Can your website capture the attention of visitors within five seconds of entry? Is the layout easy to maneuver and understand? If you answered “NO” to either of these questions, then, it’s time to look into creating appealing images for your site. So, here are five tips to help you stay in the right direction when it comes to developing eye-catching website images.
Create A Plan
It’s a recipe for disaster to create and put images on a website without a plan. Start by envisioning the potential look of your site from the eyes of your visitors. Ask yourself questions, like, “What should the visitor see when the site loads,” or, “What pictures should be included in the site so visitors won’t leave immediately?”
Moreover, always think about functionality as you consider your images. Your site’s layout should lead visitors to the next step.
For example, use a product visualizer to let a potential customer see a 3D view of an item. So, it can be a practical idea to place an “Add to Cart” icon next to the 3D image. This sample page layout may subconsciously tell the visitor to continue with the purchase, increasing the chances of creating sales conversions.
Creating a plan when developing site images will help you map out a strategy for your online presence. In turn, you should have a better chance than before at achieving specific goals.
Maintain Image Balance
Consider not following the adage, “Go big or go home,” especially when you’re trying to create appealing website images. Strive to achieve balance when creating and displaying your images online. Ensure that the design and layout don’t tip the scales.
In other words, if you only post images at massive resolutions, then, some visitors might find your website overwhelming and proceed to leave quicker than entering your site.
Image balance is all about achieving a common theme. Decide if you want to achieve symmetry or asymmetry for your site’s images. For example, pick a high-resolution banner image that pops up as soon as your main page loads. But, consider surrounding that large picture with small images to balance out the site’s aesthetics.
To help you more in improving your website, here is an API for google image search engine.
Use The Psychology Of Color
Perhaps, you’ve already noticed that several design tools allow you to manipulate the color of your images. It’s because different colors can produce different effects, and that notion might be true for your site’s pictures.
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide which color to use for your images depending on your specific goals:
- Red – This helps encourage appetite and is ideal for imparting urgency (effective for impulsive shoppers).
- Yellow – This color imparts feelings of cheerfulness and warmth. It also helps grab the attention of window shoppers.
- Blue – This color is associated with water and peace. A color preferred by many men, it helps create a sense of trust in any brand.
- Orange – It reflects enthusiasm and excitement. Orange can also signify calls to action (e.g., buy, sell, or subscribe).
- Green – This symbolizes money and relaxation. This color can also signify wealth and the environment.
Websites cluttered with colors or competing themes tend to show developers’ lack of confidence. Conversely, a site using color-complementing images provides a clean look and shows the level of care that has gone into the presentation.
Utilize The Power Of Lines
Lines help guide the eyes of your users to where you want them to go. Straight lines provide direction, whereas curved lines imply movement.
Pay attention to the lines in the images you develop. These visual elements help guide your audience across your site’s pages. Think about the lines you place as cookie crumbs that lead your visitors to a visual journey.
As you add lines to your images, take heed of where these elements lead the readers’ eyes. Aim to develop a meaningful path to lead visitors to an objective.
Learn The Ins And Outs Of A Graphic Design App
Web design can look overwhelming for beginners. To learn graphic design means understanding and familiarizing yourself different features of specific software.
Note that many graphic design apps have several cookie-cutter features, such as copy, paste, and insert shapes. But, some programs have unique functionalities, such as:
- Blemish removal
- RAW file support
- Clone image
- Edit source code
- Create customized workspaces
First, consider using the free trial versions of paid graphic design software. Aim to be familiar with the features before committing to one app. In turn, you can save money, as well as be at ease, knowing that you invested in a software that’s worth every cent.
Conclusion
Creating appealing images for your website starts with a plan. Don’t forget to incorporate color psychology and the power of lines. Also, use a graphic design app that coincides with your site image goals. Follow these guidelines, and your website should appeal to your target audience.