Your Website Needs Visually Appealing Graphics. Period.
If you think that your words alone can boost your blog’s appeal then you’re definitely wrong. While it is true that quality content is essential, today’s bloggers need to consider other elements of their website to gain traction in an overcrowded market.
The creation of eye catching images on your blog is an effective method to help you get noticed. A combination of appealing content and images will surely result in a loyal customer base.
When people visit your site, you want them to like what they are seeing. The bottom line is that people like pictures! “A picture is worth a thousand words.” You have heard that before – are you following that advice that is subtle and written between the lines?
Still not persuaded on why your blog needs visually appealing graphics? Listen up people – grab a drink, sit back, get comfy, and start reading the important points below.
Build Brand Awareness
Even if the purpose of your blog isn’t commercial, it’s still in your best interest to create a personal brand. Your brand is the feeling or message people get when they see your blog. For example, if your niche is all about makeup, you’ll want to consider the kind of image you wish to portray. You could aim to portray yourself as a high-end, sophisticated cosmetics expert or aim for the vibe of a fun, eclectic instructor.
You would then determine the colors, typography, symbols, logo and other elements that lend themselves to creating such a feel. By using these elements consistently when you post anywhere online, you are building brand awareness. Each time that someone sees your sites or products and are exposed to these visual representations they will begin to recognize that as you. That is called branding.
Appear Professional (if you want to!)
Adding graphics that incorporate elements of your brand also makes your blog look professional. Be sure to choose high-quality images, rather than blurry photos or ones that appear overly promotional. We’ve all seen graphics that contain photos that are clearly outdated, generic stock images but there is no need to use those when there are plenty of sites that provide access to free images that are beautiful and well-done. If they allow commercial use and modification, you can add your own special touches such as overlays and text to customize them. Make sure you check the licenses to see exactly how you can and can’t use the images.
Get Shared
Posts that contain a visual image are shared far more than those without. Social media is one of the quickest ways your content can spread, and attention-grabbing graphics will surely boost the sharing. This is particularly true for a platform like Pinterest that relies on images.
Photos easily bring emotion to people. And when you combine pleasing images with exceptionally written content, then no doubt that will drive out emotions to your reader. Whether it will make your reader happy, or sad, or laugh, or cry, as long as you made your reader feel, that’s a definite win for your blog.
Your Website Needs Visually Appealing Graphics
Hopefully by understanding these few ideas, you are clear on why you need helpful images for your blog. The right images will not only help you get noticed but help others identify you with your brand.
If you are looking for a source of images, we have compiled a list of them fro you. Click the button below, enter your info, and we will send you this list.
Get your list of Free Image Sources
If you have a source that is not in the report, leave a comment below and share it!
I always add photos to my blogs but rarely use stock. I like to use my own and make the work in my blog.
That is the best kind to use, Martha!
I am building my online business of personalized stories for children with heaps of brilliant photos.
Every story has ten or twelve full-colour pictures and many of them are repeated on the website.
Children relate to photos in a way that drawn images do not achieve. Especially autistic children.
I have bever been taught to draw. As a highly visual person, I adore using photos in my stories.
Footnote: once, I would have said: “I can’t draw.” Now I say “I haven’t been taught to draw.”
That is great, Lesley! Using your own illustrations on your site is a great way to tie the website together with your stories!
In this challenge, on a new site, I focus on starting every post with an image in the same position – left at the beginning paragraph; use my own when I have an appropriate one. I like the consistency.
That is pretty much the same thing that I do, Ute! I like the way you think!
i like to use my own images too as much as possible.. and at times when not, try to find free images to use and attribute correctly.. i still am learning how to use them more effectively though..
Hi LadyInRed – Personally, I do not like to see those staged Stock photos of perfect people sitting around a table collaborating! Glad to hear you are using your own!
I agree that visuals really makes an article more interesting. It creates breaks in between the text.
I mix images from others with my own ones. This website of mine is still been developed.
How about inserting drawings, what do you think?
As long as they are relevant, Anja, I would think they should be fine. When you mix images from others, make sure that you have permission to use those images!