Today is Day 2 in the graphic design for bloggers series, and we’re talking about the ‘why’ behind creating appealing graphics. The guiding philosophy in blogging tends to be the idea that content is king. While it remains true that quality content is essential, today’s bloggers need to consider other elements of their digital space to gain traction in an overcrowded market.
Blogs can be effective tool for relaying information, developing a loyal customer base, creating a platform for your freelance work and asserting yourself as an authority in your field.
However, to achieve any of these goals, your content must be seen by the right people. The creation of eye catching images is an effective method to help you get noticed. Keep reading to discover why your blog needs visually appealing graphics.
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You’ll Build Brand Awareness
As a solopreneur of any kind, it’s in your best interest to create a personal brand. Your brand is the feeling or message people get when they see your blog. For example, if your niche is all about makeup, you’ll want to consider the kind of image you want to portray. You could aim to portray yourself as a high-end, sophisticated cosmetics expert or aim for the vibe of a fun, eclectic instructor.
You would then determine the colors, typography, symbols, logo and other elements that lend themselves to creating such a feel. By using these elements consistently when you post anywhere online, you are building brand awareness. Each time that someone sees your sites or products and are exposed to these visual representations they will begin to recognize that as you.
You’ll Appear Professional
Adding graphics that incorporate elements of your brand also makes your blog look more professional. Be sure to choose high-quality relevant images, rather than blurry or random photos.
We’ve all seen graphics that contain photos that are clearly outdated, generic stock images but there is no need to use those when there are plenty of sites that provide access to free images that are beautiful and well-done. If they allow commercial use and modification, you can add your own special touches such as overlays and text to customize them. Make sure you check the licenses to see exactly how you can and canít use the images.
You’ll Get More Shares
Social media posts that contain a visual image are shared far more than those without. People relate to photos. Quotes elicit emotion. Infographics provide easy to digest content in a quick, visual manner.
It makes sense that such images would be shared more readily than simple text. Social media is one of the quickest ways your content can spread, and attention-grabbing graphics will boost your share numbers. This is particularly true for a platform like Pinterest that relies on images.
Hopefully, itís clear to see why you need images and/or some type of graphics for your website. The right images will not only help you get noticed but help others identify you with your brand.
Need some help creating beautiful images? Always wanted to learn PhotoShop? I recommend this simple, self-paced, online Get PhotoShop Friendly course.
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Thanks for sharing this. I have also experienced it that when I put up pictures in a post, that post does better than the one with no pictures or less pictures.
Yes, Shubhra, it usually will, especially when it comes to social love!
Karen recently posted…Basic Graphic Design Principles for Bloggers
Great topic! One of my “things” is to always add photos (lots of them sometimes). I usually use photos I’ve taken and I’m excited to be getting a photo backdrop and frame, should be arriving today! That way I can clear the clutter surrounding pictures.
That’s great Martha. I still use mainly stock images which can be a challenge to get right. Developing your own photography skills is a great idea, especially if you’re in the lifestyle niche and want to share a bit more of your own life with readers.
Karen recently posted…Can You Really Start a Business With No Money?
Although finding them is sometimes a chore, I do try to include graphics in each blog post, and this post is a good reminder of why that’s important. I agree, that though content is important, your content might not get seen without eye-catching images.
Hi Jeanine. Yes, I try and ‘batch’ image sourcing, finding and downloading as many as I can at once. When searching, I think in terms of the categories on my blogs and file them into folders based on those. I also try and sort through images regularly so I’m familiar with what I’ve got on file. Then I’ll know exactly which one to use for a certain post.
Karen recently posted…3 Online Courses That Helped Me Start Making Money with My Blog
We all know this- we just don’t practice it. Whether it’s the cost or the ‘last minute nature’ of our posting. But, you are right- the proper choice of graphics greatly amplifies the reach of one’s blog.
Roy A. Ackerman, PhD, EA recently posted…Don’t leave home without it!
Yep, and I think a lot of us here in today’s comments are participating in Ultimate Blog Challenge, which is a great stretch for us, but makes the ‘last minute posting’ issue several times worse!
Karen recently posted…8 Counter-Intuitive Things That Can Contribute to Success
You are right and your graphics are very eye-drawing. I try to use a picture with each post but once in a while I get busy and forget or use a less than great one. Good reminders.
Bonnie Anderson recently posted…Salzburg – We Needed to Spend Some Time with You
Yess! a good picture is like a treat to the viewers
Having a good design has always been the best way to make your work look beautiful. I try as much as possible to mske good of good graphics for my works.
Thanks for sharing