The value of images on your website

Are they nice to look at, or is there more to it?     

When it comes to website design, there are many essential aspects to get right. You need to make sure it’s set up using SEO principles. You need to make sure it reads well. And more importantly (from a designer’s viewpoint, of course), it needs to look amazing. 

This is where the images you choose come into play. 

But more than images being something ‘great to look at’, they serve a much deeper purpose. Your image choices should be part of your entire brand (and website) building strategy.

Why?

Because, like everything when it comes to marketing, you want consistency.

A picture is worth a thousand words!

So the saying goes. And as a website designer, I reckon it’s true!

People who love visuals often find that images can add depth and context to a story or content. Think of a website or blog scanner. The first thing their eye will be attracted to is an image. If your image is enticing, funny, creative, beautiful etc., they are likely to continue to read the words that go with your image. 

Images are also a great way to give a visual of your services when you’re setting them out on a page. Rather than ambiguous headings and long lists of what you offer, people will often click on an image or icon of a service to learn more. 

For example, I could have the words ‘web design’ on its own, and it would be sufficient. But adding a picture of a gorgeous website on a computer screen and it adds visual attraction.

Think of the big brands you know

Everyone knows the big brands when they appear in your newsfeed. Yes, they’ve probably got a bigger marketing budget than most of us, but they’ve worked hard on consistency with their brand imagery. 

You’ll see a logo, an icon, a symbol, a colour or a catchphrase and you immediately think of the brand. Think Nike’s tick, Cadbury’s purple, Macca’s big yellow M and so on. 

The great news is, everyone can achieve this if you stay true to your brand and keep it consistent. And you can tie in your images with your business and your passions. 

For example, if you’re a coach who loves supporting local artists and it’s your passion, combine your love of both into images that represent your business, but also promotes arts. Make it a part of your story. 

A quick story on imagery. 

Some of you may know Mon, a copywriter who often teams up with me to create standout websites for our clients. She had worked with a lady over 6 years ago who wanted to use her services again. Claire had lost Mon’s contact details but remembered her purple ‘Monstar’ logo. So, she Googled ‘purple Monstar logo Monique’ and voila – number one spot on Google. 

See, stand out imagery works!

The top 5 ways images add value to your website

1. Using the right images that align with your brand helps to create consistency across all your online platforms – your website and your social media. Imagery in business can be anything from your logo, your style of photos or icons, your colours and your font selection.  
2. Using high-quality images and pictures is visually appealing and will attract your visitors. We always recommend investing in quality imagery, so you don’t look like you’re running a budget operation. Once you have an image, you can use it across your multiple sites online. Our top hint – make sure it’s an image that will attract your ideal client. 
3. Your website can set the first impression your clients or customers will get of you. Using the right imagery is an excellent way to start building trust with your audience. If they are visually attracted to your site and relate to your images, they’ll stay on your page longer and will be keen to learn more. 
4. The right images can portray what you do in a visually appealing way, making it easier for your audience to understand what you do quickly. For example, if you’re a coach who offers 1:1 coaching, online courses, workshops etc. you can represent these quickly by using the right imagery. Your audience, who are scanning (and not reading), will relate to the images and click on what they’re interested in. 
5. One of Google’s ranking factors is having ‘alt image’ tags, so using images can increase your Google rankings. Make sure you’re using keywords in every image and completing your alt tag descriptions. Also, make sure you’re uploading the right size imagery too as you don’t want to affect the loading speed of your website. 

If you’d like help building your website (that looks gorgeous, keeps in line with your brand and has beautiful imagery), you should check out our websites in a box.

Disclosure: Some of the links provided in this blog are affiliate links. I only promote services that I personally use and love. I will be paid a small commission if you use this link to make a purchase.

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