choosing the best images for your blog

Most people would probably agree that the world we live in today is all about visuals. Does anyone take the time to read any more? While this may be the case, images are not the be-all and end-all of success on the internet. In fact, SEO experts will tell you that content is always king

This being said, imagery is still super important and can be very effective in online engagement. But there’s more to visuals than ”good” and ”bad” imagery. Learn how to incorporate images for the best blog post format and engagement here… 

Top Imagery Tips For an Engaging Blog Post Format 

Did you know that some images can actually be more damaging than effective for engagement on your blog?

If you use an image incorrectly in can be downright distracting and thereby counterproductive. Maybe you failed to use a picture rotator, the image is irrelevant to your content or it hasn’t been optimized for search. Whatever the case, imagery has the power to make or break your engagement. Here’s how to avoid all of the above… 

1. Choose Relevant Images 

Don’t add an image to your blog just for the sake of it. Make sure every image you choose is well-considered and relevant to the content on your blog. It also needs to be high-quality. Always choose images with an identifiable subject, good exposure, low graininess, sharp focus, and good composition. 

2. Forgo Cliché, Generic Images 

Sure, there’s a time and a place for a generic image. But if all your blog posts are packed with these types of stereotypical visuals, how do you expect to attract engagement?

Opt for unique images that are relatable and relevant to your content. Choose your images based on their bold, striking colors, contrast, composition, a bold theme or focal point. At the very least, your images should always address the title of your blog and be thought-provoking for your readers.  

More to the point, generic, cliché images paint the picture that your blog is unimaginative. 

3. Establish an Imagery Budget 

Budgeting for your content production can be tricky. You want to be as creative as possible, but sometimes your time and budget may not allow for it.

Set aside a budget for high-quality images and do your best to stick to it. This means you should set your sights on a maximum amount per image from stock sites, and try not to exceed this. Also, always download stock images in high resolution and don’t forget to give copyright credit where it’s due! 

4. Take the Time to Format Your Images 

This is especially important if you’re inserting images in-between content. Whether your image is floating within a block of text or being used at the block level, make sure it’s formatted well. 

Ensure that your images have enough breathing room around them. This includes reasonable margins between their borders and the content. Don’t stack images on top of each other, leave enough room between them to balance out the visual appeal of your blog. Lastly, make sure your image dimensions are scaled appropriately. 

5. Always Optimize Your Images 

By now, everyone knows the importance of optimizing content. But optimized blog images are also useful and important. Make sure each image has its own descriptive alt tag – good for HTML standards. Your images should also be named properly, including a relevant search keyword. Alt tags and optimized names make for higher search visibility. 

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Looking to up your digital marketing game for a business website or blog? Check out the rest of this website for all the digital marketing tips and expertise you need to get your own blog off the ground. 

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