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Despite Mark Zuckerberg and other digital forerunners doing everything they can to shape the future of the internet in their vision, the use of blogs and other online content has remained a popular way for medical practices to share information with the public and increase their patient pool.
Medical blog posts are a great way to educate people about health and wellness topics and to provide up-to-date information about medical advances and treatments. This, in turn, builds trust, which, in another turn, builds business.
But regardless of how often we scream it at the top of our lungs at every medical convention, one key bit of advice is always ignored: the use of imagery. So, in a hopefully not-feeble attempt to finally get through to everyone, let’s explore the benefits of imagery in medical blogs and give you some tips for using those visuals effectively.
Benefits of Including Imagery in Medical Blog Posts
Makes the Post More Visually Appealing
Including imagery in a medical blog post can make the post more visually appealing and engaging. A wall of text can be intimidating and uninviting, and images can help to break up the text and create a more visually interesting layout. When readers see a post with high-quality images, they are more likely to read the content and engage with the information. This has additional SEO benefits, as the longer someone stays on your page, the more Google gets a signal that your content is good for their users.
Enhances the Reader's Understanding of Complex Medical Concepts
Medical topics can be complex and difficult to understand, especially for readers who don't have a medical background. Including images in a medical blog post can help to enhance the reader's understanding of complex concepts by providing visual aids and examples. For example, a post about the human body might include diagrams or illustrations to help readers understand the different systems and organs.
Helps to Create an Emotional Connection with the Reader
But you aren’t a high school English teacher, you have more to worry about than comprehension. You also need to create an emotional connection with the reader. Images can evoke emotions, which can help to make the content more memorable and impactful. For example, a post about a body lift might include images of real patients to help readers connect more personally with the subject matter.
Encourages Social Media Sharing
Including images in a medical blog post can also encourage social media sharing. Posts with images are more likely to be shared on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, which can help to increase the reach of the content. When readers share a post with their friends and followers, they are helping to spread valuable information about health and wellness.
Types of Imagery to Include in Medical Blog Posts
There are several types of imagery that can be used in medical blog posts, depending on the content and the audience. Here are some the most common and useful examples:
Stock Photos
Stock photos are pre-existing images that can be purchased or used under certain licensing agreements. They are typically created by professional photographers and are available on websites such as Shutterstock and Getty Images. Stock photos can be a cost-effective way to add visual interest to a medical blog post, especially if you don't have access to a professional photographer or designer.
When using stock photos, it's important to choose images that are relevant to the topic and the audience. For example, a post about liposuction might include images of belly fat or someone being frustrated during a workout. It's also important to make sure that the images are high-quality and free from visual defects or distortions.
Illustrations
Illustrations are hand-drawn or digitally created images that can be used to illustrate complex medical concepts or to add a creative element to the post. Illustrations can be customized to match the tone and style of the blog, and they can be used to convey information in a visually appealing way.
When using illustrations, it's important to choose a style that is appropriate for the topic and the audience. For example, a post about dermal fillers might include illustrations that are colorful and playful, while a post about gynecomastia surgery might include illustrations that are more serious. It's also important to make sure that the illustrations are accurate and relevant to the information being presented.
Infographics
Infographics are visual representations of data or information, often presented in a chart or graph format. Infographics can be used to convey complex medical data or statistics in a way that is easy to understand and engaging for the reader. They can be created using online tools such as Canva, Piktochart, and Venngage. Many of these tools are free.
When using infographics, it's important to choose a format that is appropriate for the data being presented. For example, a post about the prevalence of breast augmentation in the United States might include a bar graph that compares the rates over time to demonstrate how common they have become. It's also important to make sure that the infographic is visually appealing and easy to understand.
Videos
Videos are a great way to add interactivity and engagement to a medical blog post. They can be used to demonstrate medical procedures, provide patient testimonials, or share information about medical research. Videos can be created using a smartphone, a digital camera, or professional equipment. All of these options provide additional value when created properly.
When creating videos, it's important to make sure that the video is well-lit and that the sound quality is good. The video should be edited to include only the most important information, and it should be a reasonable length (usually less than a minute or two for short-form like TikTok, and around 10 or so minutes for long-form content like you would find on YouTube. It's also important to make sure that any people featured in the video have given their consent to be recorded, and that all the legalities are being followed.
AI Art
AI art is a newer form of imagery that uses artificial intelligence algorithms to generate unique images. AI art can be used to create visually stunning images that can be used to add a creative or artistic element to a medical blog post. AI-generated imagery can be customized to match the tone and style of the blog, and it can be used to create images that are unique and eye-catching.
When using AI art, it's important to choose images that are appropriate for the topic and the audience. For example, a post about mental health might include abstract images that evoke emotions and feelings related to mental health. It's also important to make sure that the images are high-quality and visually appealing and, most importantly, free from any nonsensical errors in creation.
(Looking at you, AI-generated hands.)
Using Before and After Photos in Medical Blog Posts
Another type of imagery that can be used in medical blog posts is before and after photos. These types of photos are your secret weapon for a ton of reasons, but here are some of the most significant:
Demonstrating Results
Before and after photos can be used to demonstrate the results of a particular medical treatment or procedure. For example, a post about a facelift that includes before and after photos of patients who have undergone the procedure can prove to the reader what kind of correction can be made.This is a big motivator for anyone who is already considering the treatment.
Building Credibility
Using before and after photos can also help to build credibility with readers. When readers see concrete evidence of the results of a particular treatment or procedure, they are more likely to trust the information being presented in the blog post. This can help to establish the medical practice as a credible and trustworthy source of information.
Creating Emotional Connection
Before and after photos can also help to create an emotional connection with the reader. Seeing the transformation in a patient's appearance or health can be inspiring and motivational, and can help to encourage readers to take action to improve their own health.
Educating Readers
In addition to inspiring and motivating readers, before and after photos can also be used to educate readers about a particular medical condition or treatment. By seeing the changes that can be achieved through a particular treatment, readers can gain a better understanding of the benefits and potential risks of different medical interventions.
Best Practices for Including Imagery in Medical Blog Posts
When including imagery in a medical blog post, there are some best practices to keep in mind to ensure that the images are effective and appropriate. Here are some tips for using imagery effectively in medical blog posts.
Use High-Quality Images
High-quality images are essential for creating a professional-looking blog post. Low-quality or pixelated images can be distracting and can detract from the credibility of the content. Make sure that any images used in the post are high-resolution and are free from visual defects or distortions.
Include Alt Text and Captions for Accessibility
Alt text and captions are essential for making images accessible to readers with visual impairments or disabilities. Alt text is a description of the image that is read by screen readers, while captions provide additional information about the image. By including alt text and captions, you can ensure that all readers are able to engage with the content, regardless of their visual abilities.
Choose Images That Are Relevant to the Topic
When selecting images for a medical blog post, it's important to choose images that are relevant to the topic. Images should help to illustrate or enhance the content of the post, rather than being used simply for decorative purposes. Make sure that any images used in the post are directly related to the information being presented.
Don't Overload the Post with Too Many Images
While images can be an effective way to break up long blocks of text, it's important not to overload the post with too many images. Too many images can be distracting and can detract from the main message of the post. Use images sparingly, and make sure that each image adds value to the content.
Make Sure the Images Are Appropriately Sized for the Post
When adding images to a medical blog post, it's important to make sure that the images are appropriately sized for the post. Images that are too large can slow down the loading time of the post, while images that are too small may not be easily visible on all devices. Make sure that any images used in the post are optimized for the web and are sized appropriately for the layout of the post.
Not in a Creative Mood?
No worries, chief. If you want to up your blogging or digital marketing game without lifting a finger, we can help. Give us a call at (800) 949-0133 or schedule a one-on-one. Our Incredible Educators are here to help you, anytime, for free.