Deciding which images to use on your new website can be both fun and challenging. Using great images not only adds to the website design, but it can also help communicate the story behind your business and help users better understand what makes it unique. In this article, I will cover several tips to help you choose images that demonstrate your professionalism and create a connection with your users.
Tip #1: Prioritize Quality
The easiest way to sift through a large stack of images is to weed out any that are low quality. Even if an image is relevant to your content, a grainy or blurry picture can make your design look unpolished and distract the user. By using one or two large, sharp images, you can keep the design simple and eye-catching without compromising the professional look or driving away your visitors.
Tip #2: Focus on Relevance
Due to the vast array of beautiful stock images available on the web, it can be tempting to choose something flashy or exciting that doesn’t have much to do with your business. While this might look nice in your website design, it won’t help your visitors connect with your content and could impact the effectiveness of your site. According to Brain Rules, when people hear information, they’re likely to remember only 10% of it three days later. However, if information is paired with an image, people can retain 65% of that information three days later. By pairing your content with relevant images, you can help your website visitors can better understand and retain information on your site.
Tip #3: Remember Your Audience
Keep your customers in mind when choosing images for your site. For example, if you are a homebuilder in Des Moines hoping to attract more families to the area, you don’t want to use a photo of a retired couple in a mountainside cabin. Consider using images that can help families visualize the lifestyle you can help them create, like kids playing in the backyard or a couple going on a walk in the neighborhood. Remember to do your research to better understand your buyers, and let that guide the way to choosing images that resonate with them.
Tip #4: Evoke a Feeling
We’ve all heard the phrase “a picture is worth a thousand words,” and this couldn’t be truer for website design. A user’s emotional response can often influence their decisions. For example, choosing images that showcase someone looking pleased with your service can help encourage a buyer to feel more confident in your business. In addition, images can inspire visitors and help them connect with your business on a more personal level, which may help you stand out from competitors.
Tip #5: Be Authentic
The more genuine and distinctive your images can be, the better website visitors can relate to your brand and develop an accurate perception of your staff and services. Try to find images that fit well with your brand and embody the spirit of your company. This might involve hiring a photographer to get professional images of your staff, office space, or portfolio. Doing this can provide you with a library of images that showcase your quality of work, company culture, and atmosphere.
Following these tips can help you choose cohesive, relevant images that improve the look of your website design and speak to your audience.
If you need help with your website design, Blue Frog Marketing can help! We have offices located in Denver, CO, Des Moines, IA, and Huron OH, partnering with businesses across the country. Contact us today to learn more!
