Images: Types and Placement

Graphics can be additions to your work if utilized properly. The type of graphic used is based on the intended value desired.

The Use of Graphics

Unless you are writing an essay–and the prompt indicates no graphics–images should be utilized. Not only can graphics make your work more visually appealing, but they can also transmit information in another method. Graphics can take complex information and simplify them as well as highlight important pieces that you want readers to take away from the work. On the other hand, these touches can positively influence the tone and feeling that wouldn’t be otherwise conveyed at a glance.

Types of Graphics

Info-graphs

Examples: Content graphs, pie charts

Infographic of search engine optimization

These are often visual breakdowns of the information trying to get portrayed. They are great ways to convey and simplify it into something that can be digested at a glance. It is important to keep the graphic as simplistic as possible (not too many words or numbers).

Data Visualization

Examples: Data charts, Map, Timeline

Data visualization search engine optimization timeline

Data visualizations are another form of infographics. However, they are specifically visual representations of data (aka number-based). They reinforce the numbers within the work and act as a way to highlight these. It is important to keep words to a minimum and have the numbers do the work.

“Callout”

Examples: Quotes, Percentage, Headlines

Callout header of "About Us" for a small business website

Not all graphics are images. These “callout” sections are representative of this. They separate large bodies of text and create visual separations. It’s important that these are a different colour or type of text compared to the others as well as enough empty space separates them from the other portions of the text.

Illustration

Examples: Designs created by graphic designers, “vector art”

Vector art of a magnifying glass over lines

Illustrations can be positive additions to highlight the topic of the work. It is important to ensure that the designs are consistent.

Brand Design

Examples: Logo, Company Name

Brand Design: Logo of LiveFive Web Design

These graphics are representative of you. They can help ensure the tone of the work as well as emphasize that the writer/company is highlighted and well-known.

Photographs

Examples: Stock photography, professional/images of your business/product/self

Photograph of LiveFive Web Design CEO Haliegh Reinoehl

These photographs are important for adding to the personalization of your work. They can introduce new readers/users to who you/your company are. They should also align with your message and be a true representation of the tone you are trying to convey.

A word of caution: make sure to use high quality. Poor quality photographs can harm your representation (as well as SEO). For stock photos, make sure you don’t add too many or overused photos because it can make your work feel less authentic.

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