Every picture tells a story, or so they say. And our world is bombarded with images. From social media to websites and magazines, images sell and tell a story. All images are clearly not the same. And the way we interact with images is the deciding factor when it comes to staying with a story or even brand. Poor quality images simply do not cut it. They wash over us in a millisecond, and we move on.
Your receptors are finely tuned to pick up on images that make you want to act or interact. Likewise, when we spot a weak image or a generic smiling face with no consequence, then we do not connect. The moment is lost. The connection is gone, and it will never come back.
How can you ensure that your website’s images work for you? And more importantly, how can you ensure that you get the best images you can?
The quick answer might be to employ a graphic designer to handle the work for you. But this is only going to be worth it if you have a clear idea of what you want and need in the first place. Surely the best strategy would be to educate yourself in the art of making, working with and choosing images.
Today’s software such as Photoshop gives you the tools and makes it easier for you to select and work with your images. But many people feel intimidated by the level of expertise needed to the get the most out of the software. Why not consider a quick and productive training course? Adobe Photoshop training classes are easy to access and filled with practical advice and hands-on experience.
Consider becoming a producer of your images rather than a consumer of weak generic stock photographs. These images are often irrelevant to your purpose or brand. If that vital connection is missing, then you won’t be able to persuade people to stay and interact with your site. And if your visitors are not staying they won’t be connecting with you.
Taking photographs on your phone might be fine for your Facebook Page, but it really won't cut it if you want your website to look professional. Invest in a quality digital camera to get the results that you need.
Select and use high quality, as in high-resolution images. Images that are larger, within the framework, work better. In theory the more pixels, the better the quality. And it shows. It makes the impact stronger, and we are drawn into the picture. In essence the more we resonate with a picture, the deeper we are impressed with it. A good image has the power to move us. That makes it an emotional relationship.
Work with images that talk. These move beyond mere representation and add graphics and incorporate logo. This is where you can get creative with setting up shots. You are creating an image where people want to engage. They will want to be there, or will be persuaded that they can be a part of the world you have created in some way. They are known as actionable images.
Balance your use of images with the right text. Copywriting is a skill on its own, and there will be times when you need to work on this balance. Images and text are related. But in essence one should support the other. You’ll find that some products work better with a dominant use of image and minimal text and vice versa.
Using image is all about emotion. How well we relate to the image is a vital element in how customers and visitors can relate to your website and the story you have to tell.
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