How can images create a more engaging news article?

1 Choose relevant images

The first step is to choose images that are relevant to the topic and purpose of your news article. You want images that support and enhance your message, not distract or confuse your readers. For example, if you are writing about a natural disaster, you might use images that show the impact, the rescue efforts, and the aftermath. If you are writing about a political event, you might use images that show the participants, the location, and the mood. Avoid images that are unrelated, outdated, or misleading.

2 Use high-quality images

The second step is to use high-quality images that are clear, sharp, and well-lit. You want images that are easy to see and understand, not blurry, pixelated, or dark. High-quality images can also boost your credibility and professionalism as a news writer. You can find high-quality images from reputable sources, such as news agencies, photojournalists, or public domain websites. Make sure you have the permission and attribution to use the images you choose.

4 Add captions and alt text

The fourth step is to add captions and alt text to your images. Captions are short texts that explain what the image shows and how it relates to the story. Alt text is a hidden text that describes the image for screen readers and search engines. Both captions and alt text can help your readers and your SEO. You can use captions to provide more details, context, or quotes for your images. You can use alt text to include keywords, names, or locations for your images.

5 Arrange the images strategically

The fifth step is to arrange the images strategically in your news article. You want images that are well-placed and well-spaced throughout your article. You can use images to break up long blocks of text, to highlight important facts or quotes, or to create a visual flow for your story. You can also use different types of images, such as photos, graphs, charts, or infographics, to add variety and interest to your article.

6 Test and review the images

The sixth and final step is to test and review the images in your news article. You want images that are compatible and consistent with your platform and audience. You can test and review the images by previewing them on different devices, browsers, and screen sizes. You can also ask for feedback from your peers, editors, or readers. You can then make adjustments or changes to improve the quality and effectiveness of your images.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?