Five Types of Image to Use on Your Blog

Posted: 05 Oct 2013 05:00 AM PDT

Does your blog need a bit of visual sprucing up?

It's a safe bet that you know images on blogs are generally a good idea: they add visual interest, create white space, break up the text, and may even offer useful information.

But have you thought through all the different types of image you can use?

#1: Photos

This is what many bloggers think of first: an eye-catching photo, often sourced from Flickr under a Creative Commons license.

images-photo

There's no denying these work well and can draw the reader into a post. If you want help finding photos you can use for free, this post has great pointers.

#2: Screenshots

screen-options-post-wordpress

If you're describing something technical, a screenshot can make it much easier for readers to understand the process. We used the one above in yesterday's post on WordPress's Screen Options.

Screenshots can also be useful when linking to other blogger's posts: instead of a straightforward link, you could take a screenshot of the post title and use that, as Tim Soulo does in 29 Brilliant Posts You Have to Read Before I Call You an Internet Marketer.

#3: Advertising Banners

images-ad-banners

This might seem an odd one to include, but advertising banners are a form of image too – and they can help add colour and interest to your site.

If you're reading this on the Daily Blog Tips site rather than in your email, glance to the left; the sponsors' banners jazz up the sidebar. We also use Google ads at the start of posts.

#4: Logos

images-logos

Using the logos (or headers) of sites you've appeared on or conferences you've spoken at can be a great way to showcase your credentials. This is how I do it in my sidebar on my site Aliventures:

You can also use logos when you write a round-up post or link to other bloggers' sites; it's a nice way to add visual interest.

#5: Product Images

If you're writing a review, it's often useful to include an image (even if it's just of an ebook's virtual "cover"). For instance, if we reviewed ProBlogger's ebook 31 Days to Build a Better Blog (aff), we'd use this:

Many manufacturers and sellers will have product images on their sites, and it's usually OK to use these in your review – though do ask them if you're unsure.

What types of image do you use on your blog? Have we missed out any important categories? Add your thoughts in the comments below.

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