How to Choose Blog Images to Increase Views

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First of all, it’s important to note that blog imagery is a necessity, not an option. However, choosing blog images can be time consuming and frustrating. If you are blogging about ideas and services versus actual products, choosing blog images can seem overwhelming. You may be thinking why does it even matter? Hubspot rounded up some great data-driven information on the power of blog imagery. Posts with images receive many more views. Our attention span as humans continues to get shorter, imagery helps capture our attention better than just words.

So how should you choose blog images?

There’s no magic equation that will tell you how to choose blog images. Not every topic will immediately give you a clear image. But there are some tips on what could possibly improve views.

Don’t use cliche, dated or obviously stock images.

If you are writing about customer service, please no ladies in a headset! Just the sight of that cliche image may turn readers off immediately. And don’t use some image of words like service. That’s all been done to death. You have a new perspective so don’t revert back to dated imagery. Choose a blog imagery that is relevant and reiterates your point. Show an interaction between people

Another trap you may fall into is using images that are recognizably stock. Maybe you are blogging about workplace topics so you want to use a meeting image. But don’t choose one where people are in suits and their appearance is from a decade ago. That’s not how meetings look in 2016. Dress is more casual. Appearances are more modern. There are many more options showing people collaborating in an organic manner rather than posed cookie cutter models.

What about images for ideas or concepts?

Think beyond the topic. What specific words are you using in your title? Are any of them action words that would be easy to find images to represent. For example, if you used the word “segment” in your post title, you could use an image that portrayed that verb. It may not necessarily align with all your content but provides a clear description of what the user will learn to do.

There are also several other considerations for choosing blog imagery:

– Do you have permission to use it? Use only images that are okay to use for commercial purposes.

– Is it sized properly? It should look correct regardless of device used. Ensure the size is correct and doesn’t cause pixilation.

– Does it render properly when posting? Don’t you hate it when you see a social media post and the image is missing? It looks like         a mistake, and that’s not the impression you want. Test rendering to ensure there are no problems.

Choosing blog imagery isn’t something to think about after the fact. It should be a consideration as you create your editorial calendar. Make sure your blog imagery is increasing viewership, not turning your audience away.