A website without pictures? That sounds like a sin against the rules of modern design. But the reality is more colourful: there are superhero pictures and saboteur pictures. Let's break them down to the last pixel and show that even a „bare“ web can sprinkle inquiries.
Superheroes who give direction to the web
A picture says more than 1,000 words. Clear information, emotion or story will tell us in one second. Branded photos, event images or authentic service shots - these are the clear standouts on the web:
- build trust,
- help the eyes to rest from reading,
- make search engines happy (e.g. alt text)
- and create the right vibe.
If they can do all that, how can we even think about a website without images? Only a fool would give up such benefits!
Saboteurs who ruin even the best website
Not every picture has superpowers. It could quite easily happen that:
- your company doesn't have any photos to use,
- your service is abstract and just can't be photographed.
In this situation, you often get that „savior“ idea: we'll put in pictures from the photo bank or artificial intelligence. Please hold, don't do it. The last thing you need on the web are generic photos of smiling managers with coffee.
AI images and stock photos are as instant soups. They may drive away hunger, but they simply never match the homemade broth. Fills blank space on the page, but otherwise, they'll get you nothing.
Saboteurs on the web:
- they break trust,
- they're going to undermine professionalism
- they're keeping quiet about your business and services,
- and it looks cheap.
But isn't at least some picture better than none? Only practice can answer that.
Case study: a website without images but with enquiries
So can a website work without images? Absolutely yes, and even brilliantly. Our proof is a website for client Ekon.
The accounting firm Ekons did not have any photos that would be suitable for a quality presentation. So we went about it in a different way. We didn't look for a substitute in the form of AI photos. We have used 1 image on the whole website. Just a profile picture of the CEO, Otherwise, nothing. Please, see for yourself.
What did we replace the pictures with?
- distinctive typography, ...that will take your eyes off the ball,
- bulletproof a structure that leaves no room for questions,
- a copywriting, that goes straight to the heart of the matter.
And how did it turn out? Ekons shines in grey accounting sites with generic images like a lighthouse. And because of that, it attracts dozens of new enquiries every month. Well, there you go, and it worked without pictures.
To functional web?
With or without pictures. Mostly authentically
Each site has a different story. One of them suits colours and emotions, the other relies on pure minimalism. But the golden rule is: better no photo than one that says nothing.
Images on the web play an important role, but only if they are your own, authentic and have informational value.
At Apadore, we can handle any challenge. We don't care if you have professional brand photos or just blurry selfies from a party. Let's create a website that inspires confidence. Get in touch and let's get meet for a free consultation.
