You have no doubt heard the phrase, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Many say it’s an old Chinese saying. Though the Chinese have similar proverbs, the more likely origin is an advertising man in the early 1900’s, Fred Barnard. The genesis of that thought, though, goes way back in history.

Leonardo da Vinci once wrote that a poet would be “…overcome by sleep and hunger before [being able to] describe with words what a painter is able to [depict] in an instant.”

Even in our burgeoning digital realm, this phrase…no matter the actual origin…has merit.

Studies are showing that online articles with images get 94% more total views than articles without images. Wow! Ninety-four percent. I heard similar statistics a few years ago in a digital media conference at the National Religious Broadcasters convention. I had started these Monday MEMOs and was watching the percentage of engagements to the number of people who received the email. I decided to use a picture at the beginning of the weekly article. I was amazed at the almost immediate jump in readership of the blog. I was convinced.

Now, the key is using an image that will intrigue the potential reader and draw them in. A hook. Studies also show that generic stock shot photos don’t do the trick. It’s not using any picture. It is using one that has the ability to grab the attention of the reader, intrigue them to read the article, and relate to the topic.

Those who study this subject indicate there are some key things to keep in mind.

• Visuals should enhance the message.
• Quality wins over quantity.
• Use common sense in your image choices.

There are a number of sites that offer images for a monthly fee. Others you purchase the rights to a photo on a one-use basis. But the good news is there are several sites that have photos available at no cost. It is worth exploring sites like https://negativespace.co and https://unsplash.com, to name just a couple of resources available.

Of course, the idea is to grab the attention of the potential reader and draw him or her into your article. As Aristotle would point out, without an audience, there is no communication.

If you want a biblical example of such a technique, think of the parables that Jesus told. The Lord painted his pictures with words. A sower went out to sow his field. A man built his house on the sand. These were used to both attract the listener and to underscore the truth being taught.

The Apostle Paul in his speech before the men of Athens presented a picture of the many statues of the city to their many gods. He got their attention to share God’s Truth.

If you want a more ordinary example, remember that very few fish wrap their mouth around a hook without something intriguing to lure them in.

If a picture really is worth a thousand words, think of the value of a well-chosen picture and your thousand-word written piece!