Why to use graphics on your site
Some of the most common questions that we’re asked are about pictures and graphics on a site or blog.
Now while you don’t need graphics – it is a common fact that by including them increases website effectiveness in most cases.
Yes, there are examples of ugly websites with no graphics at all and they do make money probably because ugly sites with an amateurish look can create a sense of authenticity in certain cases…
However, consider your target market when deciding whether to go for a very professional “polished” look or not.
When selling to businesses – professional is ALWAYS better!
So, for a polished looking sales page, consider hiring a graphic artist to do your graphics for you. Some of the most well-known “mini-site” designers in the Internet marketing niche include…
Design Guru Ryan – http://designgururyan.com
Brent and Joe – http://www.minisitefrog.com
Karl Warren – http://ecoverninja.com
James – http://www.minisitestudio.com
It just may be more effective, and it’s certainly easier if you’re doing it yourself.
One or two well-placed photos can go a long way in turning a bland HTML page into something that captures people’s attention.
So, where can you get photos to use on your site?
1. Use your own
2. Google Images
3. License it from a stock photo site
Such as…
Istockphoto
gettyimages.com
photos.com
stockphoto.com
shutterstock.com
IstockPhoto – happens to be my favorite source because…
- they have high quality standards
- they have a great selection
- they’re cheap! starting at $1.50, or less if you’re buying in bulk.
Be aware of license terms – generally you can not use it in an item for resale unless you purchase a special license.
If you don’t have any graphics editing software, you can resize images with Microsoft Paint (included on Windows computers).
For a more powerful alternative, you can get Paint.NET for free.
Now, I use a simple software program called Laughingbird Software…
Laughingbird Software, The Web Graphics Creator makes creating images for your web site (or your client’s website) a snap!
Laughingbird Software enables you to make great Ecovers, even if you have no graphics skills at all. You can make Ecovers for ebooks, software programs, audio recordings, videos, and much more.
You can grab it at a special low price at Laughingbird Software:
Action steps:
1. Decide what kind of graphics strategy you want to use for your website. For example…
-The “intentionally ugly” look
-The minimalist few graphics look
-Professionally designed graphics package
2. Put some images/graphics on your website.
As always, you are welcome to post your questions and comments below.
