Selecting strategic, engaging imagery elevates the overall look and feel of your new web design and helps your audience stay engaged with your website content. At the beginning of the web design process it can be difficult to determine what images to use. Here’s a guide to help you select the best imagery for your new website.
Imagery you might already have
To begin, take a look at your own photo library to find images for your new website. Lots of small businesses have imagery in their own library they’d like to use.
Here are a few photo ideas you might already have:
- Staff photos
- Product/service photos
- Building/office photos
You probably also have imagery such as logos or graphics used in other marketing materials that can be included on your website.
Prioritize photos that have a high resolution. This makes sure your photos will appear clearly across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
It’s often optimal to use photos that have extra space around the focus of the image. This makes it possible to crop the photos in different places for different aspect ratios in various parts of your new website design.
When you’ve selected the images you’d like to use for your new website, we recommend sending them via WeTransfer. All you have to do is add your images in the files section, send them to meredith@simplersite.co, include your email address, and hit the “Transfer” button. It’s a simple process and much faster and more reliable than sending photos via email.
Where to find stock photography
Perhaps you need more extensive imagery options beyond your photo library, but you don’t have a huge budget for new custom photography. This is where stock photography can be a valuable asset.
Stock photography pricing varies widely. Some stock photo websites offer free imagery if you are willing to credit the photographer. Other stock photo websites offer images for $30-$50/image. And, some stock photos can cost upwards of $500/photo.
Here are a few of our favorite stock image websites:
Simpler Site is happy to help select stock photography options for your new website for a small fee. We will review your website copy and wireframes to curate a list of the stock photo options we think will be best for your site. If you’re interested in this service, email meredith@simplersite.co.
Looking for new custom imagery?
If you need help with custom imagery for your new web design we can support you in this process. We have a network of photographers we work with in West Michigan who will take custom photos for your new website. We’ve helped secure photographers for basic staff headshots, and we’ve also organized extensive multi-day product photoshoots. We’ll do all the work of gathering quotes from photographers, creating shot lists, and managing shoots day-of.
Need some help?
As always, we are here to help! Clients with a tighter budget or specific imagery preferences often select imagery themselves. Other clients want to take a more hands-off approach and ask us to manage the imagery process for them. We are happy to work with you in whatever makes most sense for you!
If you have questions or need additional support, email Meredith or give her a call at (616) 920-9063. Learn more about our web design services.
