Checklist for selling images for marketplaces

We are living in the time of total electronic commerce, where anyone can buy almost anything with a single click. In this world, the competition for online sales is fierce, and having high-converting visual content can be a deal breaker in a brand’s success. Now, product images don’t just show - they sell your products, your promise, and build trust with consumers. So, how can the brand create these selling visuals? Let's check together.

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Platform Image Requirements

Let’s begin with fundamentals: every e-commerce platform has its image size requirements. So, by simply following them, you already win by avoiding rejections and delistings. Before moving any further, it is recommended to have an extensive study of each platform, listing rules, image requirements, pros and cons for making visuals, and some hacks from gurus.

Table comparing image specifications for Amazon, Shopify, Shopline, WooCommerce, and Webflow, including file size, number of images, file types, and resolution

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Best Main Image

This is the thumbnail buyers see first. It must be clear, crisp, and instantly communicate what you’re selling. Your goal is to make it trustworthy and “click-worthy.”

High resolution (minimum 1000x1000 px for zoom)
Natural lighting or well-done studio light
No props, hands, or lifestyle scenes in the main image (unless the platform allows)

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Angles and Perspectives

Help customers “virtually touch” the product by showing all relevant details. You shall answer questions before they’re asked.

Front, back, top, bottom
Close-up of textures, stitching, or fine details
Open/closed states (for packaging, lids, compartments)

Four views of a plain white ceramic mug with a handle, shown from front, side, top, and angled perspectives on a white background — *(AI generated image)*

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Lifestyle Images (used in context)

Show the product in a real-life setting. This builds an emotional connection and helps buyers visualize usage.

Running shoes are shown during a workout (can be indoor or outdoor)
A lamp on a stylish desk
A bicycle ridden by a child

Keep it clean and uncluttered. Focus should still be on the product.

Person in black workout clothes tying a white athletic shoe with green accents, wearing a smartwatch, on a concrete floor

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Infographics and Call Outs

These are especially powerful for marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart.

Highlight features with text overlays (e.g., “BPA-Free,” “Fits All Sizes”)
Use arrows or simple icons to explain benefits
Avoid overloading with text—keep it visual-first

Please note that the infographics must be in secondary images, never on your main visual.

Cosmetic product jar labeled 'Collagen Solution' with holographic effects, surrounded by icons of DNA, skin layers, and skincare symbols

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Highlight What’s Included

If your product includes accessories, cables, or extra parts, show them all in one clear image.

Lay them out neatly - it must be clear what the customer will get with the purchase
Use a “What’s in the box” visual
Add labels if helpful

Diagram of the Nintendo Switch 2 console, showing detachable Joy-Con controllers, the main screen, dock, and kickstand with labeled connections — Nintendo Switch 2 Included Components Diagram
Photograph: Nintendo

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Clean and Natural Edit

Avoid heavy editing, fake shadows, or oversaturated colors, as it can drop any trust level towards the brand.

Use true-to-life, so-called “realistic” color correction
Clean the product before the shooting, or remove dust or scratches in the post-edit
Use soft, natural shadows - not harsh or fake-looking ones

Before-and-after comparison of three glass vials with bird's nest product in a pink box, with a small spoon, on an orange background

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Optimize for SEO

For your site (Shopify, WooCommerce), SEO matters.

Use proper file names: organic-nongmo-avocado.jpg vs. IMG_9381_final2_A.jpg
Add alt text for each image used on the site: “Men's white running shoes, size 40”

This will help improve your image search discoverability and accessibility.

Two glasses of bubble tea with tapioca pearls, one with light brown milk tea and the other with orange milk tea, placed on wooden coasters

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Summary

Your product image is the first sales touch point your customer meets - make it count. Use this checklist to ensure every visual works hard to build trust, answer questions, and, more importantly, drive conversions.

When done right, strong product photography can be the edge that wins the buy box, increases customer satisfaction, and grows your e-commerce business.

WHITE MARKER.