Is a website with no images really a good idea?

[denarathbun]

I have a client who doesn't want to use any images at all on her website.  It's a local hvac service provider.  This thought has never even crossed my mind before. Who wouldn't want pictures?  I know image optimization is important, and my mind keeps telling me that images are important for a good site and good user experience, but are they really necessary?  I want a second opinion before I advise against not using any images.

[Copstead]

What is the reason they don't want to use images.  I believe to have a professional looking site, you do need images.  I don't believe it's a SEO issue, but more of a UX issue.

"An image is worth a 1000 words"

I would find two websites.  One designed beautifully, and the other minimal.  Ask him which company he would call.  46% of people will judge the company based by the appearance of their website.

[EGOL]

Did you ask this person  WHY?

I am just going to take a guess....... they think that images will cost about $1500 each to post and $50/each per month for bandwidth.

Some "expert" cousin told her some BS that you need to debunk.

[Joe_Nickdow]

I think that a site can look good with no images if it's a little blog or a personal website however when it is something like HVAC or an industrial service type company images should be used to convey the message of what they do. Otherwise, a user may be confused about what the websites is about or it would make the site look like it was built on a hosts 'site builder'.

[Saijo.George]

The is nothing wrong with having a site with no images . One of my favorite site Hacker News has none ( http://news.ycombinator.com/ ) ( ignore the logo wont you  )

that said .. I would ask them why they want to have a website with no images. Talk to them about the advantages for users / how you can optimize the site for images.

[gcdtechnologies]

Hi Dena,

I wouldn't say images are strictly necessary, but it would certainly be much more of a challenge to create a good user experience without them.

Stock images are cheap and even standard digital cameras can produce high quality photos, so it seems like a bit of a no-brainer to include them given the importance of visual stimulation on the web.

Good luck with the client!