Four Ways to Use Photography to Boost Your Blog

As the timeworn saying goes, a ‘picture is worth a thousand words’. In today’s fast-paced world, it is difficult to grab and keep a reader’s attention. By using images that capture the imagination and emotion, while tempered by great copy, you can create content that easily draws your reader into your domain.

From taking your own pictures to downloading free images online, and even image placement, there are a number of ways you can use photography to beef up your blog. You can get really creative and it can be super exciting – here’s how to get started!

1) Use Stock Images

You don’t have to do everything yourself to create great blogging articles. While unique images are great, not all of us have the time to take our own photographs. Nor does one want to have to pay someone for originals all the time, especially if you put out a lot of content. You can easily select images online to break up a wall of words, and there are loads of free sites you can use.

These include:

• Pixaby
• Pexels
• Stocksnap.io
• Unsplash
• Reshot
• Freestocks.org
• Little Visuals

You just need to remember to adhere to the site’s conditions of use if necessary, which usually only consist of crediting the image you have used. You can look conditions up on the image sites. Many sites are listed under the creative commons public domain, which means you can use the image however you like without asking permission. It is always a good idea to do your own research about this though so as to keep out of trouble.

The sites will sometimes offer you different download options as well, so you can choose the right size and resolution for your blog’s needs.

2) Title Your Images

When you use an image in your blog, make sure to give it a unique title related to your article, even if you have downloaded the photo from another site. This helps when a reader is searching for a particular subject. It will boost your site traffic and SEO ranking, as it gives you more opportunity to use key words. You may also gain traffic from Google image searches with a relevant title. All you need to do is copy and paste appropriate words from your article title.

3) Take Your Own Photos 

Nobody needs to have an art degree to create images. You can easily snap away with your phone and use your unique pictures to spice up your blog. Just make sure your photos are not too busy. A composition with one main focus is far more powerful than one where the viewer is not sure where to look.

Over time you will develop a certain style, which will also help to create a consistent feel to your blog page.

4) Picture Placement

Use images in such a way that they help define and provide an extra kick to your text. If your blog is about hairdressing for example, you may want to use an image for each step of the creation of a particular hairstyle. Your reader can then see what it is supposed to look like, and this keeps them engaged and reading on.

Play with using just one powerful image that sets the mood of the article or try photos every few paragraphs that are relevant to the text to keep the reader’s interest.

Bottom Line

There are lots of other things you can do with photography – we haven’t even touched on video – but these four tips will help you get a handle on the power of photos. Have fun with it!