How can you use pictures, photos and other images that create a connection with your website visitor?
Proper use of images can emulate an immediate personal connection with
your website visitor.
First and foremost, DO NOT over use or overload your website with images,
photos or picture. Overuse slows your website loading down and
ineffective images are just a waste of space. Images need to give
insight into your company and your brand. They don’t need to just be
pretty pictures. There are 5 types of images or photos that need to be included
on almost every website.
1. Who you are. A photo of the owner, board of directors and a complete
team picture or other person that reveals passion, drive, excitement or
confidence can fulfill this need. Why do we need this type of photo?
Your website visitor wants to know that there is a really person behind
the words. It builds trust right from their first glance. Who knows how
much a picture can really say?
2. Your workplace. This image can be portrayed in
the photo that show who you are, but if you own a yoga studio or a place where the
environment is important to the visitors, you may want additional photos.
3. Pictures of informational products. Whether you have a digital e-book
or an electronic magazine, you must have a picture of your product. Make this a
picture that gives your user an idea of what the product includes. This
not only gives your visitor an image for them to associate with the
product, but also gives your product more dimension and character.
4. Sign your work. Do you like getting a snail mail letter from a dear
friend? Think about how exciting it is when you receive the envelope in
the mail with your hand-written address. Place an image of your signature
at the end of the web page like you were signing a letter. This gives the
reader that warm fuzzy feeling of receiving a snail mail letter.
5. Logos. Dont forget to include your logo in the top right hand corner
(where people look first when they visit a web page). AND logos of any
affiliates, strategic partners, alliances or previous employers and add
website links to each logo. These logos are like testimonials, as they
provide reference to your credibility.
Now that you know what types of images should be included to make your
website effective, remember to consider image quality and brand
representation. If your images are not representing you and your brand,
you must reconsider your selection.
Jen Blackert, The Online Success Coach, teaches small business owners how to brand and market their website with her simple eBranding success system. Visit her website at http://www.brandterra.com and her online reality blog at http://www.ibrandweb.com.
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