Keeping Your Focus with Ad Images

Images are the first things people see. They can make or break your message, so it's important to send the right one and one that isn't confusing.

Who's the Subject?

Before people read your ad or post, they're looking at your images. If they don't catch the eye, then the whole thing's a bust. We've talked how to create great images before (see my post on eye popping ads).

But we also need to consider some other types of images I see far too often - and those are - CLUTTERED IMAGES. 😱

When you look at them, you may or may not know who or what the subject matter is. It can also be that the subject is surrounded by so much, you can't tell where the subject begins and the background ends.

For Example, the cover image for this post is one where you're not sure which is the subject. There's just so much going on in the photo.

Here's what you want to see.

Now, you may look at these images and say, "Yes, women with plants. uncluttered, easy to tell she's the main subject." But actually, she's only the main subject for one of the photos. The photo on the left showcases the plant. Why is the woman so prominent in the picture? This question takes us back to our lesson on what makes people connect with images.

What do you feel when you look at these? Not much, right? They're static. Colorful, but boring. If you're in the market for a basket or bouquet, you might be interested. These are good for a florist or home decor site's product images, but not for advertising/social media.

Now, look at the difference with these next images.

How do you feel now? Can you sense the energy? Does it make you remember smelling flowers or being happy? The women in these images are reacting to their environment, making it easy to spot the subject. Your eye may start with the woman, but it moves to the subject quickly after that. You're reacting on an emotional level, and that's how you connect with your audience.

Now let's go back to the main image and the clutter, because there's lots of energy, but too much going on.

Admittedly, I added a lot to this to make it cluttered. We'll go back to the original image in a moment, but I want you to really notice the struggle to pick one subject.

First you notice the woman. You may think she's looking at the dog, because that's what you notice next. But then you see, she's not actually looking at the dog, but to the plant on her right.

So, who's the main subject? The woman, the dog, or the plant?

In marketing, confusion is always the enemy. When your audience can't understand what they're supposed to look at, they leave.

Here's the original picture as it was meant to be seen.

Now you can plainly see the focal point is the wooden pallet and all that's atop of it.

We react to this photo with interest because of her delight.

I hope you've found this an interesting post on keeping your focus with your images in Marketing. Please check out my other blog posts on Marketing and other subjects relating to it here. Sign up for future content and if you're a small business in need of help with your marketing, please visit my main page to see all my services and make an appointment so we can discuss your goals moving forward!

Yours,

Amanda, with Socially Flourish, llc