implement visual search

Why Should You Implement Visual Search?

Several popular search engines and social media platforms implement visual search. Why should you take advantage of this technology? A recent study revealed that 62% of millennials and members of Gen Z prefer visual search over all other search types. Keep in mind that these age groups are a key driving force in the market. 

In this article, let’s take a look at why you should implement visual search. But before that, let’s have a quick overview of its definition. 

What is visual search?

Visual search uses AI technology to help people search information by using images instead of the traditional text search. Hence, when you take a photograph of an object with a visual search tool, the software identifies the object within the picture. Afterward, the tool will return information and search results.

Visual search is particularly useful for eCommerce stores and brands. If you own an eCommerce store, implementing well-optimized content could make your brand be included in the returned search result. Remember that a company that appears in a popular search query could generate a lot of revenue. 

Benefits of visual search 

It’s crucial to take advantage of any new technology as soon as possible. 35% of marketers acknowledge that and plans to optimize for visual search in the future. Hence, there is no better time than today to get ahead of the competition. But if you implement visual search, what benefits would you receive?

The next generation will discover you 

60% of Gen Z now discover brands solely through social media. Furthermore, 69% of this age group are looking to purchase directly on the platform. These figures show that now is the time to get your brand discovered outside of traditional search fields. 

Connect with new customers 

Potential customers seek any kind of personal connection with a website. Trust is key in moving them to purchase your products. Visual discovery enables the customer to generate a more emotional connection with your brand. This will result in less price sensitivity. Thus, visual search makes your products compelling and personal. 

Increase your revenue 

This is probably one of the most important benefits of visual search. Optimizing for this tool requires some investment. However, the resources you’ll spend are truly worth it. A study by Gartner shows that early implementers and optimizers of both visual and voice search can expect as much as a 30% increase in their revenue by 2021. 

How to implement visual search 

Of course, you’ll only reap those benefits if you implement visual search with these best practices. 

  • Use structured data. It is crucial to provide search engines with as much information as possible. One way to achieve this is through structured data for images.
  • Also known as alt tags and alt descriptions, alternative text appears in the place of the image in case it fails to load. Moreover, search engines and even users read the alt text to better understand the context and meaning of a picture
  • Use descriptive file names. Instead of having your image named “IMG_12345.jpg”, rename it to something that is honest, clear, and concise. 

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