Shopping visual is a trend in the retail industry. You may have heard of it before.
Well, what is it? How is shopping visual possible?
Read on to learn more.
Shopping Visual Search
Shopping visual search is not just a trend. It sure has lasting effects that can help retailers.
But, what is it?
Visual search uses images to find information instead of text. Through the years, we have seen how it helps us. Even in our daily lives.
Let’s have an example. Suppose you saw a lady in a coffee shop carrying a handbag. And you suddenly want something exactly the same.
With visual search, no need to type words. Nor spend time thinking of how you can describe it on the search bar.
You can simply take a picture of the bag. Then, the visual search tool will show you results based on it.
But, what if you couldn’t take a photo of it? Or you just saw a bag on the Instagram account of a celebrity you follow?
Well, visual search also works on screenshot photos. Searching is also not just limited to bags. It can also detect locations.
Say you saw a post from another celebrity. And you want to know which beach they went to.
Simply take a screenshot. Then, upload it to the visual search tool.
And voila! You’ll see a landmark of the beach.
Imagine how it makes things easier! You’re not just saving your energy for typing. You’re also saving time!
Now, how does it work for online retailers?
Shopping Visual Search For Online Retail
Shopping visual makes it easier for shoppers. To understand it better, let’s have another example.
You saw someone on the train wearing a nice pair of boots. Again, you want to buy something like it.
But when you’re on the search engine, you can’t describe the boots! When you tried to, you can only see irrelevant results.
Or what if you’re looking for a watch that looks similar to your Grandma’s? Then, you typed “silver watch with link band.”
All you can see are millions of results. Worse, you’ll see stores from other countries!
So, there is a need for easier shopping. Especially if you want accurate results.
But with visual search, that’s possible. It also benefits online retailers.
Let’s talk about these advantages.
Advantages of Shopping Visual Search
Organic Reach
Easier product discovery results in reaching more customers. How so?
Saw someone wearing a nice item? Or a post of it?
Take a photo. Upload a screenshot. And the visual search will look it up. But, not just that.
It also shows the nearest stores of the item. Or even the cheapest online deals.
As a retailer, it works as instant marketing of your products. But, less money to spend!
Gain traffic from social media
As we mentioned, people can also upload a screenshot from social media. So, brands get more exposure.
In fact, studies show that 75% of shoppers always look for their actual photo first. So, it shows how vital images are. And that’s why many brands are prioritizing this.