If you ignore the importance of your website imagery, you risk harming your brand. 'Thrown together' images and generic stock photography will create inconsistency and confusion which could lead to missed opportunities and lost business.
1. High quality imagery will enhance and compliment your written words
A picture is worth a thousand words ... In today's fast-paced visual culture, high quality images that capture the imagination, engage your audience and create context in an instant, have never been more important. The 'right' image can make a more powerful first impression than words can on their own. The relationship between words and images is key - make sure you give the same attention to both.
People often think that it's the words on a website that is the key to conversion. While your text is of course, extremely important, your photography carries equal weight. The purpose of images on your website is to enhance your words and contribute to the flow of the message, improving user experience. You may have 'nailed' your words, but if your photography is underwhelming, your audience may miss the message you are trying to communicate and de-value your brand at the same time.
2. Attention to technical details ensures a polished final product
A professional photographer will have the technical know-how when it comes to bringing your brand message to life through high quality imagery ensuring that you stand out from the competition.
Just because someone you work with has a DSLR camera, it doesn't always mean that they will have the technical expertise or creativity required to take your website photography to the next level. Employing the services of an experienced photographer who can execute a visual representation of your brand message through quality imagery will be invaluable and you will reap rewards in the long run.
3. The pictures you already have may not work for your website
It may seem like a cost effective option to re-use old images or non professional images that have perhaps been taken for reference purposes for example. The pictures you have may be too small, the wrong proportion, or poor quality and appear pixelated on your site. A professional photographer will make sure that the images they create will work properly for your website both in terms of complimenting the layout and enhancing user experience and building brand consistency and credibility.
4. Unique photos distinguish your brand from your competition
The imagery on your website should be authentic, consistent and align with your brand messaging. Websites using generic stock photography to represent their brand miss a trick when it comes to visually differentiating their products and services. While using the odd library shot here and there is perfectly acceptable, nothing makes up for photography that is unique to your brand and which cannot be replicated. Using professional photography will result in a seamless visual expression of your brand story that complements the messaging on your website.
5. Professional photography builds brand credibility and trust
People will almost always visit your website before they make contact with you. They're looking for assurances to see if they can trust you with their business. If the photographs on your website are poor quality, generic or don't enhance your overall brand message, potential customers are likely to take that as a lack of care on your part and will take their business elsewhere.
Commissioning a professional photographer for your website photos enables you to build trust between you and your customers by showing them that you're willing to go the extra mile. If you are not prepared to do that for your own brand, why should your customers believe that you will do it for them?
If you're thinking about hiring a professional photographer for your website images, we're here to help. Please get in touch to chat through your requirements.
