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Top Tips for using images on your charity website

At the heart of your charity's mission lies a powerful story waiting to be told. What's the most effective way to convey it? Through images. As humans, we are inherently visual beings, and nothing captures the essence of your cause quite like a compelling image. The types and quality of images you choose for your website can instantly elevate your online presence, making you appear more authentic, trustworthy, and engaging. This will all ultimately encourage more donations and engagement in your services, allowing you to help more people.


Let's dive into the art of using images on your charity website, exploring how they can amplify your message, avoid common pitfalls, and ultimately drive support for your noble cause.


laptop showing a bright blue image of two volunteers

1. Storytelling through Images:


Your charity holds incredible stories that can move mountains. Did you know that content with relevant images receives a staggering 94% more views than content without images? It's time to capture moments of impact, the faces of those you've helped, and the remarkable work your team does. Share these visuals to evoke emotions and build a profound connection with your audience. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words, and for charities, it can translate into a thousand donations.


Just be sure to get consent from everyone you photograph and have their permission to use their images on your website. This includes children and anyone in a third world country.



2. Subject Matter:


Consider the subject matter of the images you are using and the type of response you are trying to illicit. The impact of images can vary widely depending on the context, the audience, and the goals of the content. However, there have been several studies and observations that suggest how different types of images can affect engagement in different ways:



a. Emotional Impact:

Distressing or emotional images, such as those depicting suffering or hardship, can elicit very strong emotional responses. While they may drive a sense of urgency and empathy, they can difficult for some people to look at and may not lead to sustained engagement.



b. Positive Images:

Happy, uplifting, or inspiring images tend to generate positive emotions, which can result in higher levels of sharing, liking, and engagement on social media platforms. These images often align with the "feel-good" factor that encourages people to take positive actions. They also align with the outcome of your work, helping to make the world a happier and better place.


c. No faces:

In some cases, it might not be appropriate to use images of faces for example if you are supporting people who are victims of abuse using images of people may be too triggering for your target audience or cause people to disassociate because they don’t look like the people you are depicting on your site.


d. Context Matters:

The type of engagement (e.g., likes, shares, comments, donations) can also vary based on the context. For example, distressing images might drive immediate reactions and donations during a crisis, while positive images could be more effective for long-term engagement and brand-building efforts.


e. Audience Preferences:

Audience demographics, interests, and psychographics play a significant role in determining the effectiveness of different types of images. Understanding your target audience and what resonates with them is crucial.



3. High-Quality Original Photography:


Investing in high-quality photography is a must, and the statistics corroborate this. Websites featuring top-notch imagery can attract up to 121% more online inquiries. Blurry or pixelated images can deter visitors and suggest an unprofessional image. Moreover, Google loves original content and rewards it with higher rankings. So, don't hesitate to showcase your unique story through original, high-resolution visuals.


You don’t need to spend a lot of money on photography. See if you can get a photographer to volunteer their skills to cover an event, or even just get someone who is savvy with a good quality camera phone.


high quality stock image of women volunteering

4. High-Quality Stock images:


But in every instance, it’s not feasible to use original images and that’s ok! There are now plenty of websites that offer amazing free images. You can explore reputable stock photo websites such as Unsplash, Pexels, or Pixabay. These platforms offer a wide range of high-resolution, royalty-free images that can enhance your website's visual appeal without breaking the bank.



5. Consistency in Branding on your website:


I say it every time, but consistency is key to building trust and recognition in your brand. Studies have shown that consistent branding across all platforms can boost revenue by up to 23%. Maintain a consistent style, tone, and colour scheme in your images. When your website looks and feels like an extension of your charity, it becomes a welcoming and reassuring space for visitors.



6. Using Relevant Visuals for your charity:


Images that directly relate to your cause can work wonders. In fact, 60% of consumers are more likely to consider or contact a business when images show up in local search results. Avoid generic stock photos that fail to resonate with your mission. Your audience wants to witness the real impact you're making, so let authenticity guide your image selection.


woman looking at a nicely formatted image on her mobile

7. Mobile-Friendly Images:


As the majority of internet users browse on mobile devices, optimizing your images for mobile viewing is essential. Large, high-resolution images can slow down your website's loading speed, turning potential supporters away. Ensure your images are well-compressed and responsive to various screen sizes for a seamless user experience.


8. SEO Optimization:


Here is where a lot of charities fall down, especially if you have made your website yourself. Ensure your images are discoverable on Google by using descriptive file names and alt text that incorporate relevant keywords. Google also values image size for loading speed, so optimize your images to enhance your online visibility.



Ready to Transform Your Charity's Online Presence?


Now that you're equipped with the knowledge and tools to enhance your charity's website with impactful images, it's time to translate this wisdom into action. At Made by Katie, I specialise in web design services tailored to charities and not-for-profits. I understand your unique needs and your mission to make a significant impact.


Contact me today, and together, we'll amplify your online presence, engage your audience, and drive more support for your noble cause. Your mission deserves to be seen, felt, and supported by the world.




References:


Jeff Bullas - 6 Powerful Reasons Why You Should Include Images in Your Marketing

Capterra - The Impact of Photography on Local Search

Lucidpress - The Ultimate List of Marketing Statistics for 2021

HubSpot - 18 Eye-Popping Call-to-Action Examples and the Stats to Prove Why They Work

Unbounce - 23 Landing Page Stats Every Marketer Needs to Know

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