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Week 6: Call to Action

by Susan Rich

So far in our series, we have examined the different elements of a website and the design process. We have discussed website navigation, content, photography, and footer. Now we’ll talk about a specific tool to turn a passive visit to website into active engagement—a “call to action”.

One of the best marketing devices on the web is a call to action button or icon. This item shows potential clients exactly what the first step is working with your business. We’re used to seeing “buy now”, “sign up”, “tell us more” or “free trial” buttons. These types of buttons on your website are usually large, and dominant on the page because basic web design trends towards the largest, brightest, biggest items are the most read, seen, and viewed as most important. When planning your website consider what you want visitors to do when they get to your site. Do they need to contact you to setup a consultation? Should they buy something? Should they explore a free trial?

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Week 4: Tips on Using Photography & Images in Web Design

by Susan Rich

Synerge-marketing Web Design

One of the most powerful visual elements of any webpage design is the use of photography. Our series has considered navigation, and content. Now, we focus more precisely on using photos.

Adding images to your website creates interest, adds color and establishes mood. Our eyes delight in beautiful photography. With a variety of potential sources, keep in mind the importance of choosing high quality and relevant photos. Photography communicates powerfully on many levels; the choices you make here truly count.

Stock photography sites like iStock or Getty Images are some options. These sites offer millions of choices, easy searching, and usually affordability. At the same time, anyone can buy from a stock image website, so it’s possible that you might end up with the same images as like-minded business. However, there are ways to search for less commonly used images as well.

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Free Images for Blogging

by Randi Brawley

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

You have heard it a million times: A picture is worth a thousand words. In blogging, this old adage remains true.

Your blogging goal should be to inform your readers without being overly promotional, so that they come to trust you and return to your blog again and again. A photograph or graphic will help you to both inform and engage. Other benefits include:

  • Highlight your products/services and your people. Show your readers who you are and what you do.
  • Support headlines that evoke an image – try using metaphors. For example, a headline that references the beginning of something within your business might be complemented well with a sunrise image.
  • Entice visitors to spend time with the post. Few blog visitors will read your blog post word for word. By adding images to your post you make it easier for the reader to scan and hopefully tune into more of the details.

Of course, it’d be great if you had a staff photographer or graphic designer who had time to produce all your blog post images, but that’s not exactly realistic. So, online image resources are the second best thing.

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