How to design best images for the webpage
Rajendra Zadpe
Web standards rise continually, changing our expectations towards a webpage. We want to find information quickly, we want to socialize, we want to get entertained, and we want all of it to happen on a personal level. The key to designing efficient, attractive, and personal webpages is the use of a wide range of engaging media.
Let me discuss some ideas to keep in mind as you go about using images in your webpages and webpage free templates for best images.
Use Images with Purpose
Sometimes we are tempted to use an image in our website just to have one. A web page looks bare without one, and so we think something is better than nothing. Images that are included in a web page for the sole purpose of filling white space doesn’t help anyone. Jakob Nielsen, a well-regarded usability researcher, conducted an eye-tracking study to examine the impact of photos on websites. In the study, Nielsen discovered that participants ignored images when they served no purpose other than to fill the page with a visual.
So how can we determine if an image is useful or not?
Ask yourself the following questions to help determine if a photo you intend to use in your webpage is suitable and purposeful:
- Are there any benefits to using this particular image? For example, does it show off my product or service well?
- Does it help the user understand the point I’m trying to make?
- Does this image create emotional appeal? For example, does it help the customer visualize himself using the product being featured in the photo?
- How does this image relate to my brand? Does it speak to my target audience?
- What message does this image send? Is there a message being sent at all?
- How will my visitors respond to this image? Will it change their opinion? For example, will it help facilitate the buying process?
Use Photos of Real People
Studies show web designs that include people are more persuasive than those without.There can be an increase in signups just because by adding a picture of a smiley, happy person in the landing page of one of web apps!
Point Out the Obvious
Not only should you include people in your images, you should also use them to guide the user. However, when the subject gazes directly at the product, webpage or text, the eyes of the viewers follow the direction.Using eye direction isn’t the only tactic.Sometimes, images should just point out the obvious.
Use Images to Illustrate Concepts
Sometimes, a picture really is worth a thousand words. While filler images serve no purpose in the world of usability, images that illustrate a concept are immensely valuable. If a photo can answer the users’ questions regarding the who, what, where, when, why or how of a product or service, you’re using the perfect photo.
Optimize the File Size of Your Images
The average web page is 1.28 MB. 61.5% of that is attributed to images. If you aren’t careful, your site’s dependence on images can actually make the user’s experience worse because it slows down their ability to engage with the site.
Parting Words
Don’t just use images for the sake of using images. Use images for a greater purpose beyond filling up white space or making a web page more visually interesting. With a little forethought and consideration, images can be a powerful type of content that will enhance the user’s experience on your website.
Compress images
Larger files and page elements on your page will take longer to download. When you download an application or program on your computer, the larger the size, the longer it takes.
Images make your site look incredible. If you don’t have any images, you won’t convert visitors. People love images because they connect with them emotionally. Pictures tell a story. But if you have too many images, you risk huge impacts on speed. And honestly, speed is probably the most critical factor when it comes to site traffic.