Have you noticed that most companies use multiple images on their advertising materials, website, billboards, etc? No, that’s not the “1 Image Rule”. It’s what I call … “Confuse the sh*t out of a prospect” strategy. Here is what I am talking about…

When we use images on our websites or other marketing driving channels we try to appeal to every possible type of audience. Why? Because we’re afraid that we might neglect a certain target market. We want to use both men and women pictures, hey why not use elderly? … we can sell to them too. What this leads to is confusion and lack of branding image.

I’ve always found that it’s absolutely best to show 1 picture in almost any advertising you do. Why? Because we can remember one face easier than if we we’re asked to remember 3 or more.

Try visiting websites that have only 1 main images (header image like the ones on Blogs, or product image or user image) and then visit sites or blogs with multiple images. After doing this, try to visually remember any of those sites. You’ll see your self picturing one image per site.

Just look at blogs. Chose whether you want to have a nice HEADER IMAGE or your face. Do not use both. Look … I visit over 70 different blogs every week. You know how I recognize a blog (and not remove it from my reader?) I remember their image.

Few example …

http://brandautopsy.typepad.com/brandautopsy/ = How can you not notice the dead man’s feet?

http://www.shimonsandler.com/ = The image of this Hershey’s like header image is excellent.

http://www.jimboykin.com/ = Even though Jim is not the best looking face (sorry Jim ) He surely knows a thing or two about marketing.

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/ = Remember the bold head of Seth ? You will now.

Same “1 Image Rule” strategy is applied to product / service websites.

This also applies to trade show booths. You’ll see some that have 20 different pictures on them and then you’ll maybe see one image per booth. Which one will grab your eye? Which one will you remember? The “1 Image Rule”

Don’t be afraid if you do not display every possible image that could reflect your customer. You can’t please everyone and you shouldn’t try to. For branding use the “1 Image Rule”