Are images important for your website?
Hey everyone!
This week I want to talk about the role images play on your website:
- Why it matters
- What kind of images work
- Stock vs. real
The reason is because many small businesses underestimate the power of images. But once you understand why their important, your ideal customer will feel connected to you before reaching out. And that gives you a leg up on every conversation you have going forward.
Let’s dive in!
Pictures can’t possibly make a difference—can they?
Images can be the deciding factor between someone reaching out or leaving your website.
While in previous issues we discussed the importance of copy, the images you use say something about your brand. They speak to your personality. They speak to your values.
All this matters when your ideal customer lands on your website.
There first impression is critical, and you may never get a second.
People experience a wide variety of emotions through images. Emotions that you can use to tell a story on your website. Images can empathize with people who are hurting. They can uplift someone who is experiencing frustration.
The problem is, most people go to a stock photography site and grab the first images they see.
This causes a whole slew of problems.
- No real connection to your brand
- These images are used everywhere
- Make your brand feel cheap and inauthentic
People smiling are the best images
People react with a positive emotion when they see a smile.
Positive emotions only create a deeper connection with your ideal customer.
Think of your website like a Chick-fil-A restaurant. When you go to a Chick-fil-A the people there are different. Customer service is of the highest importance.
Why?
Because it makes people want to go back.
Making you feel relaxed and in a positive mood.
When you put random images on your website, you are leaving a negative emotion. You are creating a Chick-fil-A with poor customer service.
Your website is no different than a fast food restaurant.
You want people to feel something when they experience your brand. Pictures of people smiling are a great way to do this.
Think twice before adding a stock photo to your website
I always recommend you hire a photographer and get photos taken of you and your team.
This goes a long way in establishing credibility in your brand and your business as a whole. A huge red flag for any website is a lack of photos, or using stock photos (especially if they are used in other websites).
If you can afford it, it’s worth hiring someone to take professional headshots and some general branding photos.
When people go to your about page, they don’t want to see random people. They want to see you! Here are some examples of great shots for a website:
- People talking in a meeting room
- A group of employees chatting
- Team photo with people smiling
Remember, every aspect of your website says something about your brand.
Don’t take this lightly!
That’s it!
As always, thanks for reading.
See you next Friday.
