Showing posts with label image. Show all posts
New Image Format For Web
Commonly, we use JPEG of PNG for images on the Web. These two image formats technically work just fine until the introduction of high-definition screens of mobile devices, which prompted web designers to reconsider the efficiency of these format usages for the Web.
In short, a high-definition screen requires twice the regular image resolution and size; otherwise, the image could be pixelated. There are, however, a few consequences regarding that matter: first, for users who have low Internet connection speed will need to wait for the website to load (really) slowly. The images will also take more space in web storage, which eventually will also consume much of the bandwidth.
Recently, Google proposed a solution: a new image format for Web called WebP. This format offers image clarity while maintaining a smaller size than that of JPEG and PNG. Let’s take a look at the WebP image format.
WebP Comparison
In this example, we compare an image by Rula Sibai in three different formats.
As you can see above, the images above look almost of the same quality, yet the size for the WebP format is the lowest of the three.
Furthermore, WebP supports Alpha channel that allows us to create transparency on the image, which is great for creating an image logo. Here is an example and the comparison.
WebP Tools
Unfortunately, many image editors – except Pixelmator – does not support WebP format at the moment. But, there are already a few tools that allow us to load, create, save and convert JPEG, PNG, and other image formats into WebP format.
WebP for Photoshop – This is a Photoshop plugin that allows you to load and save your image in WebP format.
Convert to WebP – This tool converts JPEG and PNG and other format into WebP.
WebP to Other Format – This tool changes WebP to other formats.
Gimp For WebP – A plugin for Gimp to support WebP format.
WebP Codec for Windows – Using this codec we can view WebP format in Windows natively.
Sadly WebP support is not widely supported by most browsers yet. Currently, it is only Opera and Chrome that support the WebP format natively, while Firefox is still considering it.
For full list of WebP browser support you can head over to the following page.
Final Thought
WebP seems to be a promising image format for Web in the future. Despite the lack of support, there are a few advantages on using WebP:
The image size is a lot smaller, We could save much storage space and bandwidth with smaller image sizes.
Since WebP size is smaller than JPEG and PNG as in our above test, the image will likely load faster.
WebP is a lossy image format like JPEG. But, unlike JPEG, WebP supports Alpha channel that allows creating transparency on the image. So, rather than using PNG and JPEG, we can simply use one format for our web images.
Further Reading
WebP, a new image for the web – Google Developer
WebP on Chromium – Chromium Blog
Your Online Image is Important
The people who have earned masters degree in management knows the importance of online image for business owners.
As a business owner, there are many things you will need to think about for your business’s reputation. One of the most important in today’s society is your online image.
There are a few factors you need to keep in mind with this.
How is Online Image Established?
The first thing to keep in mind is that your online image is much more than just your social media sites and blog.
Rather this includes everything you do (or don’t do) online, from images and videos you share to comments and posts on other blogs and articles.
Even if your business checks in with Foursquare or similar sites, it will be part of the online image.
Why is Online Image Important?
Studies have shown that most people will look up a company online before they use them.
What many people do not realize is that even posts on Twitter and Facebook, even though they seem to be private, can be found during a Google search. This means that potential customers can see your various activities and posts.
This is why it is important to make sure that you are putting out the right information online.
How to Start Building Your Online Image
If your business is new to the internet, there are a few things you will want to do to create a solid online image. For one, having a website is an excellent way to tell people about what you offer.
You will also want to create a blog. The idea of the blog is to give useful information to your potential customers rather than just tell them why you are the best.
Now you can talk about and link to your business in the blogs, but you want the majority of the article to be about useful information.
You also want to establish social media sites for your business. Not only will this help to make your business more visible, but it is also a great way to communicate with your customers and know what they are looking for.
There are many different sites out there that you can use, such as Facebook, Twitter and more. If you are concerned about managing them, then there are even apps that help to sync your sites.
With this, Instagram can be a great marketing tool as you can post new products or teaser pictures of different things for your business.
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Managing Your Online Image
Once you have established an online image, the best thing you can do is ensure that you keep the image you want.
There are a few tips you can use to get the best results from this.
1. Be proactive
The best way to avoid having a negative image is to keep it from happening in the first place.
2. Think about every post or comment before you put it online
Anything you post can stay on the internet for decades. This is why you want to think about any negative connotation something you say will have before it is said.
3. Be careful about who has admin rights
Some companies allow several admins on their social media sites. The issue with this is that this is the most common cause of insensitive or negative posts being made. This could simply be someone accessing the social media site from their home after having a few drinks or a disgruntled employee. Make sure you have the right admins to avoid issue.
4. Keep posts positive
No one wants to do business with a company that is always negative. This is why the best thing you can do is keep posts light and fun with a positive twist. The only exception to this is when there is some sort of disaster and you want to send out your thoughts and regards to those involved.
5. Stay Neutral
There are many issues that people get fired up about, specifically politics and religion. Though as the business owner you have your own beliefs, the worst thing you can do is express this as the views of the business. Rather you want to make sure that you steer clear of this negative image by staying neutral on the topic.
6. Regularly conduct Google searches
Doing a search for your business will help you to have an idea of where you stand. Not only will this allow you to see what has been posted by your company but also what other people are saying about the company.
Outside Online Image Help
There are companies out there that can help you manage your online image. This can be ideal for companies that have a negative image that they want to change or even just for companies that do not have time to focus on this aspect of the business.
The thing to keep in mind though is that the cost for this can be substantial. However, if you already have a company that handles your online marketing, then this may not be much more.
