Getting the best website images

Posted: 8th August 2017 in App feed, Enews, Marketing and communications, Website design

Member functions and events

If you’re responsible for updating a website, you’ll already know how hard it can be to get a suitable website image to go with a news item or content update. This article has tips on the best approach to using (and not using) images for online content.

Image worth a thousand words – unless it’s not

You know the saying – a carefully chosen image or photography can add a deeper layer of meaning to content, especially for the standard user, who is scanning information.  A good image will entice them to read more and back up the story or information. Finding that image can be a challenge. If your image doesn’t add any additional value – don’t use an image.

What are other golf courses doing? Could this be a way to stand out?

Stock images

You may find it useful to use stock images from royalty free image libraries. You will still need to pay to use royalty free images, but you are free to use them on commercial material without having to credit the photography or the models in the shot. There are lots of royalty free image websites – here are a few to get you started.

iStock photo

Image Source

Real situations, real people have more impact

Stock photography are the photos that you can buy and use in your content. These photos have their place – there are some clever and stylish images out there that are available for a small price. Some are available for free. If you use stock photographs be sure to check the royalty and usage rules. Generally, for a small fee, you can use the image in your promotional material.

Stock photos are gathered from all over the world – so bear in mind that the images you select will have been used elsewhere. If there is any way you can get a photo taken for your blog story or event promotion, that will bring a unique edge to your content. A real photo from your club or course with real people is almost always a huge improvement. If you have any staff or contacts who are passionate about photography, they may be able to get a few shots for you to use, ideally building an image library for later use. Be sure to get the photo subjects permission to use the photo in marketing material before using the photo.

If you have any staff or contacts who are passionate about photography, they may be able to get a few shots for you to use, ideally building an image library for later use. Do you have any images of the clubhouse or an attractive photo of a meal deal? Including people in shots can make the images more interesting too. Staff can be useful as mock customers. Be sure to get the photo subjects permission to use the photo in marketing material before using the photo (again staff are useful here!).

Be sure to get the photo subjects permission to use the photo in marketing material before using the photo.