If you're gearing up for a website makeover and are trying to decide what photos to use, we've got your back. There are many factors to consider when choosing which brand images should be included on your business website. Whether you're sifting through an archive of old photos or gearing up for a brand photoshoot, these insights are designed to harmonize your visuals with your site's identity, functionality, and objectives. It's time to give your online presence the glow up it deserves.
Orientation Matters: Opt for Horizontal Shots
The first impression your website makes often comes from its banner images. To ensure your images look great across different screen sizes and devices, opt for horizontal shots. These images can be easily stretched across the width of your web pages, providing a visually appealing and cohesive look.
Prioritize Responsiveness: Zoomed-Out Images
As users access your website from various devices – from smartphones to large desktop monitors – it's crucial to prioritize responsiveness. Consider using zoomed-out shots that take up around one-third of the picture. This allows the main focus of the picture to fully be seen when displayed on different screen sizes.
Choose the Right File Type: JPEG for Web
When it comes to file types, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is the most commonly used format for web images. JPEG images provide a good balance between image quality and file size, making them ideal for web use. They load quickly, ensuring a seamless browsing experience for your visitors.
Optimize for SEO: Label and Describe Images
Search engine optimization (SEO) isn't limited to text – it extends to images as well. To enhance your website's visibility in search engine results, label your images with descriptive filenames and alt text. Meaningful labels not only improve accessibility for visually impaired users but also help search engines understand the content of the image.
Mind the Resolution: High-Quality Imagery
When preparing images for your website, it's important to find the right balance between image quality and file size. The final appearance of your images on the web is determined by their pixel dimensions rather than their resolution. Resizing your images to fit your website's layout can help to maintain their quality.
Consistency Is Key: Maintain a Unified Style
Creating a cohesive visual identity for your website is crucial for building brand recognition. Maintain a consistent style across your photographs – be it in terms of color palette, lighting, or composition. A unified style enhances your website's aesthetics and helps convey a clear and cohesive brand message.
Optimize Loading Speed: Compress Images
Website loading speed is a critical factor in user satisfaction and SEO rankings. To ensure your website loads quickly, compress your images before uploading them. There are various online tools and software available that help you reduce the file size without compromising image quality.
Leverage Stock Photos for a Polished Look
Don't worry if you're missing specific images for your website. Incorporating high-quality stock photos can seamlessly fill gaps and enhance your site's visual appeal, ensuring a cohesive and professional presentation.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can make sure that your website shares the most professional images for your brand. Schedule a free 15 minute consultation with us at Small Business Startup Solutions if we can help you in choosing and integrating new photos to your business's website.
