For most online businesses, quality images are essential. They can make or break an advertisement, a website, or even an entire brand.
Images draw attention to your products and services and help build trust and credibility with potential customers or clients.
High-quality images give your business a professional look and feel that reassures customers that you take your business seriously—this, in turn, encourages them to invest their time and money into using something from what you have to offer!
The importance of quality images for your online business
Quality images help represent your brand and attract the right people to your business. And when you choose the right images, they can stimulate people’s imaginations, increase loyalty, and make an emotional connection.
Good visuals can boost engagement on social media pages and improve the overall user experience on a website. They also help establish trust, so spending time selecting the right images for your business is worth spending time on. Look for images that align with your brand messaging and tell a compelling story.
If you’re looking for simple training on how to reflect your brand and business with stock photos then check out this workbook I created with Sage Media & Marketing!
How to choose the right images for your website and social media accounts
When trying to connect with a specific target client in a general online audience, having the right images accompany your posts is essential.
Before selecting an image, here are a few aspects to consider.
First, the file size. Your image size should still look good but it shouldn’t take too long to load.
Second, the fit. You want your photos to enhance your message and your content.
Third, permission. Before using an image, check for legal restrictions and copyrights! Make sure your license allows you to use the photos for commercial use, such as promotion across all social media platforms and to download photos.
I write more about stock photos and how to use them legally in this post called 5 Great Sites to Get Free Stock Images.
Tips for taking better quality images yourself
As a business owner, taking your own photos can help set you apart as well as create a unique look. It can also save you money!
While you can invest in expensive equipment, such as a DSLR camera and high-end lens, I believe all you need is a smartphone and a few photography basics such as lighting and framing. Phones these days take amazing photos and video and with a bit of practice, you’ll be taking high-quality photos in no time.
I co-created a course on smartphone photography, which I think you’ll love! Check out How to Take Excellent Photos with Your Phone from Sage Media & Marketing.
The benefits of using a professional photographer
While you can definitely take your own photos, there are also times to bring in a pro. Professional photographers are trained to create compelling images, which capture attention. They can also help you with headshots, lifestyle photos, and more that would be more difficult to capture on your own.
Using a professional photographer for key images when you’re ready can be a wise investment.
Images are essential for any online business. They can help you connect with your customers on a deeper level, communicate what your business is all about, and boost sales. Therefore, good-quality images should be a priority in any marketing strategy.
One more thing. You may be interested in my free resource library. This is where I keep my files, downloads, ebooks, worksheets and whatever else I manage to create. I love sharing what I learn and want to keep adding to this library so it becomes a wealth of helpful goodness.
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