How To Select Images For Your Website
Using the right image for your article or blog post can make it more effective, and this article is about how to choose one image over another. We have another article on how to find images for your website.
Should it be artistic? If you want use an image for artistic effect, then go ahead use your artistic sensibilities.
But if your primary purpose is marketing, then choosing a picture is a different matter.
A picture is an excellent tool for gaining the attention of your reader. And if you want to learn about this, try reading “Tested Advertising Methods” by John Caples. Some of the recommendations from his book are included here.
The most effective pictures for gaining attention:
- pictures of brides, babies, animals and famous people
- people in odd costumes or odd situations
- pictures that tell a story
- romantic pictures
- catastrophic pictures
- news pictures
- timely pictures (such as Christmas related pictures at Christmas)
Men tend to look at pictures of men. Women tend to look at pictures of women.
You can use a picture that catches attention, but if it catches it in the wrong mood it doesn’t help.
The pictures that help to sell products most are pictures that are related to the product. The most effective types of pictures are:
- pictures of the product, the product in use, or a benefit received by using the product
- pictures of the attainment of an ambition
- picture of an enlarged detail
- dramatic pictures
In general, avoid being too clever. Use a picture of a sewing machine in a sewing machine article. Not a stylised version of a concept related to sewing.
Pictures of people’s heads are good attention getters.
An image helps get the attention of your reader, and draw them into the copy.