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Images for Your Website ... What is OK to Use?
by Francisco Aloy
Pairing your website content with images sends a powerful message that text
alone can't convey. Notice all the virtual eBook covers and software boxes used
to describe products. They are used for one simple reason: they sell more!
Getting images from the web is so easy, we tend to forget someone created the
image and should be paid for the use of it. The first thing you should do when
considering using one, is getting permission from the creator/designer of the
graphic or image.
You have to read the user agreement carefully before using images offered by
some websites. Most of the time, they are free for personal use but must be
purchased for business use.
There are many distributors of commercial graphics and images catering to the
needs of Webmasters. Some come in sets of multiple indexed CD-ROM's with a
searchable database.
Another good source is the return bin of retail computer goods stores, such as:
CompUSA, Fry's and so on. I've found huge collections of commercial graphics for
next to nothing because somebody opened the package and brought it back for a
refund.
Likewise, your digital camera can be a source of royalty free images. A word of
warning: You still have to get permission from the owner of any commercially
protected product you photograph; just because you photograph something doesn't
mean you own all the rights to the image.
When you want to get an image from the web, the proper way to acquire the image
is to use the Print Screen button on your keyboard and then paste the image into
your favorite graphics application. In this way, you won't be taking bandwidth
that doesn't belong to you. Again, due diligence on your part to get permission
to use the image is a must.
The most common formats for web images are GIF and JPEG because they offer good
image quality with reasonable file size. Do remember that images take up lots of
resources and should be used sparingly. One half of the country is still using
dial up modems and you must design and edit your website to include them.
A web based utility I've found very useful for testing the loading time of my
websites is the Web Page Analyzer, located here: http://www.websiteoptimization.com/services/analyze/
Use it to find the correct loading time of your web page. As a rule, most folks
will wait 5 to 8 seconds for a page to load; if it's more than that, you risk
the chance of visitors hitting the back button.
Remember that images should be used to enhance the message you are presenting to
your visitors. They should have a professional, finished look to them. The last
thing you want is for the images on your website to have such an amateur look
that they inspire questions about your general competence. Remember: You never
get a second chance to make a first impression!
==============================================
by Francisco Aloy
(C)2004 Francisco Aloy
==============================================
About the Author
Francisco Aloy is the author of "Yes, I Want to Start My Internet Business
Without Being SCAMMED!." He has an online business catering to the needs of the
Newbie Net Entrepreneur. Visit his site to see more of Mr. Aloy's articles.
http://www.newbie-business-guide.com
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