My Blog Design - Do I need more images? Do You?
Written by George Manty · October 26, 2006
In the comments for my recent post asking for comments
Easton Ellsworth said:
You show up a lot in my keyword search feeds.
I wanna see more images here! (I know, my blog needs more
images too!) I like your design. Great post idea here.
Interesting thought.
I do know that many other blogs use images more than I do on my blogs. I used to be concerned about breaking copyright laws, but now I have a better feel for “fair use” laws. So I am not as concerned about posting the occasional image or two in my blogs.
On the other hand, I really wonder how much images matter for keeping readers. I know images help when you are writing a “how to” tutorial type post, but otherwise I don’t know how much they matter.
As for liking the design… I plan on making over the design of this blog, because I really think a three column blog is the way to go. When I do make it over, I plan on incorporating more images into the design. I will probably either hire a blog designer or barter for their services. So if you are a blog designer who would like to make over this blog, feel free to contact me.
What do you think about images? Do you like blogs that use images better than blogs that don’t?
A lot of people emphasize on the importance of images…. I dont know. I guess one in the top left of your post is a bit of an eye-catcher on the main page. But if every singe post has a picture, then it kind of loses that ‘wow’ effect, doesn’t it? I include a picture when I feel the need, and don’t worry about it the rest of the time.
I feel the same way about images Leroy,
Thanks for the feedback.
I would tend to agree with you both. Sure, it’s nice every once in awhile. But it can easily be overdone. I tend to go to fun pictures for inspiration when I’m suffering a bit of writer’s block!
If you know where to find free images, how to insert them quickly, and (most importantly) how to choose powerful images, then it’s easy to use them to boost your blog’s impact.
Some readers are drawn to a blog simply because it has compelling images, just as others are drawn mainly because of compelling text. Micro Persuasion is just one example of a blog whose power and popularity depend more than people realize on its smart use of images.
That said, you can go totally without images and not necessarily suffer for it. It depends on your subject, the type of readers you want to attract, and other factors.
Inserting images with smart (read: keyword-filled) titles into your posts can also draw a good amount of extra traffic via Web image searches.
Nice, pleasing redesign – great job!
Thanks Easton for the great information,
George