Images, images,
images... A key component of any web presence? The eye candy that grabs your attention and says look at me? Maybe so, but are images always used effectively and for the right reasons?
No, not at all! And that
can be just as damaging for your brand or message as it can be engaging.
Recently an article was
brought to my attention that really resonated with Rock The Deadline. It talks of advertising guru David Ogilvy and his research into the use of images in advertising.
His findings offer insightful ways to use images effectively, and comes in stark contrast to the ways traditional web design and advertising engagement has been delivered. Images do not always make ads or web pages better. Without careful consideration regarding layout, format and selection they almost certainly distract and lower professional perception. Online articles and web pages very much fit the pattern of print ads, the way they have to try and catch peoples' eye through such a small window of opportunity. It is a critical process.
His findings offer insightful ways to use images effectively, and comes in stark contrast to the ways traditional web design and advertising engagement has been delivered. Images do not always make ads or web pages better. Without careful consideration regarding layout, format and selection they almost certainly distract and lower professional perception. Online articles and web pages very much fit the pattern of print ads, the way they have to try and catch peoples' eye through such a small window of opportunity. It is a critical process.
A really engaging, must read and very accurate in my opinion. I won't recite the
research findings here, I'll just ask: How often do we still see these
mistakes being made? If in fact we agree that they actually are
"mistakes" in the first place?
Agree? Disagree?
Random image alert!!! We always need an image, right?
Agree? Disagree?
Random image alert!!! We always need an image, right?
I didn't even read this post because the image at the bottom grabbed my attention ;)
ReplyDeleteInteresting article, that research reveals some surprising findings. I'd always accepted the idea that any image would entice readers more than no image but it's a daft assumption when you think about it.
That's a really good point. "Let's just find any old image" it'll look better than all that empty space or flat text!
ReplyDelete