10 Essential Photos for a Successful Product Launch
Launching a new product in the e-commerce space is as challenging as it is thrilling. You innovatively created a new (or better) product, and now it's time to send it out into the world (hopefully with high ROI). With the sheer volume of competition, standing out is crucial. Your imagery isn't just a nice-to-have; it’s a need-to-have. It’s what first catches the eye, engages your audience, and convinces them to hit that 'Buy Now' button.
Ramen Bae's Delicious Debut
The Ramen Bae, founded by Jonathan Lam in 2022, specializes in instant—and nutritious!—ramen toppings and is ready to take your ramen game to the next level. (You can learn more about their taste-inspired origins here.)
With the launch of new products, TRB wanted to elevate its imagery and explore video content optimized for organic and paid social ads. Let’s dive into how we made it all happen and share some tips on how you can achieve a killer product launch!
Product Launch Video for The Ramen Bae
The Challenge of Launching in the E-Commerce World
As mentioned, launching a new product in the e-commerce space is no walk in the park. Your product needs to make an impression in a crowded market, and that’s where top-notch imagery comes in. Not only does your product have to look good, but the imagery needs to meet a few other parameters.
Why High-Quality Images Matter
Adhere to e-commerce image restrictions: Each e-commerce platform has its own set of rules. Meeting these guidelines is non-negotiable if you want your products to be seen. (We don't want your images getting rejected from the get-go!)
Prevent distortion: Properly sized photos ensure your products look their best, avoiding awkward stretching or pixelation.
Help SEO: Optimized images improve your search engine ranking, making it easier for customers to find you.
Shorten webpage load time: Quick-loading pages retain visitors and reduce bounce rates.
Attract and maintain audience interest: High-quality visuals keep your audience engaged.
Build credibility: Professional imagery makes your brand look trustworthy.
Show detail: Clear, detailed photos help customers feel confident in their purchase.
Behind the Scenes: Ramen Bae's Shoot
For this project, we worked with Potty Mouth Makery, a 3D print shop founded by the talented Grace Bray. She created custom display blocks inspired by Narutomaki (those cute fishcakes with the pink swirl), which perfectly tied into TRB’s brand vibe. These blocks added a unique and playful element to the photos, elevating the branding even more. (You can purchase them here.)
10 Essential Photos for a New Product Launch
Here’s a breakdown of the must-have photos and videos we captured:
Product Detail Page (PDP) Photos
These are your bread and butter: clear, high-resolution images that show every angle of your product. Think close-ups, 360-degree views, and even macro shots, if necessary.
2. Pack Shots for E-commerce Sites
Some e-commerce sites like Amazon require a clean, white background image of your product packaging, and it helps keep your listing looking professional and polished.
3. Banner/Hero Photo
The hero image is the big, bold image that grabs attention on your homepage or landing pages. It’s got to be eye-catching, uncluttered, and convey your brand’s essence in a single shot. (Some marketing strategists recommend still banners instead of sliders or carousels for SEO purposes and faster load times.)
4. Contextual Environment Product Photos
Show your product in its natural habitat! For The Ramen Bae, this meant a clean, simple shot of ramen cooking on a portable gas stove to demonstrate the balance of health, taste, and convenience the target audience is looking for.
5. Lifestyle Product Photos (with or without models)
Lifestyle photos tell a story. Whether you use models or not, these images should show how your product fits into your customers' lives. We captured people happily adding colorful, tasty Ramen Bae toppings to their ramen bowls made on a portable stove.
6. GIFs, Cinemagraphs, & Video
In the age of social media, moving images are gold. Short videos and GIFs can capture the experience of your product in action; they're perfect for social media and capture attention quickly. We shot vertical videos of the toppings being sprinkled into the ramen, optimized for Instagram and TikTok.
Product Launch Video
7 .Organic Visuals for Social Platforms
Don't forget to mix in casual, behind-the-scenes shots, user-generated content, and more candid images that keep your audience engaged.
8. Paid Ad and Advertisement Images
Paid ad images must be high-quality, scroll-stopping images designed to drive conversions. Think bright, bold, simple, and compelling.
9. Website Photos
Keep size ratios, placement, and resolution in mind to ensure your website looks professional and loads quickly. Consistency across your site will make for a smooth user experience.
10. Content Library & Evergreen Content
And finally, it's vital to build up a collection of high-quality, branded images that you can use over time for various purposes. Think: seasonal shots, unique angles, and variations that keep your content fresh.
Tips for a Successful Product Launch
Plan Your Strategy: Start your photography well before your launch date to give yourself time for editing and adjustments. Know when, where, and what size to display new imagery to ensure you’re using the right photo for the right platform.
Consistency is Key: Make sure all photos adhere to your brand guidelines for a cohesive look.
SEO-Friendly: Use correctly sized and formatted photos to improve webpage load times and search engine rankings. Add alt-tags and file names that are relevant to your product.
High Quality: Invest in professional photography. It makes a world of difference in how your product is perceived, and I can ensure you have the correct sizes and formats for your needs.
Mix it Up: Use a combination of stills, videos, and GIFs to keep your content engaging.
Tell a Story: Use your images to tell a compelling story about your product.
Product Launch Video for The Ramen Bae
Elevating Your E-Commerce Game
As a freelance product photographer, I can help you create all the imagery you need for a successful launch. Let’s work together to strategize and make your product shine across all platforms. I'll help you determine when, where, and how to display your new imagery to ensure it makes the biggest impact.
Got a product launch coming up? Let's connect and take the first step toward elevating your brand imagery for a successful launch.
Congrats & Cheers!
Jeremy
PS - Looking for more? I’ve got you covered! Here’s more inspiration for Bright & Bold Product Photography Ideas and 7 Must-Have Photos to Launch Your Restaurant.