Many bloggers and publishers alike are unsure of the meaning that their images portray. Granted it does not play that large of a role many times, but when it does impact readers’ impressions, it can play a very large role. I wrote about tips to increase advertising effectiveness last week, and it is somewhat related to what I will explain here.

The Goal

You want readers to believe your site is positive and the goal is to create a positive mindset in readers. Of course there are those sites that are completely negative and still have readers, but for many bloggers who are trying to brand themselves, that is not the key.

Also, bloggers (like myself) find it more intriguing and smooth if your layout and image color have correlations as well. For instance, if you have a black and red theme, you would find it more appropriate to fit an RSS button into your theme with similar colors so that the orange isn’t an eyesore to your viewers.

Examples

Influencing readers by using positive imagery is a great way to increase the brand and positively reflect your material. As you can see, the image to the left directly states making money online a little bit, at a time - onlinecashflow.org. However, it is obvious to see the underlying message that the domain name is a smile, and the small text blocks are eyes. You can also conclude that one is darker than the other, possibly signifying a wink.

All of these are very easy ways to use imagery to positively brand yourself and help influence readers’ impressions of what you are and what you are about.

It only took me a matter of minutes to fix this image up, but I would imagine the effect it has on reader’s impressions is far greater than if I had simply used the words in a similar image file.

Another example is the new advertising block I have created where AdSense used to be.

Of course the text is easy to read and noticeable, but the meaning of a handshake signifies a relationship, or a successful transaction. By using that type of imagery, my goal is to let my readers know that if you are to create a partnership with me, you will be satisfied. It is these underlying attributes that incorporate meaning. You want your readers (or potential customers) to feel wanted and have a sense of urgency to return. Creating that feeling in your customers is one of the most difficult things to do from a marketing standpoint.

Now, achieving the first level customers and readers is difficult, but it can be improved by using such methods. However, once you have these customers, it is imperative to treat them appropriately to instill greater meaning and make sure they return, or better yet, advertise for you.

The most effective, yet least costly method of advertising is word of mouth.

That is a true statement. If you are good to your customers, they will feel like they should refer their friends to you.

I am sure many of you have heard of Netflix. When they were first becoming popular, they did not spend a dime on advertising. All they did was provide superior service to their customers, and in turn, their customers were appreciative and brought more traffic and business to Netflix.

Treat customers right, and they will treat you right. This stretches passed the commerce side of business. As a blogger, information is your asset. If you provide useful and truthful information to your readers, you will be rewarded.

You can effectively instill meaning using imagery, but you must also act upon those underlying messages to create a meaningful relationship between your clients and yourself.

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