This provides insight into a key discovery channel for online retailers.
Accessing the Image Search Filter
To use the new tool, merchants must go to Search Console, open Performance, then Search results, and choose Search type: Web followed by Multimodal. The filter specifically tracks image search activity, meaning no search queries appear in the data. Instead, users see metrics such as the number of views and clicks, average click-through rate, and the average position of their images in search results.
The Chrome browser also displays image search on new tabs. While the search itself is not new, the ability to monitor performance within Search Console is a recent addition.
Optimizing for Image Search Performance
Ecommerce sites can improve their visibility in image search by submitting an image sitemap through Search Console’s Indexing section. Shopify stores already include images in their sitemaps, but a dedicated image-only sitemap may help track indexation more effectively. Similar options exist for WooCommerce users.
Traditional SEO practices also apply to images. Product photos that rank well in text searches often perform better in visual search. Descriptive file names, relevant alt text, and keyword-focused captions contribute to improved rankings. Additionally, image quality affects click-through rates. Low-resolution or unclear images may see fewer clicks, even if they appear in search results.
In testing, images on Shopify “Collections” pages often receive fewer clicks due to lower resolution. Uploading high-quality versions of these thumbnails can increase engagement. Users can test this by downloading a thumbnail and running a reverse image search to see how it appears in results.
Strategies for Better Visual Search Rankings
Visual search algorithms identify objects in photos regardless of angle or color, but results often favor images that closely match the searcher’s version in positioning and style. Merchants can explore ranking opportunities by diversifying product images with multiple angles, colors, and close-up details.
Marie Haynes, a search optimizer, recommends exporting Search Console data from the multimodal filter and using generative AI tools to analyze why certain pages perform well in visual search. Requests could include identifying patterns like specific colors or textures that boost rankings. Insights from such analysis might guide the addition of complementary elements to product images.
