Attractive images can make or break a post. People who are scrolling through a newsfeed are most likely to stop and read a post if it has an eye catching image. So if you’re going to use images, why not use them well?
- Store the image in the largest possible size. It’s much easier to reduce the size of an image than to increase the size. Increasing the size often loses quality, reducing doesn’t.
- Resize the image to fit your website. If you’re posting to your blog or on your website, use an image that is large enough to display clearly, but small enough that it doesn’t make your site slow to load.
- Crop and resize images for social media. Your social media posts won’t look good without the right size image. Don’t just go for a 1 size fits all image – they don’t. Tailor your images to each social media platform, and to where on the platform you’ll be using them. Here’s a great cheat sheet you can use as a guide.
- Use descriptive filenames. When you save the file, name it by what’s in it. That way, if you use it online, it’s adding SEO value. It also makes it easier when you’re scrolling through thumbnails looking for a specific image.
- Get the design right. There’s nothing less shareable than an image on social media that’s impossible to read. Use the right font on an image that contrasts well, and don’t forget that your readers may not have 20/20 vision. Will your image be easy to read by someone with poor eyesight? What about someone with colour blindness? There’s a great infographic here that gives some tips on typography, and this infographic gives you the 10 commandments of visual communication.
Finally:
I haven’t included this in my list, but it’s probably the most important thing, and I can’t believe it still needs to be said, but: Don’t steal images. Someone has put the effort into creating the image. If you wouldn’t like people stealing your work and using it as their own, why do it to someone else?