The camera can photograph thought. ~ Dirk Bogarde
(Photograph by Eddie Adams. You can bet the story that accompanied this photo was widely read.)
A Good Image is Like a Good Headline
I had an exchange with a blogger who rarely (never?) uses images in blog posts. The blogger thought images were extremely distracting and “automatically assumed that a post that relies on images is likely to be dumbed down significantly.” (Hmm.. dumbed down? What’s that saying about “assume”?) Besides, it was too darn tough to find a good image. I agree that poorly chosen images don’t add value to blog posts (I’m not sure they send readers running for the exits, though) but a good image works like a good headline to attract readers. I think posts with well chosen images also help communicate certain ideas expressed in a post. But, heck, if it’s too much trouble to find a good image, don’t bother.
I have always said that bloggers are like artists. Each choses his or her colors and methods. But an artist who choses to paint only in black and white may not reach as wide an audience as those that paint in color– intelligence has nothing to do with it. (Besides, the letters in this post are themselves images, if you want to get intelligent about it. )
If you consider blogging a means of informing the consumer, you might find it interesting to know that journalists overwhelming agree that visuals are important to their stories.
According to the 16th annual media survey by Bennett & Company, when asked How Important are Visuals to your Story, 63% of journalists responding said that visuals were “very important”. Only 10% said they were not important to the story.
Tell Me All About Curb Appeal But Don’t Distract Me With Any Photos
uplighting trees adds drama to the landscape
I think it is beyond question that certain real estate posts should use images. I think you’d have a hell of a time effectively and efficiently communicating the value of curb appeal, landscape lighting, staging, color, room flow & floor plans, landscaping, architecture, interior design, for sale signs, how to take good photos, and any number of real estate topics important to buyers and sellers without images. There is no way a reader is going to beat their head against your wall of text as you try to explain these topics in ten thousand words. That would be dumb.
In my opinion, if it will help the reader, or even entertain them, use an image. It certainly should not scare them away. Don’t assume it will.
Related Post (somewhat of a rant):How to Faux Paint a Room in a Thousand Words.
Further Reading from Those Who Might Know More:
Using Images to Take Your Blog to the Next Level (Problogger)
Do You Prefer Seeing Images in Blog Posts ? (Performancing survey)
Technorati Tags: blogging, real estate blogs
