Optimizing Your Website's Visual Appeal: Part 2 of 9

The Power and Pitfalls of Images

Images can be a powerful tool in web design, but they should be used judiciously. Overloading your website with graphics, particularly irrelevant ones, can be detrimental to the user experience. You might wonder why you can't fill your site with as many images as you desire. Here are some reasons:

• Slow-loading pages: Visitors with slower internet connections may become frustrated waiting for your page to load and leave your site.
• Image-disabled browsers: Approximately 30% of internet users disable image viewing in their browsers. Older browsers may be text-only, resulting in your page appearing cluttered with empty boxes.
• Distraction from content: Unless your website is a showcase for your artwork or photography, excessive graphics can divert attention from your site's content.
• Perception of lack of substance: A site filled with gimmicky or animated graphics can give the impression of lacking meaningful content.

Images can be effectively used as links to other pages on your site. However, ensure you also provide text links. Visitors using text-only browsers would otherwise have to hover their mouse over each image to determine if it's a link, which can be a tedious process, especially if the URLs are long and complex.

Image Size and Quality

Don't forget to specify the height and width of your images. This practice has two benefits:

• Faster download: The image will load quicker as the browser doesn't have to determine the image size.
• Prevents text displacement: When the image loads, it won't cause the text on your page to shift, which can be irritating for your visitors.

If you're using scanned photographs or artwork, ensure the scans are of high quality. They should be clear and sharp, not blurry or hazy. Most scans require some adjustment before they're suitable for use. Consult your scanner or scanning program's instruction manual to learn how to optimize your scans.

In conclusion, while images can enhance your website's appeal, they should be used thoughtfully and strategically. Stay tuned for the next part of this series where we'll explore more ways to improve your website's user experience.