence can compare the pixels in the imagery. Allowing them to identify and return products most similar to it. It’s genius really. For example, rather than typing, ‘Blue Trainers’, which will return thousands of vague results, consumers can upload an image of a pair of trainers they like for a much more accurate result.
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As previously mentioned, although not a new concept (Google has had image search feature for a while now), past uses have been focused on content discovery. Now e-commerce brands are using it for product discovery, which is extremely effective.
What are the benefits?
Increased Social Sales – Already, we are seeing a huge increase in e-commerce advertising on social media. It doesn’t take long when scrolling for something to catch your eye. Digital marketing analysts predict that social media will become the preferred shopping channel for generation Z. Which isn’t too hard to believe. With more and more time being spent in front of social channels, it’s a natural progression. This is a real turning point for social sales as it allows brands to drive purchases from these platforms.
Time saving for Customer – Image search especially beneficial to users looking for an exact item. By uploading an image of what you want, it shortens the process. Therefore eliminating the need to type out your search and scroll through irrelevant content. If you find what you’re looking for straight away, you’re more likely to convert and less likely to get bored and leave empty handed.
More Influence – Another benefit of image search is that it can be a great cross-selling tool or influencer. Brands are able to recommend similar products, products that perhaps go with the item being searched for and display a visual image of how it will look. This is far more likely to convince a consumer to convert.
The next step?
Online retail is experiencing a major shift from keyboard to camera. If you’re UX experience isn’t slick, you are guaranteed to lose potential customers. E-commerce is fast game, to be in with a chance of success with your brand, you need to keep up. Speak to a member of our team to discuss how we can move your business forward, call us on 0870 062 8760.
If you found this blog useful, take a look at a previous one: Which E-Commerce Skills Make A BIG Difference? Or What are the Benefits of an E-Commerce Website?
