Looks Matter: Why Your Squarespace Website Needs Fabulous Photography
Can you picture this? You're out for a stroll when BAM - this insanely gorgeous storefront catches your eye. That instant "wow" moment? That's exactly what you want your website to deliver for every visitor. Drool-worthy photos can grab your audience and turn casual browsers into loyal fans.
First Impressions That Pack a Punch
Let's be honest - what's the first thing that grabs your attention when you visit a new website? If you're like most humans, it's those big, bold, beautiful images. They're the virtual red carpet leading guests right through your brand's front door - setting the vibe and making an unforgettable first impression.
Seriously, though, curated photos don't just look pretty. They instantly communicate, "We're total pros." A pixelated mess of a photo? That's the internet's version of a clammy handshake no one wants. When your images are on point, they effortlessly* show the world you're the real deal.
*Effortlessly, HA! I know how much time you spent putting that post together — with great photos, you’re visitors will never know!
Nailing Your Visual Vibe
Thoughtfully choose photos that authentically match your brand's aesthetic is key. If you're all about that modern minimalist look, your images better be just as clean and sleek. Going for more of a rich, vibrant, moody moment? Then, your visuals need to ooze those deep, luxurious tones.
Whatever your signature style, you have to insist on high-quality images. Every single photo needs to serve a purpose—whether that's highlighting a signature product, giving a behind-the-scenes peek at your operations, or adding extra oomph to your blog posts. Don't waste precious real estate on sub-par images!
The Pros Who Know
While it's true that smartphone cameras have come a long way, there's something undeniably powerful about professional product and brand photography. Why invest in it? Here’s why:
Professional photographers bring top-tier equipment and the expertise to match. They excel in capturing every detail of your business in the most flattering light—literally.
They are adept at using lighting to enhance the best features of your products and services, ensuring they look irresistible in every shot.
Plus, they specialize in styling and staging scenes that naturally draw attention to your key features and offerings. They also ensure visual consistency, which is crucial for maintaining your brand's identity.
Don't Have Original Photos? No Biggie!
So you don't have a folder of custom product shots or brand photos in your arsenal yet? Free and paid stock photo sites like Adobe Stock, Pexels, and Unsplash have your back.
These stock libraries have a wide variety of high-quality, on-brand imagery to give your website that professional look while you build up your original photo collection. Just be picky and intentional about choosing stock photos that authentically fit with your brand.
Always double-check the license when using stock images! Different sites have different rules about how you can use their photos—some might not allow commercial use or could require you to give credit to the photographer. Ignoring these rules can get you in trouble, so make sure you’re clear on what’s allowed to keep things above board and respectful of the original photographers wishes.
Where to Find Stock Images
Here are a few stock image sites that offer a wide range of images to suit your needs.
Unsplash
Unsplash, which is integrated with Squarespace, provides a collection of over two million free high-resolution photos contributed by photographers worldwide. All photos are free to use for both commercial and non-commercial purposes without needing to attribute the photographer. Recently Unsplash has added graphic illustrations to its collection.
Canva
Canva is an all-in-one design platform with a huge library of stock photos, illustrations, graphic elements, and templates. While Canva provides many free resources, it also has premium images and design elements for an annual fee. Canva is great for creating customize graphics, social media posts, and presentations. If you enjoy design and building your own graphics, it’s a powerful tool for any small business owner.
Pixabay and Pexels
Pixabay and Pexels are both owned by Canva. You can used them directly through Canva or through their individual sites. They have a large selection of free photos, illustrations, vectors, and videos. All content on Pixabay and Pexels is safe to use without asking for permission or giving credit to the artist.
Adobe Stock
Adobe Stock has been the gold standard for high-quality, professional images, videos, and templates. I used it for years but recently it’s been flooded with AI images I think all look alike and it’s become harder to find images that meet my needs. So after years of use, I’ve canceled my monthly subscription. If you do sign up for Adobe Stock, you will be locked into a one year contract. Read the fine print before signing up for a monthly subscription.
Lummi
Lummi uses AI to generate all it’s images. It’s a small company started by a Pablo Stanley, a well-respected artist and designer. Images on the site are created by talented graphic artists who have mastered their craft to create the most interesting AI images I’ve found online. All Lummi images are free and royalty-free
A Quick Note About Free Stock Photo Sites: These sites offer images at no cost because they generate revenue through advertising. Be cautious, as many free stock photo sites feature ads that can look very similar to the photos. Stay alert and don't let these ads lead you to make unplanned purchases. Be a savvy user and stick to your budget.
Bringing Photos to Life on Squarespace
When choosing your photos, make sure your photographic content is consistent in style and quality (Yes, I’m a broken record, but it’s important). This consistency helps to solidify your brand's identity and makes your site appear more professional and cohesive.
Before you add your curated images to your site, optimize them with keyword descriptions and alt text for SEO. Then, resize and compress those big files so your site loads lightning fast. For details on how to do this, check out this post.
Once you've curated your perfect collection of photos, Squarespace provides the tools you need to showcase them on your website.
Image Blocks
Start by using image blocks to place single photos anywhere on your pages. These blocks are highly customizable, allowing you to add captions, embed links, and apply unique effects to align with your brand’s aesthetic.
Galleries
Squarespace’s gallery options include various layouts such as grids, slideshows, and carousels. Each layout offers its own advantages, whether you’re looking to organize images neatly or create a flowing, interactive experience. Experiment with these to see which style best enhances your content and draws viewers in.
Banner and Background Images
For a bold statement, consider using large, high-impact banner and background images. These can set the tone for your entire site, capturing the essence of your brand and making a strong impression the moment a visitor lands on your page.
