It’s all about the visuals on a blog! Think about what typically appears on a blog after the blog title… the blog title image. What does the image tell you about the post? Is it a photo and does it give you the title of the post? There have been many times I’d see a blog post with a photo and I have no clue how the photo has anything to do with the blog post. The write-up on a tech gadget with a photo of a flower blowing in the wind. Yea… weird.
Why should you care about the blog title image?
There are so many ways to get your blog noticed with just the blog title image (featured image) especially on social media. Pinterest especially comes to mind and that’s why I’ve used vertical positioning on my blog title images. If you don’t know already, having a vertical positioned image is highly desirable in the pinning stream. Think about infographics… people LOVE to pin the longest and most information-filled infographic.
I know I notice the long images in Pinterest rather than regular horizontal position images a lot more. This post is really not about Pinterest but hey it’s a visual platform; when people pin from your blog they’re going to choose the image that’s long and vertical. Plain and simple. Don’t believe me? Check out this Ultimate Guide from Olyvia.co, it really does break everything down for Pinterest. By the way, Google+ is a great place for vertical images too!
If you’re not into Pinterest or Google+ but you do like to share your blog posts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, then you can use your blog title image in a horizontal position. When your blog post is shared then the featured image is likely to look more appealing than using the vertical image, which would get cut off or smooshed into a smaller image with the share.
Like the example below (not that it matters because Vincent Ng gets most of his shares on Pinterest since he’s an amazing Pinterest expert):
It really all depends WHERE you strive to get your content shared on. Basically, where’s your audience at?
The BIGGEST Reason You Need To Create A Blog Title Image – GET NOTICED
When you do get your blog post shared, will people know the content is from YOU? There are many sites that I frequently read and I have to say when I see their content being shared in the social media streams I KNOW it’s their stuff. Truly!
Check out these examples:
Mad Lemmings – Ashley Faulkes is an awesome blogger, he knows his stuff about WordPress and SEO. He’s also a Canva lover! 😉 He has a unique look on his blog post titles with silly photos, the red overlay, and his website URL.
Julie Harris Design – Julie Harris is all about branding so you won’t be surprised to see her branded blog title images consistent to the “T” from her font, gorgeous photos, and her logo. She also has her images vertical, which are perfect for Pinterest.
Blogging Wizard – Adam Connell has a unique look for his blog title image. Every time I see his post I know it’s from the Blogging Wizard website. He has a distinct font with flat icon look.
Now get your blog noticed!
Okay so now you get the idea, right? The biggest reason you need to create a blog title image is to GET NOTICED.
You get to choose your own look for your blog. Don’t copy others; find a way to make the images your own.
You can do your blog title images all in Canva and there is no need for Photoshop. I’ll show you how in the next post. I hope these examples can provide inspiration and the motivation to spruce up your blog posts with enticing blog title images.
[tweet_box]Make your blog title images YOURS! @tigerlilyva11[/tweet_box]
Tell me… What’s your style?
- Photo background
- Color background
- Any favorite font
- Logo or URL or both
Let me know in the comments!
Take care,
Lillian De Jesus
Tigerlily 
Hi Lillian,
Great post. I LOVE images and I try to make my posts rich with images, but I have to say I haven’t spent a lot of time thinking of my blog title image…. After reading your post I definitely will pay attention to this so that I can get noticed.
Thanks for sharing this valuable information!
Best
Monisha
Hi Monisha,
SO many blog title image ideas going through my mind for your fashion blog! I see sparkles and glitter… LOL
Definitely give it a try. I think you’ll do really well on Pinterest.
Take care,
Lillian
Lillian,
I can never miss a beat of one of your blog posts. I’m learning so much about images and as you know I’m a great fan of Canva.
My big AHA moment here is to start keeping my images consistent. Ashley has his done in such a way you know it is him. So does Adam and Julie. I think it’s time for me to choose a layout that will remain consistent to each blog I put out. Now…trying to figure that one out lol
I want something to reflect my brand.
-Donna
Hey Donna,
Consistency is key! I’m loving the image on your blog post today. It totally reflects your personality!
For me, I like the vertical positioning because of Pinterest shares and I wanted a clean look so that’s why I have a border with no photo. It is tough to figure out a style that fits you. Even if you just have a certain design element on the corners or certain types of photo backgrounds, you can make it your own. Play around and see what feels best. I’ll get into more detail with the next post.
Take care,
Lillian
Hey Lilian, interesting post about blog title images. Personally I never publish a post without a title image. Just looks boring otherwise.
Hi Andrea,
Don’t posts without images look so boring!! Glad to hear you’re doing title images.
Take care,
Lillian
Hi Lillian
Such an honor, thanks for including me. It took me a while to come to my branding realisation, but now that I am on track, I try to apply it everywhere. It really makes a difference. All you need is a standard font (although mine changes a little) and color, and you are good to go. Don’t forget the logo too! super important, and sometimes a background on it to make it stand out.
Glad you are spreading the word, awesome stuff
ashley
Hi Ashley,
It’s my pleasure! I do like your distinct image and it really does get you noticed.
Take care,
Lillian
Hi Lillian,
Great post…always so much info and inspiration coming from you. I’ve used both horizontal, and vertical, though I do see the difference in attraction just from looking at the examples you’ve posted. I think I”ll probably go more for the vertical from now on for me. Images are usually what draw me to the post. Thanks so much for again, more great tips.
Hi BG,
Glad you stopped by! I’m so glad I can help. It really all depends on where your target market is on social media. If you have a lot of people on G+ and Pinterest, then vertical is definitely the way to go.
Take care,
Lillian
Hi Lillian ,
you always bring new Ideas ,great post
I think it is true to have a image which
is consistent is great .Thank you for the inspiration .
Erika
Hi Erika,
Thanks so much! I’m glad this post has given you some inspiration.
Take care,
Lillian
I thought this was a great post images are what pull readers in you just notice them when you view and they get noticed when you share 😉
Great point Lilian. I never thought about images for branding in that way. I have used Canva as well but certainly never been consistent. Might start putting some thought into that.
That’s great news Jenni! Let me know how your images turn out.
Hey Lillian,
Wonderful post … yes, creating a brand is not just about posting your name, but the graphics as well. Great post and made me think about my own branding… right now. LOVE the new blog! Looks great 🙂
Hey Lesly,
Thanks for the compliment about the new blog! Love my new internet home.
Let me know what you come up with for your branding.
Take care,
Lillian
Hi Lillian,
Great post. There are just so many little things that we don’t think about and then meeting people like you who have such great ideas to share makes things so much easier.
I’ve never really thought about vertical and have to admit I am stuck in the horizontal photo mode but will be looking to change that.
Thanks again.
Hi Monna,
Really think about where you’d like your posts to be shared. Horizontal is fine and it really all depends on your preference.
Take care,
Lillian
Love your post, Lillian!
Thanks Hannie!
This post is so informative and interesting. I used some times Blog title image for my post , It was just that I like to present my post in this way .
But I didn’t knew the important logic behind it.
Thanks for sharing this, now I wil.l create blog title image for my every post.
I see a lot of Pinterest images by fairly well-known bloggers, which are horizontal or square. I think the reason I like infographics so much is that there is so much packed into one, and they’re always visually pleasing with their mix of graphics and text. I didn’t know there was a better and not-so good way of adding graphics to my blog, but now you’ve given me something to think about.
Great ideas on your NEW blog Lillian. Loves lovely. Nice and clean and simple look.
Made me think about my own branding. Having a consistent look
such as the colour etc. I recently had many different pics of myself and now only 5 with the same hair , shirt and background on all blogs and facebook pages. Would like to now work on vertical images only, great for Pinterest.
Signed up for your Canva course. Thanks for the gift pics!
Hi Kathryn,
Thanks! I’m glad you like the new blog.
I’m so happy this post got you thinking about your own branding. It’s really important to stick with the same images. Thanks for signing up for the Canva Course for Business! It will be launched June 8th! Super excited about it. 🙂
Take care,
Lillian
nice and informative post.
Thanks for such posts.
Hope we will get more in future.
Thanks
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