I’ve said it a million times but photography is one of the best ways to make your website stand out from the competition. It can make the difference between someone leaving your website immediately or staying to learn more about you. Or even the difference between someone buying from you or going somewhere else for the same product or service.

I’m going to share with you how to create a dazzling first impression through photography that leads to a lasting connection with your audience. Then, I’ll give you some more information about how to take unique images yourself and a few of my favorite resources for quality stock imagery.

 

First Impressions are Important

You only have a brief window (about 30 seconds!) to grab someone’s attention when they land on your website. The photography you choose can make the difference between someone staying on your website or not. If people don’t like what they see, they are likely to click away before even reading your messaging or learning how you can help them.

I don’t want you to work really hard on social media, driving traffic to your website only for users to click away because your photos aren’t as amazing as they could be. Quality photos give your website a professional appearance and support your brand identity.

Not only that, but people are far more likely to read your content and connect with your message if they like what they see. So make a good first impression and don’t skimp on photography.

 

Establish your Credibility

My favorite websites incorporate lots of white space and stunning photography. Their photos relate to what the business offers so that I can get a clear picture of how they can help me. The quality of the imagery is crisp so that it adds to the design instead of detracting from it. Most importantly they help to establish the business owner as a credible practice that I would purchase from.

Your website should help to establish you as a professional resource in your industry. Poor photography choices can lead to confusion and a lack of credibility with your audience. Simply because poor visuals make you look less trustworthy.

Don’t make this mistake! Use high-quality imagery that builds credibility with your website visitors. Choose photography that supports your brand identity and allows your audience to take note of what you do and how you can help them.

 

Show off your Personality

Stock photography is a great first step but incorporating a few photos that show off your personality is even better. Why? Because showing photos of yourself allows potential clients or customers to get to know you. Increasing the speed of that like, know, and trust factor.

Your photos should be professional, yet also show off your personality. Forget stuffy traditional headshots! Use an image of yourself where your smiling and looking approachable. You can even make the images a little more fun by posing in front a colorful backdrop that incorporates some of your brand colors.

Showing off your beautiful face is very important, but it doesn’t have to stop there! You can also show off your personality by incorporating little aspects of what makes you special in the photos you take. Of course, I only recommend this if you actually enjoy photography and can take quality photos. You can also accomplish this by sourcing stock imagery that really resonates with your brand or hiring a photographer to take photos for you.

For instance, if you’re a health coach or nutritionist, take some photos of meals or ingredients that you used in a nutrition plan you made for a client. Add these images to blog posts and related pages on your website to add some visual interest, show off your personality, and tie into what you do.

Taking your own photos will give your website a unique feeling. It will also build up that “like” factor by showing off your personality, making people more likely to get to know you and choose your product or service over another.

 

Where to Find Quality Stock Photos

As a website designer, I’m happy to help my clients to source quality stock photos. Because I know that it makes a huge difference in how effective their site ultimately is. Over the years, I’ve found some great resources for both free and paid stock imagery.

Keep in mind that, anyone can download or purchase the same image as you. This means that you might see your photo elsewhere on the internet from time to time. For truly unique photography, you can take the photos yourself or hire someone to help you.

With all that being said, here are a few of my favorite resources:

Free

• Pixabay
• Pexels
• Death to Stock
• Unsplash

Premium

• Creative Market
• Thinkstock
• iStock
• Shutterstock

Memberships

• The Stock Gallery
• Pixistock
• Haute Stock

Now you know why photography is so important for your brand and website. There are so many ways to make your website more effective at reaching your audience and turning fans into clients. If you want to continue to make improvements to your online presence, then grab a copy of my free Wellness Website Workbook. As you go through the worksheet, you’ll gain clarity on your goals so that you can make your website more engaging.