Now that cameras are ubiquitous thanks to our smartphones, everybody thinks they’re a photographer. Hey, I’m a selfie-queen myself so no judgement. But I’ve seen enough sub-optimal images on websites to know that it needs to be said:
Don’t crop yourself out of the group shot from last Christmas... This does not look professional.
I’m not saying that you need to splurge on a professional photographer and do a whole photoshoot for your website. However, if you can afford to do this, then by all means, go for it!
But for those of us who don’t have the big bucks to shell out on a fancy-schmancy niche photographer, we still need to be strategic with the photos we use on our website.
As your creative Wix guru, I can’t stress this enough to my Wix website clients. Good quality photos can make or break your website. Your website’s photos aren’t just nice to have. Good quality photos have the power to make or break your sales. They have power over your bottom line.
Two Reasons Why Good Quality Photos Matter for Your Website
1. Boosts SEO
Did you know that photos can boost your site’s search engine optimization (SEO)? Although search engines aren’t seeing your image, they reading the metatag information you provide, in conjunction with the written content on your site. Together, this combo can improve your search engine rankings.
Be sure to use relevant keywords in the file name, image title, and description on all your website images in order to benefit from this SEO boost.
2. Lead Generation and Conversion
Website users spend more time on websites that have photos. This means you have more time to engage your potential customers and more opportunity to sell to them. Images build trust, credibility and brand awareness. Good images are also more likely to be shared on social media, leading to increased visibility for your brand.
3 Tips for Improving the Quality of Photos for Your Wix Website
If you are unable to invest in a professional photographer for a photoshoot then here are a few better alternatives you can try.
1. Curate Stock Images
Use high resolution (hi-res) stock images. Find royalty-free images on sites like Adobe Stock, ShutterStock and Getty Images on virtually any theme you need. Unsplash, Pixabay and Pexels are also great sites for totally free hi-res images.
I include stock imagery in my Wix website branding package because I want your website to look AMAZING! Take a look at some websites I have created at tiannamarie.com.
2. Recruit a friend
If you have a smart phone with a nice camera built in, then have a family or friend with some photo knowledge take some great shots of you! A good quality photo is crisp, clean and in-focus. Backgrounds should not be distracting. Make sure your photos are high resolution (AKA no screenshots).
Pro-tip 1: Use the portrait mode on an iPhone.
Pro-tip 2: If you have to take a headshot, find a window that allows natural light in and stand in front of it. The natural lighting will level up your photo.
Pro-tip 3: Write a list of the shots you’ll need beforehand.
Pro-tip 4: Take your friend out for lunch or drinks to say thanks!
3. Let There Be Light!
Get a Ring Light: A Ring Light helps you have more control with the lighting reducing the shadows in the face and minimizes blemishes, while illuminating the eyes.
Get a Lightbox: Lightboxes are like mini studios and are perfect for taking photos of smaller products. You can find different sizes on Amazon.
If you’re ready to take your Wix website to the next level so you can attract better leads and generate more sales, let’s chat.
DM me on Instagram at @tiannamariellc or email me at tianna@tiannamarie.com. I’d be happy to help.