When creating a website, planning for what kinds of photos or graphics will be used is very important. The capabilities of code can only go so far in creating the desired look and feel of a site, and at some point, there needs to be something humanizing for the visitor to see. If websites didn’t have photos, they would only consist of shapes, text, and colors, which can only carry a site so far. Forget, for a moment, that all of your competition are probably decking out their websites with gorgeous photos and graphics, and just think about how a properly chosen and placed graphic positively affects you.

A great photo can illicit an emotion, or a memory, or create some sort of attachment. It can make the idea that is being portrayed feel much more real. Isn’t that what you’re trying to accomplish on your site?

Now let’s take back into account that all of your competitors are going to be trying to do that. What’s the difference between them making that emotional attachment to their customers and you just having boring text on your website? …A lost opportunity.

Whether they are nicely illustrated cartoon graphics, or professionally shot photos, or even carefully chosen and purchased stock photos, they can make a huge difference in the way that your website is perceived and its possible success. Make sure to plan and budget for getting nice graphics or photos one way or another when building your website. You don’t want to be caught without them.