Selling online has become very popular as a way to market everything from yard sale treasures to family collections. There is nothing that will make or break a sale faster than the product photo you list with it. This is the only look your prospective customer will have at your product and an out of focus, blurred or badly lit picture is a good way to lose a sale. Don’t worry; we have some simple tips that will help you. It is all about making the product look appealing. A few easy steps can ensure you have a much better chance at selling your wares.

1. Lighting

It is important to have a lot of natural light if possible. Use your windows or white wall space to get a good shot. Pay attention to shadows. You do not want to place your product where the shadow is obvious. You may consider taking the picture outside if it is a nice day. Use the white balance on your camera and edit your picture before you post it.

2. Flash

Avoid using the flash on smaller items; especially if the item is something that sparkles, like jewelry. The flash will create a glare. If you have to, tape a bit of tissue over the flash. You may need the flash on larger items or items that are dark. Play with the lighting and backgrounds to get the best look. Using a box as a shadow box sometimes softens the picture.

Related: How to Write a Great Product Description

3. Background

One of the biggest mistakes people make when taking photographs of things they are listing, is not paying attention to the background. If your table is a mess, place a pretty cloth over it. Use simple backgrounds. Books, soft cloth, paper, lace and wood can make lovely backgrounds. Simply crop the picture to cut out any clutter around it. If you are selling something like a handbag, take a picture of it sitting on a table and also hanging from something like a purse hook, or even a door knob. People want to see how the bag will look on their arm. If you can take a picture with someone holding the bag, that is even better. Ask a cute friend to model a sweater or necklace and take several shots at different angles. Something like earrings may be too personal to photograph in someone else’s ears. In that case, a picture of the earrings on a black cloth or in the earring case is better.

4. Honesty

If there is a flaw in the item, make sure you list the flaw and do your best to show the flaw in at least one photograph. As long as you disclose the information in a clear and honest way so that the customer knows exactly what they are buying, you will still make the sale. The problem comes in when you do not explain the nick or scratch or show it in the photograph. Honesty is the best policy.

Follow us on Twitter!

4 Elements of an Excellent @Etsy Product Photo https://t.co/7zw6F1Tnku #etsy #etsyseller pic.twitter.com/oczVLbehmh

— Marmalead (@marmalead) December 21, 2015