Scientists at MIT have found that we can identify and process an image in just 13 milliseconds. To put this in perspective, it means we can identify an image around 60,000 times faster than we comprehend words.

Discoveries like these affirm how important website images can be to convey a message and capture the website visitor’s attention. Choosing website images isn’t always easy. So, we’re giving away some free tips to help you select the best website images for your business.

What are your website image options?

There are two common ways to source images for your website:

1. You can use stock images from stock image websites
2. You can use bespoke images that you have created yourself or have paid for from a photographer

Stock images are the most common images used on websites because they are convenient and relatively cheap. However, because so many website owners use images from a small number of stock image websites, you can often see the same images across websites.

So, how do I choose the right image for my website?

It can be difficult to know when to use what type of image. If you have the skill or budget for professional photos across your website then this is advantageous. But using stock images is perfectly fine, as long as you use them at the right times.

You can use stock images at any time other than on:

1. Team member profiles – the site visitor will likely know that this isn’t a real image of your staff and would therefore lose trust in the business
2. Product pages – you must advertise products accurately and therefore cannot use stock images for the products themselves
3. When multiple stock images have already been used on the page

The general consensus is that stock photos in corporate settings don’t look natural and have been proven to decrease consumers’ trust at times. Try to avoid these when possible.

WEBPRO Creative’s top tips for website imagery

Here are some additional tips from our in-house website designers for choosing images for your website:

Tip #1: Only use images of high quality. The quality of your images reflects your brand and the attention to detail you apply to your work.

Tip #2: Match the size and shape of your images with existing branding. You don’t want your images to overpower aspects of your brand, such as your logo.

Tip #3: When you include people in your images, ensure those people match your target market and include people of different backgrounds. You want site visitors to see themselves in your images and resonate with them, which is easier if they see people who look like them.

Tip #4: Think about the colour composition. The colours in your images should be consistent and interact with the other colours on your website pages. The images and your web page shouldn’t be considered separate.

Even if WEBPRO Creative didn’t design your website, we can help you choose and add new images to your website. Get in touch today.