Which photos to put on your website (and which to skip)

Photos are the first thing a customer sees on your website. Before they read a single word, they already have an impression. The good news: you do not need a photographer. You need your phone and five simple rules.

1. Show your work, not stock images from the web

A real photo of a bathroom you fixed, a haircut you did, or a dish you served is worth more than ten “perfect” pictures from Google. Customers can tell what is genuine straight away. Images from the web often have copyright restrictions, so it is better to avoid them.

2. Light, light, light

Take the photo in daylight, near a window or outside. Avoid the flash; it makes colours look harsh. If the room is dark, turn on every light.

3. Tidy up first

Before you shoot, clear away tools, clutter, cables, and anything that does not belong in the frame. A clean background makes your work look more professional.

4. Before and after

For tradespeople, the strongest photo is a before-and-after pair. Take one shot before you start and one from the same spot when you are done. It shows clearly what you do.

5. Include yourself

Customers want to know who will come to their home or who will cut their hair. A simple photo of you smiling, in front of your shop or van, builds trust.

Photos to avoid

• blurry or very dark shots
• images with another company’s logo on them
• customers’ faces unless you have asked permission
• very old photos that do not reflect how you work today

Five good photos are enough to get started. You can add new ones whenever you like, from your account, in a minute.