In a world of digitalization, visual content is the key to success. Holding tremendous amounts of power, images can make or break your website. On average, users spend 5.94 seconds looking at a website’s main picture. And it only takes just about 50 milliseconds (0.05 seconds) for them to form an opinion regarding your brand.
It means that your website’s images, along with other things such as copy, layout, font, and call to action, have the potential to make a lasting impression. It ultimately boosts the chances of conversion.
Read on to discover all the tips and strategies to incorporate images that increase engagement while conveying your website’s message.
1. Set the Theme
Before narrowing down what photos to go with, the first and foremost step is to set the theme. If you are doing the layout of images yourself, brainstorm the tone, settings, colour, and mood you are trying to incorporate.
But, if you are planning to use the services of a web design agency, remember to convey all your needs. Give your input regarding what you want and let them add to it. Mutually decide the theme and colour palette. Ensure everything on your website, from the design to the text, is consistent and aligned with the chosen theme.
2. Choose High-quality Images
The imagery you decide to use evokes a response, but it can tarnish your brand’s reputation if not chosen correctly. You have a choice between original ones and stock images.
Generally, it is a good idea to use unique and custom photos and graphics to connect with users on a personal level. However, hiring a photographer or a web designer can be expensive. In that case, purchasing stock pictures comes into play. With various images to choose from, you can get them at an affordable price. However, it’s important not to pick generic images, and you should always look to customize stock photos according to your brand.
Regardless of the option you choose, the images should have a large pixel, appropriate size, and decent resolution. A blurry, grainy, or vague image does more harm than good. If, by any chance, your website has unclear images, scrap them right away.
3. SEO Image Optimization
Once you have selected what photos to go with, the next step is to ensure your images are optimized. Image optimization reduces the file size of your pictures without compromising their quality. Utilizing this strategy lowers the page load time, as a mere two-second delay in your page speed can increase the bounce rate by 103%.
4. Don’t Overdo
Some marketers make the mistake of filling their site with countless photos. Remember, the goal is not to fill up the spaces but to use images strategically. So when you are adding pictures to your site, remember to go by the “less is more” principle. There should be a healthy balance of content and imagery, as both are integral to the website.
5. Are Your Images Relevant
Imagery is a vital tool in visual communication. While a picture is worth a thousand words, it is of no use if it’s irrelevant. Try to ensure the images relate to the context of your brand. A good photo defines your brand and adds depth to it.
Suppose Coca-Cola’s home page has a picture of a car on its main page. But we all know that the page belongs to a soft drink company. It wouldn’t be relatable and will fail to elicit an emotional response.
So, ensure the images you utilize speak for the brand and do not confuse the visitors.
6. A Human Touch
Showcasing human photos is an excellent way to boost your conversion rates. While people respond well to human photos, choosing the right face to represent your brand is the key.
For instance, if you use the face of a person your audience regards as welcoming and trustworthy, it will ultimately be translated to your site. But if you photograph people your customers view as shady, your site will take a 360-degree flip on the negative side.
So feature people who resonate with your target audience. Don’t go overboard with happy faces all the time. While people love seeing smiling faces, having too many might not sit well. Therefore, always include images that give off a genuine human element. It goes a long way when you build a connection with your users.
7. Positioning of Photos
You can’t just add photos haphazardly and expect huge returns. Positioning your images correctly is an art. Well-focused imagery leads to a more significant impact.
8. Use hero images
Hero images cover the entire screen. Being a unique type of image, it sets your website’s first impressions. It is usually the first thing your visitors lay eyes on when they land on your webpage. Make use of this feature and use a picture that conveys your message efficiently.
9. Product photography
The chances of website engagement are high when your products are displayed well from different angles. For example, if your business belongs to the apparel industry, an image of a person wearing it from various angles would entice customers more than a shirt lying around on a flat surface.
Multiple images give users a better grasp of the product. So if you want to boost your conversions, add pictures of the item you are selling from various angles.
10. Licensing
If you buy pictures from a third-party resource to design or revamp your existing website, make sure you know the licensing protocols.
You might encounter three standard licenses while downloading stock images: Creative Commons, Rights Managed, and Royalty Free. All of them have different standards, requirements, and restrictions. To avoid any potential legal trouble, you should be aware of the basics of the license types.
Conclusion
Whether building a website from scratch or revamping an old one, image selection is an important part of your website strategy. Images add beauty and grace to your site and create lasting impressions, so make sure it counts. If you are unsure how to go about it, consult the right web design agency, and let them do the magic.
