Is A Picture Really Worth a Thousand Words?

The great debate: how much copy you should have on your site, particularly on the home page?

Do you subscribe to the idea that a picture is worth a thousand words--and therefore images, not a lot of text, should be the main thrust of your home page? Or do words have more power to capture a visitor's attention and compel them to buy--meaning you should aim for powerful copy?

As a graphic designer, my natural inclination is to create graphically-rich, light text websites. Since I'm focused on what a site looks like visually, I like using impressive images, bold splashes of color all over the page, and not very much copy. The end result is an attractive, visually-appealing site, with very few words.

However, I've learned that I have to balance this inclination with a cold hard reality: what appeals to me as a designer is not necessarily the same as what visitors need.

The main problem with websites that don't have any copy is that they fail to quickly and effectively communicate the three points that all commercial websites must get across: You must explain what your company does, what the benefits are of using your product or service, and why prospective customers should purchase from you.

These important pieces of information can only be conveyed vaguely, if at all, through images. While pictures are often very useful in reinforcing a message, it's difficult to succinctly drive home these important points solely through images.

On your website, visitors want specifics, and they want them quickly. They want you to tell them exactly what you can do for them, and they want to know right now. You must specifically state what you do and explain how your product or service is going to make your customers' lives better. You have to spell out why people should buy from you versus your competitors.

Particularly on a home page, you must catch a visitor's attention and give them a reason to stay on your site. If you don't do this immediately, they'll be gone.

For this purpose, words are far more effective than images. In almost all cases, pictures cannot communicate the message nearly as specifically or quickly as well-chosen words can.

It's important to remember that the web revolves around information. People use the web to find out what they need to know, to be informed on topics that are important to them. That almost always means they are looking for text. They want explanations, answers, reasons, and motivation.

I firmly believe that pictures and images enhance a website, but they should be used to provide a tasteful, professional frame for your copy, not replace it.

It is true that web users are notorious for having short attention spans and not wanting to read large amounts of copy. However, the problem is that most of the copy on websites today is vague and not enticing. It's focused on the company rather than the customer. So it should be no surprise that visitors avoid reading it.

The solution does not lie in eliminating text-based communication; it means we have to work harder to capture interest with copy. People DO read copy that catches their attention.

If visitors are met with paragraphs that are focused on them, that are rich with benefits, and that are formatted in easy-to-read chunks, they are much more likely to be drawn in and to act on your offer.

Don't focus strictly on graphics. Go for copy.

About The Author

There are 605.6 million people online. Can they find your business? Jamie Kiley creates powerful and engaging websites that make sure YOUR company gets noticed. Visit www.kianta.com for a free quote.

Get a quick, free web design tip every two weeks--sign up for Jamie's newsletter: www.kianta.com/newsletter.php

jamiekiley@kianta.com

---

How To Give Your Business Credibility

Let's face it. Buying products and services from the Internet... Read More

5 Ways To Improve Your Website Immediately

If you are reading this, I assume you either have... Read More

Dont Make Your Website User-UNfriendly!

Web Design is a very subjective process. Your idea of... Read More

Got Web Traffic but Still Low Sales? Ten Ways to Selling Success - Part 1

Have you put a lot of effort, time, and money... Read More

Dont Lose The Sale In The Internets Last Three Feet

In retailing there is a saying that sales are made... Read More

Web Site Templates and Their Benefits

Unarguably, the most important part of your website is content.... Read More

How to Chose Stock Photography for your Web Site

So you've decided to take the plunge. You know that... Read More

Increase Sales on Your Website! Use Graphics!

How many times have you clicked on a website only... Read More

Freelancers Bite Back!

The Internet has seen an explosion in so called 'lance'... Read More

Are You A Bill Clinton Webmaster?

One of the most frequent questions I get asked about... Read More

How to Make Effective Use of Web Fonts

Writing for your web site is not the same as... Read More

How Not To Get Web Design Work

I get the occasional web design lead from my website.... Read More

10 Things All Webmasters Should Know

Geared Up with a website and lots of energy to... Read More

My Top Ten List Of Extremely Annoying Web Page Design Elements!

Easy navigation and usability are one of the most important... Read More

Flash - To Use Or Not To Use?

Out there in the WWW there are thousands sites using... Read More

Making Good Websites that Stand Out

Websites, there's literally billions of them out there in cyber-space.... Read More

Turn Harmful 404 Error Pages Into Helpful 301 Redirects

It's a fact, Page Not Found, known as a 404... Read More

What Your Website REALLY Says About You And Why It Matters

Everything you say and do says something about you. This... Read More

Copy Editing: 10 Powerful, Mind Blowing Secrets For Writing A High-Impact Ad

No matter what product or service you're promoting, unless you... Read More

The Ultimate Web Site Marketing Strategies That You Should Know

Most of us know that we need to advertise our... Read More

Custom Website Design - 3 Must Have Tools

Creating your own website can be fun and easy, as... Read More

Online Advertising: 10 Tricky Secrets To Keep Visitors Glued To Your Website And Increase Sales

It is common sense.The more time people spend at your... Read More

What Does Your Website Say About Your Business?

QUESTION: My business is very small, just me and... Read More

Content - the Key to Long Term Success

Every day internet marketers are inundated with the latest fad... Read More

Website Design Mishaps - How to Avoid Costly Errors That Can Crush Your Chances of Success

Designing your website can be a difficult task especially if... Read More

Online Businesses Still Ignoring Dial-up Market

In this article you will find the parallel between two... Read More

Concentrate On Web Content Instead Of Search Engine Optimization

For many webmasters the title of my article may seem... Read More

So You?re Hiring a Web Designer?You Have the Right to Demand these 7 Perks

Whether you're hiring a designer who has created 10 sites... Read More

Click Here

See, works every time. Seriously now, for some reason people... Read More

Build It And Build It Cheap!

There are several very good reasons why you should consider... Read More

Eliciting Constructive Website Feedback

"It's good.""You've done a nice job.""I don't like it."At some... Read More

Creating the Perfect Website - A beginners Guide

Are you looking to create the perfect website? A complete... Read More

10 Ways to Sabotage Your Website Traffic and Send Visitors Packing

If you're running a website or online business, your number... Read More