Is a website with no images really a good idea?
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I have a client who doesn't want to use any images at all on her website. It's a local hvac service provider. This thought has never even crossed my mind before. Who wouldn't want pictures? I know image optimization is important, and my mind keeps telling me that images are important for a good site and good user experience, but are they really necessary? I want a second opinion before I advise against not using any images.
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Hi Dena,
I wouldn't say images are strictly necessary, but it would certainly be much more of a challenge to create a good user experience without them.
Stock images are cheap and even standard digital cameras can produce high quality photos, so it seems like a bit of a no-brainer to include them given the importance of visual stimulation on the web.
Good luck with the client!
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The is nothing wrong with having a site with no images . One of my favorite site Hacker News has none ( http://news.ycombinator.com/ ) ( ignore the logo wont you
)that said .. I would ask them why they want to have a website with no images. Talk to them about the advantages for users / how you can optimize the site for images.
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I think that a site can look good with no images if it's a little blog or a personal website however when it is something like HVAC or an industrial service type company images should be used to convey the message of what they do. Otherwise, a user may be confused about what the websites is about or it would make the site look like it was built on a hosts 'site builder'.
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Did you ask this person WHY?
I am just going to take a guess....... they think that images will cost about $1500 each to post and $50/each per month for bandwidth.
Some "expert" cousin told her some BS that you need to debunk.
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What is the reason they don't want to use images. I believe to have a professional looking site, you do need images. I don't believe it's a SEO issue, but more of a UX issue.
"An image is worth a 1000 words"
I would find two websites. One designed beautifully, and the other minimal. Ask him which company he would call. 46% of people will judge the company based by the appearance of their website.
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