Fun fact of the day: the human brain processes imagery 60,000 times faster than text.(source). Despite this, we’re still seeing lots of professional sites who’s only image content is their header and ads.
Visual spectacles like Tumblr and Pinterest are simply taking advantage of how the human brain works, making them not only extremely popular but also significantly more engaging than your average blog.
Don’t get me wrong, people are clearly using visual elements. The larger problem is that a lot of people aren’t investing in their image content because they either think their copy is good enough or they really don’t realize they’re costing their site.
Finding the best visual content for your site starts with understanding how powerful an image is, acknowledging your mistakes and finally moving in the direction to make better image choices.
The Power of Images
Interesting find: BrightLocal found that 60 percent of consumers are more willing to consider local search results that include images and another 23 percent are more likely to contact a business showcasing an image.
That’s a lot of power no matter the size. The point is you should never underestimate how a single element can be the difference between a user continuing or leaving. No users means no conversions which quickly leads to a dying business.
Let’s be honest – ultimately the percentages quoted above are just numbers. What truly matters is how your visual content impacts on the human psyche. Advertising agencies do this every day.
The above image is for advocacy against child abuse. The image automatically resonates and calls up emotions to actually incite change regardless of whether it is put into effect or not. By the time the image is seen and ingested by the viewer it already makes an impact.
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This is why a lot of viewers might deem advertisements for social change as “shocking” or “disturbing” – this is a strong image. Most of these types of images do not even require text to get their point across but the added accompanying text whether on the image, below or above it, amplifies these points.
And don’t worry: you don’t have to be advocating for social or environmental change in order to have a powerful image. You simply need an impactful image that drives the goal of your site.
Check Your Quality
Images of low-resolution can have a significant impact on your users. Sometimes this can be the result of not optimizing your images properly or choosing small images and then scaling up.
Sites just starting out are more likely to have “ugly images” compared to well-established ones. The “about” sections are notorious for this mostly because they opt for on-hand images that are typically small in size and low quality instead of taking new shots. Below is not only a good example of low-res images but also a failure in visual consistency.
Lighting issues can also contribute to poor images. Take this bed and breakfast image for example. It may actually be quaint but the photos don’t translate that due to poor lighting and lack of editing.
This year make sure that your image quality is top of the line even if that means you have to take some time out to get new photos. It will make your site look professional even if you’re just starting out.
Leave the ‘Stock’ Out of Your Stock Photography
Do everything you can to avoid manufactured, “generic” or cliche stock photography.
ridiculously good looking.
Of course, that doesn’t mean don’t use stock images. Not everyone is a star photographer or has the means to hire one.
The issue is with people who use generic stock that promotes friendly businesses, happy families, and thrilled customers. David Meerman Scott summed it beautifully when he asked “Who the hell are these people?”.
So, What Makes a Photo Look ‘Stock’?
Clearly it has nothing to do with the subject matter. The two images below tell the same essential story of a dinner party with friends – yet we instinctively know they are very different.
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(Righthand image credit: http://ift.tt/1Vv8vR4)
The left image is clincially lit and mathematically composed, framing a clutch of manicured models who hover over untouched food. They are paid to smile, not eat and drink.
The right image is soft, dark and imperfectly composed yet we get a sense of fun and warmth from it. This is a captured moment – not a pose.
Which one talks to you?
If that isn’t enough to make you rethink your choice in generic stock and thinking any pretty, high-quality image will do then consider Tommy Walker’s great article on stock photography. He covers some great points and researched cases including how one girl’s image ended up being used by over eight companies.
Where’s the Message?
David Ogilvy, “The Father of Advertising”, conducted research to find the correlation of sales to imagery. He found that an image with no correlation to the content can reduce readership and, in consequence, have negative effects on sales. This is due to lack of consumer response. Every image needs a defined purpose.
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Continue reading %Why Your Images Might Be Ruining Your Site%
by Gabrielle Gosha via SitePoint
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