Should I add more pictures?
I’ve noticed that people seem to like photos in blog posts, and there are plenty of bloggers out there who regularly include them in every post. I suppose it’s kind of silly that I’m even wondering about whether photos are important in articles, since I used to be a professional photographer. I know the power of photography.
But that’s probably also the reason that I haven’t regularly included them. To me, photos equal work plus the responsibility to adhere carefully to intellectual property rights, only using ones that are licensed for use, not using photos of people’s faces without model releases, etc.
So, please tell me what you think. Would it improve the blog to add photos regularly? Would it hurt not to? (I admit that laziness is a factor here, but if it would really help I’d be willing to at least start including them more often.)
Meanwhile, here are some of the things I’ve been reading this week. (Most of which include photos…)
Practicing Thrift wants to have a household recession.
MoneyNing hosts a guest post by Neal Frankle that explains how to stop worrying about money once and for all.
Four Pillars writes about essential baby items.
Smart Passive Income (one of my favorite newer blogs) explains exactly why you need a business banking account if you have a small business.
On Simplicity wonders if perfection is overrated.
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February 7th, 2009 at 7:05 am
From a reader’s standpoint, I have always thought that photos can add a lot to a story.
From a writer’s standpoint, it is a pain. Last year, I committed to put one photo into every blog article. At first, it was fun. But after a few weeks, it became a real pain. I was spending as much time looking for a photo as I was writing an article. Not only is it finding the right photo but also the whole copyright thing. I reasoned that maybe this would work if you wrote one article per week. But when you’re churning out daily content, it can get to you.
February 7th, 2009 at 8:31 am
I use Creative Commons photos on Flickr. There are so many, there’s usually one that’s good enough. But, yea, it’s a pain. So, I don’t if I am feeling lazy, or I recycle a picture I’ve already used.
February 7th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Pictures are great, but much like you I have been focusing on the text of my blog rather than the pics. The intellectual property issues with finding pictures I can use were just too annoying for me, I guess. The only exceptions are pictures I take with my iPhone that I infrequently use – typically when the pictures are the actual topic of the post.
February 7th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
I find that most of the time bloggers attach photos more out of a need to associate a photo with each article and less for helping to make a point clear.
If you post a picture to help illustrate or explain, then by all means do so. But I advise against adding photos for the sake of adding photos.
I read your blog for the wonderful information you provide. If you can make your point clear using concise language, then a photo is just a distraction. Plus, I can pass on words to friends and family in casual conversation; to show a picture, we have to be in a specific setting.
February 7th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
I read this blog for information, not for image inspiration. I write on a blog that is image heavy (catering to brides who need visualization). I think, in this case, images would prevent me from getting the information first.
February 8th, 2009 at 2:34 am
Thanks for the link love!
From my personal experience, pictures will do any blog some good. I’ve read plenty of blogging books and internet marketing material and they explicitly state that pictures are a good thing.
Of course, if your picture is totally unrelated, then it may have a negative impact, but if used correctly pictures will add some color, personality and excitement to your blog posts.
Lastly, it really up to you and your blog style. As you can see from my website, I love using pictures. Without them, my site would be stale looking.
Thanks again!
February 8th, 2009 at 9:31 am
I had dial-up until about a year ago. Dial-up was getting more and more tedious to use as the internet’s content became increasingly graphics- intense. I think some people are turning to dial-up now to save money. If you want your site to remain accessible to them without aggravation from extremely slow downloading , avoid pictures.
February 8th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Ok, I’m (easily) convinced. No pictures unless there seems to be a need for them in a particular post :)
February 9th, 2009 at 4:59 am
I like seeing pictures and try to include them when I can. It can take time but it’s nice and gives the post a nice bit of “punch.” Then I notice that a lot of blogs I like rarely use them, so it’s not a requirement.
February 9th, 2009 at 8:01 am
I can’t tell you how grateful frugalites on dial-up will be that they can read your blog without the delays and hassles associated with downloading pictures on their connections. If someone is trying to get by on a minimal hours/free dial-up plan, they have to deal with not only frustration and exasperation from slow downloads but also with using up their free hours for the month. When I had dial-up I was very disappointed whenever a blog I liked to read added pictures. They rarely contribute to the point of the content, only dress it up for those who have the luxury of downloading them quickly.
February 12th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
I’m weighing in even though your question has been answered: I prefer blogs WITHOUT pictures. Don’t make me scroll past some random smiling face just because “experts say” pictures == readers. :)