In my last post about maintaining image quality on your website, I discussed proper use of image sizing and resolutions for the web.

To continue on this topic, I'd like to now go into how an image can speak a thousand words.

With the ongoing scenario - where use of poor imagery and substandard photo quality continue, serious consequences may follow, with the perception of that site affected and usage changing as a result.

It's kind of like choosing a restaurant. 'Restaurant A' is a hive of activity, visibly doing a good trade. 'Restaurant B' is next door, but empty. In this case the customers are doing the talking. Most people will go for 'Restaurant A' for obvious reasons.

It's much the same on the web.

Where online purchasing is involved, trust in the site and product you are about to buy is paramount. Personally, I'm more likely to purchase an item from a site with clean, crisp photography than one with simple 'happy snap' type shots. Alarm bells will sound subconsciously and my business would be taken elsewhere.

Take the following two examples:

The happy snap

The professional shot

Which of these images sells a coffee better?

Ultimately, a commercial website is about promoting business, products and services. Turning a user into a customer. Strong graphics and quality product imagery will go a long way to furthering your business success online.