How to choose great website images

I can't tell you how many times I arrive at a website and shake my head at the images I find in the header and other places throughout.

Why?

The pictures don't support the brand or message.

Here are the 4 most common problems I see:

❌ Poor quality

The picture is low-resolution, or it is a low-quality stock image that looks dated. Maybe there aren't shoulder pads, but close.

❌ Generic

The picture of a man standing on the top of a mountain with his arms outstretched may be beautiful, but unless you are selling a mountain, it's not relevant.

❌ Depressing

The person featured in the image looks sad, serious, or distressed.

❌ Missing picture

An image forces us to stop and look, then read. If you only use words, you lose an opportunity to connect with your customers.

🤷🏽‍♀️ What can you do?

My top 3 tips on choosing images:

✅ Choose high-quality, high-resolution images

Make sure that every image on your site is high-resolution and clear. Your header image is the most important one of all. It should convey who you serve and how you make their lives better.

✅ Make sure your audience sees themselves

Our customers want to see themselves when they come to your website. If they don't identify with the people in your images, they will be less inclined to engage with you.

Note: if you are a solopreneur or coach, it's fine to feature pictures of yourself instead, but make sure you look professional and upbeat.

✅ Select an image that reflects how your audience will feel AFTER working with you

Think carefully: how will your audience feel once they experience your product or service?

What is the transformation they can expect? Will they feel happy, successful, or fulfilled?

Make sure your pictures convey those future states.

That's it! Now, that wasn't hard, was it?