How to Use Stock Photographs for Your Marketing? What you need to know
Use Stock Images for Marketing? Here's What You Should Know
The importance of images in digital marketing has increased. Businesses have learned that high-quality, compelling images are essential to their marketing campaigns. This is because social media platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest place a higher emphasis on visual content. However, when it comes time to create visual content for their business, businesses find themselves struggling to decide whether to use images from or their own. Here we explore both the advantages and disadvantages of as a marketing tool so that your decision can be informed.
Pro: Cost-effective
One of the biggest advantages of using stock pictures is that they are often much cheaper than hiring a professional photographer or taking your own photos. Shutterstock.com and iStock are two websites where you can search thousands of professional images at a fraction as much cost.
Pro: Originality is lacking
One of the disadvantages to using good stock photography , is that it lacks the individuality and touch of your photos. The lack of creativity could cause your visuals to appear generic.
Pros: This app provides a wide range of images
A wide range of visual choices is also an advantage. Whether your need is for landscapes of people or food photos, you can be sure that you will find something to suit you. Stock photos have also a faster turnover rate. If you're looking for an image to use in a project that is due tomorrow, you can find many choices at.
Cons: Licensing issues
A disadvantage of using the program is that certain licensing terms may not be obvious. Some images are subject to limitations on their use, and others require that a commercial license be bought. A failure to properly license an illustration could create costly legal complications in the future.
It saves you time
The use of is not only cost-effective but also saves you lots of time. The process of photography is time-consuming and requires lots of styling, planning and post-processing. By using, you can skip these steps so that your marketing campaign is focused on its message.
Con: Limited Customization
The options are vast, but they may be limited when it comes time to customize. The composition, the lighting and the poses of the picture may be out of your control, so it is difficult to customise them.
Quality Images at Pro-Quality Images
Images that do not meet certain quality standards are rejected by stock photo sites like Shutterstock or iStock. The images chosen will therefore be of high quality and appropriate for marketing purposes.
Cons: A lack of authenticity
They can also be unauthentic. They may be visually pleasing, but they could come across as fake or staged to viewers. It can turn consumers away who seek genuine and relatable marketing.
Pro: Versatility
Stock photos have a lot of versatility and can easily be used to create a range of marketing materials such as brochures, website, Facebook posts and much more.
Con: Too generic
As versatile as is, it can also come across as too generic. If you use only your visuals could look exactly like those used by other brands.
Conclusion
The use of cheap stock images in your marketing is not without its advantages and disadvantages. While they're cost-effective, offer visual variety, are time-saving and can help save you money, they might not look as real or be as customizable as photos. Ultimately, the decision whether or not to use stock photography will depend on your business's specific needs and preferences.
If you choose to use the images from make sure to check that they have been properly licensed. Also, look for pictures that are consistent with your brand and its values. By striking the right balance between using royalty free stock images and your images, you can create compelling visuals that accurately represent your brand.
Useful Resources