The right images can go a long way toward impacting the placement and pick up of stories. I was reminded of this today as I read the Seattle Times. I am a loyal subscriber, and while my husband and many other friends enjoy consuming the news online, I still enjoy sitting at the dining table flipping through the paper with my coffee.
This morning as I scanned the business section of the Seattle Times, a photo of a guy on a bike mixing a frappuccino immediately caught my eye. The caption for the photo reads, “Ian Cranna, Starbucks director of blended beverages, pedals a custom Frappuccino while Gita Stiritz secures the lid Monday.”
The photo accompanied a story focused on Starbucks’ plans to reinvigorate demand for its iced frappuccino by allowing consumers to concoct their own blends. By allowing people to customize these drinks, Starbucks hopes to drive more sales.
It was an interesting article and well placed front and center on the business section. After reading the article, I couldn’t help thinking about the impact photography has on story placement – images can often drive people to read a story and help convey powerful messages. For instance, when you look at this image, you get the sense that while Starbucks’ employees may be serious about coffee drinks; they’re not above having a bit of fun.
Kudos to the person who was the brainchild behind the event and bike blender photo opportunity. I am certain it impacted placement and drove interest in this story. The lesson here: don’t forget about photography when you make your next big announcement.