Why Great Photography Can Make or Break a Website
When people land on your website, first impressions happen in seconds. Design, layout and typography all play their part, but nothing carries more weight than photography. As a Squarespace designer, I see time and time again how strong imagery can elevate a brand, while poor photography can instantly weaken it.
High-quality photography gives your website credibility. Visitors are far more likely to trust a business that invests in professional images than one relying on low-quality or inconsistent shots. It communicates that you care about detail and, by extension, your customers. Good photography also tells your story visually – whether that’s the warmth of a portrait, the texture of a product, or the atmosphere of a location.
That doesn’t always mean you need to commission a full professional photoshoot. High-quality stock photography can work perfectly well, provided you choose images that feel authentic, relevant, and aligned with your brand. Stock shots are often an affordable way to give your site visual impact without cutting corners on quality.
In design, images set the tone. A muted colour palette with moody photography conveys sophistication, while bright lifestyle shots create energy and accessibility. As a designer, I often build page layouts around imagery. Without strong photos – whether custom or carefully selected stock – the entire structure can fall flat.
Squarespace templates are flexible and beautifully designed, but they still rely heavily on what you put into them. The best typography and layout won’t rescue a site if the imagery doesn’t match the quality. Think of photography as the foundation – it holds the design together and ensures your brand feels authentic and memorable.
If you’re building or refreshing your Squarespace website, investing in great photography – professional or high-quality stock – is one of the smartest decisions you can make. It’s not just decoration; it’s a core part of your brand identity and can be the difference between a site that converts and one that gets overlooked.
Work with a trusted Squarespace Designer UK, View my Squarespace Portfolio, Design Portfolio, or Contact Luntdesign.
FAQ
Q: Do I need a designer to set up a Squarespace site?
A: While you can build a site yourself, a professional Squarespace designer ensures your site is well-structured, SEO-optimised, and aligned with your brand.
Q: How often should I update my website or blog?
A: Even small updates every few months help keep content fresh, which encourages Google to re-crawl your site and can boost rankings.
Q: What’s the best way to improve SEO on Squarespace?
A: Focus on clear navigation, internal links between pages, optimised meta descriptions, and properly sized images.