Size really does matter... For your images, that is!
With the introduction of the iPhone in 2007, there's been an explosion of users surfing the web on mobile devices. Some people are still using flip phones! (Hello, Adele) what's a poor blogger to do? Let's say you've chosen just the right pic to make your post POP! Great, right? That photo you took may look just fine on your brand-new, MacBook Pro, but the same graphics may struggle on a phone. CLICK! you just lost a visitor to your blog.
When building your posts, try to test them out on a variety of mobile devices to get a feel for what works best for you. Not everyone has the latest smartphone or fast connection and we want to make sure they aren't frustrated when visiting our website. And that brings me to my next tip:
Post "just enough" pics to tell your story
I recently checked out a blog here on Steemit and I swear, that dude must have uploaded 30 pics on that puppy! My browser stuttered, choked and then froze like the Russian Kim Kardashian at a nude photoshoot in Siberia! Did I try the blog again? NOPE! I clicked my ass right on outta there! Again, not everyone has the latest equipment or a blazing-fast internet connection, so test different amounts of images to find that fast-loading sweet spot.
There are a number of image compression sites out there to help you optimize your pics for the web. Here are just a few: compressor.io, Compress Jpeg and Tiny Png. Many more are just a Google search away...
Choosing images for your blog that POP!
Choosing the right pics for your blog can mean the difference between good exposure and buzz-killing oblivion. The graphic also functions as the thumbnail image on Steemit. When users scroll down the "new" section you have one chance to catch their attention. Use it wisely. If you take a look at my page you'll find arresting thumbnails that sometimes took an hour to choose. Below, I'll take you through my selection process for a hypothetical blog post.
Let's say I'm writing a new article about "funny babies" and need a great thumbnail for it. I head on over to Pixabay and enter the search term: "funny babies" what do we find? Row after row of giggly, happy toddlers, Squirming and squealing with delight. Most bloggers would choose the first pic and be done with it. Not me, I want just the right one that will stop you in your tracks when scrolling down a page on Steemit.
How will you know when you've found it? There won't be any doubt at all. "The One" will leap out of the page at you, like Neo in The Matrix. My thumbnail pics at @evernoticethat were all chosen deliberately, for maximum impact.
Take a look at these three images for "Dream Big." Imagine you're scrolling down the "new" page, which one pops out at you?
See where I'm going here? Now, if you chose the last one, CONGRATS! You’ve got an eye for picking killer images for your blog, mate! Please check out the rest of my Steemit Tips series to help you grow even faster! If you found this post useful, please follow, upvote and resteem. What other tips have you found that worked out for YOU?
Follow me @evernoticethat and UPVOTE
Thank you so much!
Image credit: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
video credit: 1
If you liked this post, please upvote it, resteem to your friends and follow me for more. You can also check out the rest of my Steemit Tips series below:
Steemit Tips #7 - Helping New Users on Steemit - Are You a Giver or a Taker?
Steemit Tips #6 - Steemit Voting Power - Like Video Game Mana from Heaven...
Steemit Tips #5 - How Often Should you Upload a Blog Post without OVERPOSTING?
Steemit Tips # 4 - How to Promote your Blog Posts the RIGHT Way!
Steemit Tips # 3 - What is The Best Time for YOU to Publish Your Blog Posts?
Steemit Tips # 2 - Blog Post Ideas For Busy Bloggers
Steemit Tips #1 - How To Cruise Like a Whale in a School Full of Minnows