Some very nice members of the forum pointed out that the image on the front page of my website doesn't both explain and grab attention so people might leave my site before looking at the rest.

Here's the problem... I'm having a heck of a hard time choosing. The business helps the hospitality industry (hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, and things like bars, clubs, pubs, etc) cut down their costs and still get work done.

I have no idea what to use for images. Yes, images of hotels are a possibility. Here's the thing, they could sue if I use images of specific hotels without permission, especially if I don't work for said hotels right now.

I could use images of people sitting around tables and the like, but those images would not be us because we don't have professional photos at the moment.

Since we live in New Orleans, I had a thought of using pictures of New Orleans without actually stating that we're from New Orleans (since those images tend to be exciting and interesting to people), but I'm afraid that limits our location and I'd like to work for anyone that wants the help regardless of location.

Using things like images of computers/pens/paper/graphs seem generic and boring.

I'm not sure what to do. Any suggestions? I have no problem buying images and have an account with dreamstime.

Have you considered generic pictures of hotel rooms or registration desks and lobbies. Most image sites have "generic" pictures of hotels, conference centers, clubs, etc. If you search the keywords that you mentioned above I am sure that you can find several that will fit your needs but it may take some time to sift through to find the perfect ones.

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Lee Drozak

I don't know if this is a good idea or not but what about a drawing that looks like the front desk of most hotels. Generic but all yours and not hotel specific, you could add some minor little touches that represent you. Just a thought

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Valerie Snyder KBK Office Services
www.KBKOfficeServices.com

Hmmm, Valerie, thats a great idea. I'm going to have to think about that though. I can easily do desktop publishing and am learning web design but its not the same as graphics design.

An idea would be a hotel drawing half done like its being designed. Ooo i like that.

That is a great idea I love it. Good luck

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Valerie Snyder KBK Office Services
www.KBKOfficeServices.com

Given that our business is about Consulting for Revenue Management and Administrative Assistance, what do you think of this? I haven't bought it yet, but I thought I'd ask opinions before I did anything. Or do you think I should use graphics instead?

http://us.fotolia.com/id/40436708

I kind of like the idea of the video to catch attention. It may be enough to make people look at the rest of the site. Its also modern and different.

I like the idea of this but my question is can you change it at all. Can you put your logo or your company colors into it? I think that is the only way I would pay for something like this but that is just me. If you like it and want to go with it then I think you should get it put it on your site and then see if it works. You will be changing your website constantly so maybe you use it for a little bit then find something else to use after a little while or you keep it. You have to figure out what you want the site to do for you, and then find the tools that will convey to your visitors what you want them to do, and how to do it.

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Valerie Snyder KBK Office Services
www.KBKOfficeServices.com

Oh thats pretty much the colors of the my company (blue, black and white), though the site has alot more white on it.

I'm really tech savvy so if I want to change it, I imagine it wouldn't be a problem for me. I'll have to grab a video editor, of course.

Another image that brings to mind is concierge. Just an idea. Search the stock photo sites using the term concierge and there may be a "service industry like" photo that can be used. Some will come up showing service industry professionals...my favorite are the ones where you have a hand reaching for or having their finger on a bell...it brings to mind that I am calling up for service or requesting service (i.e. support)

Just a thought!