Hey friends! Remember that series I started a million years ago? Well, part II is finally here! We wanted to talk about blog visuals, and what to do if that’s not really your focus. If you read other blogs like ours, you’ve probably seen it written a zillion times that you MUST have good imagery in order to have a successful (read: high traffic/income generating) blog. I don’t disagree. But I do think it’s a lot more complicated than that!
While visual content is more important now than ever (remember when blogs just threw up a tiny, somewhat related photo to go along with their text?), I think that if you’re a lifestyle blogger, you most likely want to make sure your photos support the written content. Unless you are in fact blogging about the visual content (aka the photo) you’re most likely posting photos in order to back up what you’re writing. If you’re sharing organization tips, you might want a photo of an organized shelf, etc. But if your blog is mostly essay-based, perhaps it isn’t vital that you have that perfect flatlay?
Many bloggers find that what’s trending isn’t their aesthetic. In lifestyle blogging, it’s a proven formula that fairly minimal, bright, and clear photos draw people in. They’re just Instagram + pin-worthy. Can you NOT follow that formula and still be seen? When I set out to answer this, it was disappointing at first. I started to think that perhaps I was wrong and that you really DO need a gorgeous, trendy photo with each post—even better if there’s several—in order for it to get any hits. I realized that even the most original blogs I read follow this formula to some degree. But then I started thinking about blogs like Marc and Angel that still fall into lifestyle, and focus more heavily on written content than photos (yeah, there is a photo with each, but it’s not the focal point, it’s loosely representative), and even veteran bloggers like A Cup of Jo who make sure to have nice photos, but it’s obvious that the writing is at the core of the post.
For some, it’s not that they just aren’t into modern, clean photos, it’s that they don’t care about them at all. One wonders, do you have to be a photographer to blog these days? Isn’t it funny that focusing strictly on written content would be seen as a traffic-killer? I wasn’t even sure what photo would go with this post, for example. Technically we’re not lifestyle bloggers (though we are on our individual blogs and we work with clients who are), but our blog is written for lifestyle bloggers, mostly. Of course we really want our visual content to appeal to them and draw people in, so we’ve noticed that posts with a good photo or graphic tend to get hits, because so much of our traffic comes from bloglovin’ and Pinterest.
Speaking of graphics, this can work instead of photos. It creates a visual for readers while allowing you to focus on the writing. For our weekly resources for example, there’s no need for us to take a photo for each topic. We used to pull images from the bloggers we featured, but found it really messy. So now, we just use the same photo with a different title. Even though it’s not totally exciting, it’s our way to satisfy those who need a visual example, it creates consistent branding, and we don’t have to worry about it.
Another way to not focus on the visual SO much is through styled stock photos. I know that a lot of people are told they must have original photography but unless you’re doing a style post featuring or a DIY that really requires it, a stock photo can work. There’s no need to hide that that’s what you’re doing. If your post is an essay on the pros and cons of self employment, for example, and you use a styled stock photo of a desk and computer, it can definitely fit.
I think for lifestyle bloggers it’s really important that both the visual and written content balances and complements one another. If your strong suit is the text OR the photography, it’s great to focus on that, while being mindful that you’ll reach the most people if both aspects are strong. We’d love to see some examples of bloggers who still focus mostly on the written content, yet are still able to draw readers into their brand.
What’s your take on lifestyle blogging and photography/visuals?
Kachee says
Like this post! I focus a lot more on the written content of the post, but blog still seems to be doing very well! I often use just one stock photo or a general representative image. It balls down to style, ultimately – but I think it’s quite possible!
http://www.KacheeTee.com
Abbie says
This is super interesting! I just started a brand new blog on top of my current one, so it’s been fun but kind of hard to figure out what I want my photo aesthetic to be. Thank you!
http://www.angelicabbie.com
Anastasia says
“…balances and complements one another” is the key phrase, to my mind. As someone who is really attached to visuals and constantly working on improving it, I was really curious to read your thoughts on it! And I cannot agree more with the conclusion :)
Thanks for sharing!
xx
Odessa says
Interesting article – I’m still finding my photo aesthetic but I tend to shy away from the white, bright, minimal looks. I think this affects my traffic negatively, but I think being authentic is more important. I could style white, instagram-y flatlays if I really put the effort into it, but is it my style? Not so much. Good food for thought here!
http://odessadarling.co
Jacqui says
This was a good read! I’m a visual person so I usually focus on the photos but I think my writing suffers as a result, but I definitely agree its important to focus on your strengths
Jacqui | Jaqventures
Gen Petiteau says
I really love this article ! I’ve just started my own lifestyle blog and I know there’s really a need to invest on a good quality camera. If you have time please check out my blog : genuinedrop.wixsite.com/genuinedrop
I’ll really appreciate your advice 😊
Gen✌( ˘ ³˘)❤