How do you feel about humorous (not off-color) images on B2B services company websites? So often they are buttoned-up stock photography which  I  find boring.

I’ve really gotten in to using offbeat or humorous images in presentations, which works well, but I am not so sure on websites.

Any opinions?

@joanmuschampfagnani It’s a good way to show your personality and be different from all those companies using stock photos, but I have to ask: do your ideal clients have a sense of humor? Would they “get it” or not? That’s who you are trying to reach.

Images are an immediate way to connect with your readers, so finding a good image is as important as writing great content. I’m all for an image with a touch of humor, or one that makes you sit up and take notice, as look as it supports your message and your company persona. 

I agree, I can’t stand those stock images of business people that appear everywhere. Even if I use stock photographs, I always look for something a little offbeat or interesting. There are thousands of images to choose from. Why settle for boring? 

@dscottwalker one image I saw that was interesting in relationship to helping bsuinesses maximize events (seminars, trade shows, networking) was actually a Lab, dressed in a shirt and tie with a nametag on (one of the Hello, my name is).

It sort of fits my quirky personality–but  I might use it more in email promotions than as a site image.

Sounds like fun.  @joanmuschampfagnani I have a 10-month old Lab puppy so I can definitely picture that!

Very rarely do I use stock photos in web design, if ever. Almost never; can’t remember the last time. Can’t remember the first time.

Are you speaking of design elements or body elements? Is your website actually a blogging platform where an image is used once for an article?

For design elements – NO (depending on the business at hand)For articles – whatever you want that serves the purpose of the article – YES.For presentations – make it interesting; visual humorous is a great way to do that – so YES.

AMY HALL above has the right idea about how to use images properly. The studies about eye movement across a screen prove how to use images effectively.

Read up on “readability” in general for articles.  Keep in mind that imagery should accompany and enhance the flavor of the words being presented (in whatever form). 

.02

You know what, I think I kinda got off topic in explaining how I feel about graphics on websites.

Humorous Images?  Great, when the image(s) works well with the theme or story line of your article —

If it fits, WEAR IT and flaunt it!