Our Favorite Hero Image Examples in eCommerce (+ Conversion Secrets)

First impressions count, and in eCommerce, your hero image is the first handshake with your customer.

It's your one shot to make them stop scrolling, say 'I need that,' and hit add-to-cart. Whether you’re selling a sleek laptop, a cozy sofa, or the world’s fluffiest dog bed, your hero image needs to do more than look pretty—it needs to work for your brand.

So, how do you turn pixels into purchases?

Let’s dive in.

Fashion

Electronics

Beauty

Home and furniture

Food and beverage

Pet store

Jewelry

Fashion

Your homepage isn’t just a storefront; it’s your brand’s runway.

Are you showcasing styles that stand out, or are they blending into the background?

Let’s go over some fixes.

Leverage seasonal and event-based imagery

• Tie hero images to specific fashion events (e.g., New York Fashion Week, major holiday releases, or pop culture moments like music festivals)
• Use limited-time collections or exclusive event pieces in the hero image to create urgency and exclusivity
• Add a countdown timer to emphasize the time-sensitive nature of the trend

Showcase versatility with layered looks

• Create hero images that demonstrate multiple styling options for each item
• Highlight mix-and-match capabilities within the collection, showing shoppers they can get more wear out of each piece
• Include a CTA that leads to “Complete the Look,” encouraging customers to add full outfits to their cart

Highlight sustainable and ethical choices

• Feature eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton or recycled polyester in your hero images, with a subtle "Sustainable" tag
• Include messaging about ethical production methods, such as fair wages or carbon-neutral manufacturing processes

Incorporate motion and video for dynamic visuals

• Feature short videos showing models interacting with the product, like twirling in a dress or adjusting a jacket
• Use animated backgrounds (e.g., light changes or wind movement) to make the imagery feel more lively and engaging

Use color psychology to evoke emotions

• For bold, confident looks, use rich, saturated colors like red, gold, and black to evoke power and sophistication
• For soft, romantic styles, use pastel shades or earth tones to evoke calmness and warmth
• Pair the color choice with emotional copy, such as “Feel Confident in Every Step” or “Embrace Calm and Comfort”

Also read: How to Boost Fashion eCommerce Conversion Rate

Electronics

Electronics customers look for specs, value, and innovation. Your hero image needs to immediately communicate product highlights or promotions.

Highlight hero products with feature-driven headlines

• Use close-up, high-resolution images of the product, showing off key features like screens, ports, or unique designs (e.g., a sleek laptop with ultra-thin bezels or a phone with an advanced camera system)
• Pair the image with a benefit-driven headline (e.g., “10-Hour Battery Life” or “Crystal Clear 4K Display”) to speak directly to the customer’s needs
• Showcase product variants (color, size, storage) directly in the hero image, giving customers immediate options to explore

Push time-sensitive deals with clear pricing and offers

• Highlight savings alongside the product image, such as “Save $300” or “50% Off,” making it immediately clear how much customers will save.
• Add a sense of exclusivity by using phrases like “Today Only” or “Exclusive Online Offer” to encourage quick action

Feature high-impact product demos or use cases

• Include a hero image that shows the product in action, such as a laptop used for gaming or a smartphone being held in a hand, to demonstrate real-life usability
• Consider a split screen or carousel hero image that showcases multiple product angles to show versatility

Highlight product innovation

• Create a sense of innovation by using tech jargon that resonates with your target audience but ensure it’s simple enough to be understood by a broad consumer base
• Use high-tech visuals like glowing circuit lines or dynamic elements to reinforce the futuristic nature of the product

Showcase customer reviews or expert endorsements

• Integrate trust signals like “Bestseller” or “5-Star Rating” within or near the hero image to validate the product’s quality
• Feature quick snippets of customer reviews or expert endorsements within the hero section to build social proof
• Place review stars or accolades (e.g., “Top Rated Smartphone of the Year”) near the product image to encourage confidence in the product’s performance

Also read: eCommerce On-site Optimization: 26 Strategies To Boost Conversions

Beauty

A beauty homepage should feel like the first swipe of foundation—flawless and transformative. It should inspire customers to explore, experiment, and find their perfect match.

Use close-up visuals showing product results

• Showcase the transformation your products offer by featuring high-quality before/after images, such as clear skin after using a serum or bold lips after applying lip color
• Capture the texture and application process—think a close-up of a facial cream being massaged in or a foundation blending seamlessly into the skin
• Incorporate testimonials in small captions or badges on the hero image, such as "Clinically Proven" or "98% Saw Results in 7 Days," to further reinforce product effectiveness

Feature bundles and limited-time offers

• Highlight time-sensitive promotions like “20% Off Bestselling Skincare Kits”
• Showcase product bundles that offer greater value, such as skincare sets or makeup collections that complement each other

Showcase diversity in beauty

• Include a range of models in your hero images to represent a variety of skin tones, ages, and body types, demonstrating that your products are for everyone
• Align your visuals with social movements and trends that promote diversity in beauty, reinforcing that your brand celebrates all forms of beauty

Include aspirational messaging

• Use powerful, emotional messaging that inspires the customer to envision their desired outcome, such as “Unveil Your Best Look” or “Confidence in Every Stroke”
• Pair these statements with aspirational imagery that showcases idealized beauty—e.g., a radiant, flawless face that highlights the product’s transformative power
• Evoke the feeling of indulgence or luxury with phrases like “Pamper Yourself” or “Luxury Skincare for Every Day,” driving shoppers to treat themselves to premium products

Pair product images with influencer visuals

• Create a gallery or carousel format for the hero image, showing multiple influencers using your products in different ways, showcasing versatility and social proof
• Use short quotes or endorsement phrases, like “My Skin Has Never Felt Softer” or “This Lipstick Lasts All Day” from influencers or beauty experts

Highlight product innovation and unique features

• Feature new or unique beauty product innovations, like groundbreaking formulas, all-natural ingredients, or long-lasting benefits, with copy that emphasizes what makes the product stand out
• Position the product as a must-have by focusing on exclusivity or limited editions (e.g., “Only Available Here” or “Limited Edition Glow Kit”), driving customers to act quickly.

Also read: 33 Brilliant Ways To Improve Online Beauty Store Sales

Home and furniture

Shoppers aren’t just looking for furniture; they’re searching for comfort, style, and a story.

Your homepage hero image should help them see their dream home come to life, not just showcase products.

Feature lifestyle shots of rooms or settings using your products

• Create curated, styled spaces featuring multiple products from your collection, showing how they work together in a harmonious environment (e.g., a cozy living room with a chic sofa, throw pillows, and art prints)
• Use real-life settings that reflect the aspirations of your target audience, such as a modern apartment, a cozy cabin, or a vibrant family home, to inspire shoppers

Highlight bundles or bestsellers

• Curate product bundles that offer complete solutions, like a “Complete Bedroom Makeover Kit” or “Essentials for a Cozy Living Room,” allowing customers to envision the transformation
• Showcase top-selling products to give customers an instant sense of what’s popular and trusted by others, like a best-selling sofa set or stylish dining table
• Use labels like “Top Picks” or “Customer Favorites” to guide shoppers towards high-demand or highly-rated products

Use subtle CTAs that stand out

• Keep your CTAs bold—e.g., a contrast “Shop the Look” button
• Use phrases like “Discover More” or “Find Your Perfect Match” that sound inviting and explorative, encouraging customers to dig deeper into the lifestyle you’re presenting
• Ensure CTAs match the mood of the image—use warm, friendly tones for homey visuals, or sleek, minimalist wording for modern designs to maintain consistency

Incorporate seasonal or trend-driven themes

• Keep hero images fresh and engaging by rotating seasonal imagery, such as “Fall Comforts” with rich textures like wool throws and warm lighting or “Summer Vibes” with airy fabrics and light woods
• Align your products with current trends in home design, such as sustainable furniture or minimalist décor, to appeal to eco-conscious shoppers or those following design trends
• Use limited-time collections like “Holiday Entertaining Essentials” to push product relevance during specific occasions

Also read: 42 Ways To Grow Online Furniture Store Sales

Food and beverage

Great food visuals don’t just make mouths water—they make carts fill up.

Is your homepage serving up cravings or leaving customers hungry for better?

Feature close-ups of fresh, high-quality products or prepared meals

• Capture food on your F&B site in its most appetizing form with high-definition close-ups that showcase texture, color, and freshness
• Focus on the sensory appeal—show steam rising from a hot dish or a slice being taken out of a pizza to emphasize its warmth and freshness
• Pair close-ups with descriptive, evocative copy like “Taste Freshness in Every Bite” to elevate the emotional connection and stimulate cravings

Drive action with seasonal offerings

• Showcase seasonal or limited-edition products, like “Limited Edition Summer Smoothies Are Here!” to capitalize on the excitement of new, time-sensitive flavors
• Use vivid imagery of seasonal ingredients (e.g., fresh berries for summer or rich pumpkins for fall) to evoke the feeling of the season and connect the offer with current trends
• Emphasize the fleeting nature of the offer with copy like “Only Available This Season” or “Get Yours Before They’re Gone” to prompt immediate purchases

Use vibrant colors and textures to make products look crave-worthy

• Play with vivid, appetizing colors—think bright greens of fresh veggies, deep reds of ripe fruit, and golden browns of freshly baked goods—to make the food visually irresistible
• Highlight textures in your food, like the crispy edge of a pizza crust or the smoothness of a freshly poured smoothie, making the products more tempting and tactile
• Add visual elements like gloss or sheen (e.g., a shiny glaze on a donut or drizzled sauce on pasta) to emphasize freshness and quality

Leverage lifestyle and meal pairing ideas

• Suggest meal pairings or complementary products right in the hero image, such as “Perfect Pairings for Your Summer BBQ” or “Complete Your Meal with Our Signature Sauces.”
• Position your products as part of a larger lifestyle by showcasing how they fit into everyday scenarios, like meal prepping for busy weekdays or a celebratory dinner with family.
• Offer inspiration for how to use your products creatively in different settings, such as “Make Weeknight Dinners a Breeze” or “Elevate Your Weekend Brunch.”

Incorporate social proof

• Include testimonials or endorsements from influencers or chefs who can speak to the quality and taste of your products, such as “Chef-Approved Recipes” or “As Featured by Top Food Bloggers”
• Incorporate ratings or badges on the hero image, like “5-Star Rated by Thousands” or “Customer Favorite,” to reinforce the popularity and credibility of the product

Also read: Food And Beverage eCommerce — 41 Inspiring Email Marketing Examples

Pet store

Pet parents don’t buy products—they invest in joy for their furry friends.

Make sure your homepage is making that connection.

Showcase pet health and wellness

• Highlight products focused on pet health, like supplements, natural foods, or grooming tools. Use imagery of pets looking energetic, healthy, and vibrant to emphasize well-being
• Position pet health products with copy like “Boost Your Pet’s Vitality” or “Nourish Your Pup from the Inside Out” to appeal to health-conscious pet owners
• Incorporate imagery of pets interacting with wellness products, such as a dog being brushed or a cat enjoying a healthy treat, to create an aspirational, wholesome lifestyle vibe

Feature pet personalization

• Show pet products that can be customized, like personalized collars, engraved tags, or custom pet beds. Highlight these items with text like “Make It Unique for Your Furry Friend”
• Incorporate images of the pet wearing or using the personalized items, showcasing how they make pets feel special and reflect their personality
• Add a sense of exclusivity with wording like “Create a One-of-a-Kind Look for Your Pet” or “Tailored Just for Them” to give customers a sense of ownership and connection with the product

Highlight pet convenience and practicality

• Emphasize products that make life easier for pet owners, such as self-cleaning litter boxes, automatic feeders, or travel accessories
• Show pets enjoying these products in action, like a dog lounging in a clean bed or a cat eating from a self-feeding dish, to illustrate how the product benefits both pet and owner

Showcase pet bonding moments

• Use images that emphasize the emotional connection between pets and their owners, such as a pet snuggling with their owner or a dog excitedly waiting for a walk with its leash
• Highlight products that enhance these bonding moments, like interactive toys, pet training tools, or snuggle-worthy beds

Also read: 12 Reasons Your eCommerce Pet Store Has Low Conversions

Jewelry

Jewelry isn’t bought; it’s chosen for a moment.

Is your homepage capturing that sparkle and emotional pull, or are you just another shop in the feed?

Emphasize craftsmanship and materials

• Showcase the intricate details of your jewelry, such as close-ups of gemstones, metalwork, or engravings, to highlight the craftsmanship that goes into each piece
• Use copy like “Handcrafted with Precision” or “Timeless Materials, Endless Beauty” to communicate the quality and artistry behind the product
• Focus on the textures and shine of the materials, such as a sparkling diamond pendant or a gleaming gold bracelet, to appeal to customers who value luxury and fine craftsmanship

Showcase jewelry for special occasions

• Focus on pieces designed for celebrations, such as engagement rings, wedding bands, or anniversary gifts, to make the jewelry feel special and meaningful
• Highlight moments of emotion, like a proposal or a wedding, with images of couples wearing their rings or special pieces during these milestone events

Capture jewelry in real-life settings

• Use lifestyle shots that show jewelry in real-life situations, such as a woman wearing a bracelet at a party or a man sporting cufflinks at a business event
• Create aspirational imagery by positioning the jewelry as part of a chic, fashionable lifestyle, helping customers imagine how the pieces will look on them in everyday life
• Include relatable scenarios, like a close-up of a couple’s hands holding each other with matching rings, to create an emotional connection with the audience

Emphasize luxury with sophisticated aesthetics

• Use minimalist designs in your hero images to emphasize the luxury of your jewelry pieces, with soft lighting that highlights the shine and details
• Position jewelry against subtle, elegant backgrounds (like velvet or satin) to evoke a sense of exclusivity and opulence, appealing to customers who appreciate high-end fashion
• Add copy like “Elegance Redefined” to reinforce the premium nature of the products and attract customers seeking sophisticated pieces

Also read: Jewelry Product Page: 24 High-Converting Examples

Create jewelry collections to encourage upselling

• Curate jewelry collections to encourage customers to buy coordinating pieces, such as matching earrings and necklaces
• Show multiple pieces from a collection together in the hero image to give customers a sense of cohesion and how the pieces work together as part of a curated style
• Use CTAs like “Shop the Full Collection” or “Mix and Match” to encourage customers to purchase more than one item, increasing their order value

4 best practices to nail your eCommerce hero image

1. Endorse single-line messaging

• Optimal use of real estate–ensure the hero image isn’t stuffed with too much text that might look overwhelming for a visitor; try to keep your promotions simple (like how Kylie did it with their Valentine’s Day hero image)

• Brainstorm a website theme or layout with color palettes and hero images that resonate with your brand’s essence–originality and uniqueness are crucial traits in a hero image

• Your hero image could be a photograph, a background video, a graphic illustration, or even a stock image (if used wisely). In case of a background video, do keep tabs on the loading speed as well since it might disrupt user experience

2. Address user pain points with your CTA

• The hero image MUST have at least 1 CTA for the visitor to either access the product or category page; ensure the CTA is color-bolded to make it pop

• A product-centric hero image needs a product-centric CTA–“Shop Heat Deflector” is a better option instead of a generic “Shop Now” button

• Try to be innovative and give your CTA copy a personal touch–“Upgrade your Prenatal” from Needed and "Shop and Save" from Coco Kind are great examples

3. Create mobile-friendly hero images

• Design a layout in a way that is flexible for both desktop and mobile versions–the split-screen design from Ana Luisa is a good practice

• Brands can also throw in new perspectives on product photography with the right design and layout

• Ensure the copy and CTA are conveniently located in the mobile version as well

4. Go the carousel route (only if the layout is visual)

• Most brands prefer to have a single slide hero image–our experience suggests the same too!

• However, if you choose to have a carousel, ensure all the slides have a unique message (just like O.N.S)

• Even if you have multiple products to display, try to fit them into a single narrative (just like Soga Cookware)

Disclaimer: Carousel makes perfect sense if it’s contextual. If you have a single hero image while running an ad campaign for an event, you can afford to have an additional slide or two to ensure the visitor finds the same ad on the homepage for quick action.

Final Thoughts...

There’s no definite yardstick to measure the success of your hero image. However, there are 2 metrics that you can rely on - bounce rate and click-through rate.

If the visitors jump off your website within seconds (high bounce rate), then your hero image is not doing a great job at keeping your audience hooked. Also, a low click-through rate is indicative of clustered, overwhelming messaging and a generic CTA button.

The scroll percentage metric gives you a fair understanding of the user behavior as well.

Take a leaf out of these amazing hero image examples and follow the aforementioned best practices to improve sales and stand out from the crowd.  

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