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Your Website's First Impression

June 03, 20252 min read

When someone lands on your website, you’ve got about 3 seconds to make them want to stay.

The first thing they see? Your hero image.

This isn’t just decoration—it’s yourvisual first impression. Your brand’s handshake. And it’s often doing more work than anything else on the page.


What’s a Hero Image?

Your hero image is the large, eye-catching banner at the top of your homepage. It's prime visual real estate—usually the first thing a visitor notices. Whether it's a photo of you, your product, your workspace, or your team, it sets the tone for your entire brand.

But here’s the key: it needs to feel like you. Not stock. Not generic...You.


Why It Matters

People want to know who they’re doing business with. A polished, professional image at the top of your website creates instant trust. It communicates that you’re established, intentional, and worth paying attention to.

A strong hero image:

  • Shows what kind of experience people can expect

  • Begins building emotional connection

  • Reinforces your visual brand identity

  • Makes your business feelreal

Meanwhile, using a stock image? It’s forgettable. It blends in. Your competitor is probably using it too. And it subtly signals you might not be fully invested in your own brand.


The True Cost of a Missed Opportunity

Stock might feel like a money-saver, but how much are you losing if a potential client clicks away to book someone who shows up confidently and consistently?

Your website is often the first place someone checks when deciding whether to reach out. If it doesn’t make them feel something—or worse, makes them question your credibility—you’ve lost the opportunity before you even knew it existed.

A custom hero image isn’t a splurge. It’s a smart business decision.


What Makes a Great Hero Image?

  • Authenticity: It actually shows you or your business in action.

  • Intentionality: It’s composed to fit the layout of your site, with room for text or call-to-action buttons, and is relevant to who you are and what you do.

  • Brand Consistency: The vibe matches your color palette, tone, and personality.

  • Quality: It’s sharp, clean, and professionally edited.


Think of Your Hero Image Like a Billboard

If you had 5 seconds to show a stranger what your business is all about, what image would you use?

Your hero image is that moment. Make it count.


📸 Coming up next in the series: how to use your brand photos throughout your website—not just on your Home & About page.

Ready to elevate your visual presence and turn browsers into buyers?

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SHOOTING WITH FLOURISH AND ELEVATING YOUR IMAGE WITH BRAND PHOTOSLet’s create images that actually work for you.

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Valerie Bogle

Valerie Bogle is the visionary behind FLOURISH Magazine Style Photography, known for crafting elevated portrait experiences that empower clients to see themselves at their best. With a background in branding and over two decades directing photo shoots for major names like Royal Caribbean and Marriott, Valerie brings a refined eye and personal touch to every session. Whether she's photographing accomplished professionals, devoted mothers, or families honoring their legacy, her work is more than beautiful imagery—it’s transformational. Through her lens, clients don’t just look amazing; they feel seen, celebrated, and unforgettable. Valerie’s studio, based in St. Petersburg, Florida, is a curated haven where confidence blooms and luxury meets meaning. Her campaigns, like Legacy of Love and Opus X, reflect a commitment to capturing connection, strength, and significance in every frame.

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