Google has recently added a new filter in Google Search Console that allows users to see the URLs that were viewed or clicked on when searching by image.
There are various interfaces through which Google offers image search:
- Google.com: Users can upload an image by clicking the camera icon on Google’s home page using any desktop browser.
- Google Chrome: Image search is displayed on any new empty tab in Google Chrome.
- Google or Chrome app (Android and iOS): Users can activate image search by taking a picture of an object using the app.
For ecommerce merchants, this filter in Search Console provides valuable insight into how shoppers discover products through image searches.
To upload an image on Google’s home page, click the camera icon on a desktop browser.
To access the filter, navigate to Search Console > Performance > Search results > Search type: Web > Multimodal.
The filter focuses on image search, providing information on URLs containing the image, views, clicks, average click-through rate, and average position in image search results.
Access the filter at Search Console > Performance > Search results > Search type: Web > Multimodal.
Optimizing Image Search
While Google’s image search is not new, tools are now available to track visibility in these searches.
Here are some tips to enhance your rankings, impressions, and clicks from image search:
Utilize image sitemaps
Image search results depend on Google’s index. Submitting an image sitemap in Search Console (Indexing > Sitemaps) can improve performance by directing Google to your product photos.
Shopify stores already integrate images in sitemaps. Consider using a separate Shopify image-only sitemap or a similar option for WooCommerce for better indexation tracking.
Implement traditional SEO
Basic search engine optimization principles are crucial. Descriptive file names, alt text, and captions with relevant keywords help images rank in both text and visual searches.
Focus on image quality
Image quality directly affects clicks. High-resolution images are more likely to attract clicks from users viewing product images.
In some cases, low-clicked ecommerce photos are thumbnails on Shopify “Collections” pages. Uploading high-resolution versions of these images can potentially increase clicks. Test this by downloading a “Collections” thumbnail and performing an image search on Google.
Experiment with different approaches
Try various product images and monitor the results. Visual search can identify objects in photos based on different attributes such as angle, color, or position. Diversifying product images with multiple colors, close-up details, and various angles may present new ranking opportunities.
For instance, a user uploading a photo of the front of a plush toy is likely to see similar results.
A photo of the front of a plush toy (left) will yield similar results in searches.
Utilize AI tools
Consider using a genAI platform for insights. Search expert Marie Haynes recommends the following:
- Export data from the new multimodal filter in Search Console,
- Upload it to a genAI tool to understand why certain pages rank well in visual search,
- Request a summary of the findings for easy reference,
- Implement the insights gained.
For example, pages featuring specific product colors or textures may perform better in visual search. Incorporating these elements could potentially boost rankings.
Keep track of changes and experiments, and monitor the results in the multimodal reports.
Request a summary of findings from the genAI tool for easy reference. Click image to enlarge.
