Attract and Retain Readers Using Images
During a recent meeting, my blog was opened up to check for proof that I have been posting regularly. Oh, and I have been, thanks to my new-found method of stock-piling of posts. I did receive a very interesting piece of advice/feedback.
“Your blog is interesting, but when I scroll down, all I see is words. You should include images, because while it’s interesting, I don’t like reading.”
If you scratch out the “I don’t like reading” part, then it’s a valuable bit of insight. After receiving this advice, I’ve noticed how much more I enjoy reading posts with images. The fashion blogs, and comics that I have in my reader are the ones I always go to first, because they’re fun.
But, this is a blog about writing, so it should be comprised mostly of … writing. With images that serve to highlight or emphasize what’s written.
Ideas for Using Images in Posts.
- Use text boxes. It’s still writing,but like in a magazine, places emphasis on a particular phrase. That phrase will stand out more than if it were bolded, italicised, and underlined. If you want your reader to leave with only one piece of information, then put that piece in the box.
- Stimulate other senses using a video, comic, or controversial image. It’s practical to assume that the majority of readers are in the same niche as you, possiblybloggers themselves, and potentially read vast numbers of blog posts in a single sitting. The urge to scroll strikes often and fast. A video, or other visual, is often a welcome breath of fresh air, and will cause a reader to spend more time then they might usually at your blog.
- Put pictures of the covers of books you’ve read, and make the image a link. This can be done in a variety of ways. For book reviews, linking other bloggers and promoting their work. No author will mind you using a link to direct readers to where they can purchase a copy of the work.
10 Tips for Adding a Splash of Color really shows how a bit of color can grab attention, lift spirits and entice readers.
So, do you have any ideas about how to use images to enhance your posts?
October 5th, 2008 at 7:46 am
I have an image at the top of most of my blog posts.
I am very careful to only use images that I have the right to use. I can’t expect people to respect my work if I don’t respect others.
My biggest source is Wipikedia Commons. That place is great.
When I pick an image I try to find something that complement the text in a little odd way.
Lately I also try to keep a certain style on the images to keep a specific look on the blog, but I’m still experimenting.
October 5th, 2008 at 8:28 am
I totally have to start respecting image rights. I always just jump at whichever one I like best.
The other thing I’m confused about is how to include more than one image in the same post, with blogger anyways. I guess it mostly is about experimenting, trial and error.
Thanks for the Wikipedia Commons tip!
October 5th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Wikipedia, yes. Interesting way I spelled it
Most people use whatever image is at hand and to a certain point I think that is okay. If someone took a picture of just any bucket and I need an image of a bucket…
But if there is an artistic mind behind the photo, if the intention with the photo is to show skill, if you understand what I mean, then I try to show respect to the artist.
Once or twice I have sent an e-mail to the artist and asked for permission and it’s never been any problem.
But I have begin to add the credits at the bottom instead of right under the photo, because otherwise the first text shown in RSS and such are the description of the photo.
October 8th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
I actually pick out … (Create) a picture first, and then write around it. I think blogs are “short attention span” areas. Multiple pictures, and highlighted areas of interesting text or quotes will keep eyes scrolling down your page.
In my opinion, of course!
Surfing around a bit tonight, this post caught mine eye (wink)
Hello from SpeedyCat