I gotta problem with the photos on your website. A serious problem.

Assuming you post the kinds of photos that other design firms, manufacturers or showrooms do, we gotta talk.

The photos may be pretty, but they aren’t meaningful. They’re a waste of my time and your money.

That’s because you don’t explain what you’re showing me — and why.

 Let’s go site surfing.

First stop:  the interior designer’s website.

Look, here’s a photo of a Marina del Rey Peninsula condominum. There’s one of a Coral Gables residence. And, another of a Vail vacation home.

Now I see a picture of a fireplace. And there’s a living room. And a law office waiting room.

Any idea why she’s showing us these photos? I don’t have a clue. Maybe she doesn’t either.

Let’s check out the website of the decorative hardware manufacturer. What’s with the photos?

15 shots of doorknobs, 14 drapery finials, 12 drawer pulls.

I don’t get it. What’s the message here?  Yeah, it’s nice stuff, but everyone’s got nice stuff.

Finally, the multiline showroom website.

Lots of words here about all the nice furniture, textile, lighting and accessories.

But, why are the photos so small? And, why should I care about these images of Chapman lighting and Jim Thompson Thai Silk?

My first question about  your website photos is: Why? 

Why show me these? What’s your point? What do these pictures prove?
Remember, the average visit to a website is four seconds and two clicks. Given that time restraint, do those who see the photos on  your site really “get” what makes you special?

Or, do your photos disqualify, rather than qualify you for the kinds of clients you want?

Don’t just give me images. Give me help.

Your website photos will have greater impact if you give me:

Your Greatest. Quality matters. Quantity doesn’t.

Your Latest.  Show me new, show me now. Update often.

Guidance. A little caption can say a lot.

Perspective. Small photos of big rooms don’t work. Large photos of small details do.

Size. Let me click onto larger versions.

Variety. Show me all that you can do.

Direction.  An index or category list, please.

Links.  I like what I see. Where can I learn more?

A Way Out. Get me back to your home page easily.

A Taste.  Whet my appetite, but don’t overdo it.