How can you use images in your content to help it stand out and be more engaging? Including tips on how to find free images and how to use them effectively.
1. Invest in Quality Images
While it may be tempting to just search for free images, using them incorrectly could cause you to lose readers. You are better off spending a few bucks on quality images that can help transform your content into an engaging masterpiece. Also, high-quality images with the right dimensions can really benefit your site if you choose to use them as featured or lead images within posts.
2. Caption Your Images
The key is to keep people engaged by providing context for each of the photos you share with your audience. That’s why adding captions to your photos is so important. When possible, include information on where the photo was taken and/or who is visible within it.
3. Describe Images
As with any form of written content, you will want to sprinkle your images throughout the piece whenever possible. Of course, you can’t always be this concise. In those cases, use a description instead. Still, Be sure to include relevant keywords in these descriptions. So, your images show up in Google Image search results when people search for related terms.
4. Optimize Your Site for Mobile Users
While many web users are starting their searches on mobile devices, Google is rewarding sites that provide a good experience on all devices. To make sure your website is ready for mobile users, conduct an audit of your site and remove anything that may slow down page load time or render improperly.
Your content also needs to be easily scan-able, clear, and concise. If you need help distinguishing between what’s optimal for mobile users vs. desktop users, check out the infographic below:
5. SEO is More Than Just Keywords
Remember to use keywords several times throughout your content. However, Google also values user experience (UX) when it comes to search results. You can optimize for UX by including long-form content with an easy-to-use navigation menu that lets people move around your site with ease. Also, high-quality images will not hurt your ranking either!
Bonus Tip: Use Images as Anchors to Drive Users from One Part of Your Site to the Next
Now more than ever before, it’s important to keep your site organized with clear menus so users can find what they’re looking for quickly. An easy way to do this is by including images within the navigation menu that link back to relevant sections of your website.
6. Include Images within Your Posts
Incorporating high-quality images throughout your content makes it more interactive, engaging, and easier to read. It also gives each post a unique look and feel while maintaining consistency across them.
For example, you could create a custom image for each multi-part process or series section. You should aim to include at least one photo for every 350 words within a blog post.
However, that does not mean you should stick a picture in every sentence. Simplicity is key because your images should enhance your content, not weigh it down or force you to push the information within it.
For example, you might include an image for each of these scenarios:
- When you want people to see details that are difficult to describe with words alone
- When you need a visual representation of something abstract or intangible (like how something works)
- Whenever you include data points or facts that are more impactful when demonstrated visually
7. Use Photos of People within Your Content to Increase Engagement
When you share photos that include people’s faces, you create a sense of empathy between your audience and your brand. What do I mean?
Sharing images of real people within your content helps give your website a more relatable feel while strengthening the connection between your brand and its followers. For example, if you work in an office environment where everyone wears business suits all day.
In that case, it is easy for viewers to find themselves feeling disconnected from what you are trying to convey on social media or within blog posts. However, when you show faces and a message just as relevant within employee uniforms, the conversation suddenly becomes more intimate and personal. People love stories.
Most Important:- A Beginner’s Guide To Using An Image Compressors
We need them because they help us make sense of the world around us. And they can be wonderful tools for marketers who are looking to connect with their audiences in a meaningful way. A picture tells a story, and when you include photos within your blog posts or social media updates, you give people something tangible to latch onto and share. For example:
- Let’s say you are writing about financial planning and how it helps build wealth. Don’t just jump straight into numbers and charts without first establishing an emotional connection between your audience and the following information. Instead, start by sharing a personal story about someone who found themselves in debt as a result of poor money management (and yes, including their photo).
- Share of friends having fun together at events you have hosted
- Interview the people who work for your company to shed light on their roles and responsibilities within the organization (and possibly share their photos)
By including images that relate your story to real people, you can increase user engagement by making it easier for audiences to connect with what you are offering.
8. Create Compelling Thumbnails That Draw Users In
You likely know how important thumbnails are when displaying videos or other types of media content. But they also play a role in pulling in website traffic when it comes to blog posts, social media updates, and any type of written content. It’s all about grabbing attention, so users want to click on your links and spend more time browsing your available content.
Have trouble creating compelling thumbnails that can compete with other types of media? Here are some tips for making them pop:
- Include an eye-catching photo or graphics element. Remember, you want people to stop scrolling and pay attention. So, they will click on the thumbnail to read more. However, it’s important not to go overboard. If you use too many graphics, your thumbnails will start looking cluttered rather than impactful.
- Add text that tells users what they are clicking on (e.g., “Free Report” or “Exclusive Deals”). This shows your viewers at a glance what they can expect when they click through. It also distinguishes the content within the image from the surrounding area. So, people know exactly where to click.
- Try using a shorter file name (and title) for your images. So, they are easier to read and more eye-catching.
- Make sure the thumbnail is related to the content you are sharing before clicking through, as this will make it easier for users to find what they were looking for when they return. (e.g., “image5” does not tell people anything about the post’s topic.)