Stock Images – Best Practice Guide

Stock images are a godsend to content creators and website owners alike, especially when it comes to embellishing online and offline collateral. Some are free. Others come with a price tag. With so many options to choose from, it’s wise to learn the ins and outs, which is when a best practice guide comes in handy. In this article, we’ll see the best practice guide for stock images usage.

Best Practice Guide To Stock Images

Check the Licensing

Not all stock images are available for immediate use, which is why it’s important to read up on the terms and conditions associated with the imagery you choose. There are three main types of stock photo licenses. These include public domain (PD), royalty-free (RF), and rights-managed (RM). However, it’s easy to download a stock image and upload it to your website for free. Editing the image or passing it off as your own work is an entirely different story. When adding imagery to commercial work, such as web adverts or articles, a commercial license will be required.

Choose Wisely: Guide To Stock Images

Don’t pick the first image you set eyes on! Imagery says a lot about your brand and your brand’s story, which is why it’s key to choose wisely. Think about colors, themes, and styles and try to create a consistent flow of imagery instead of various mismatched mediums, which will appear confusing and messy.

Don’t Pick the First Image You Set Eyes On

When browsing stock imagery, the first images to appear in the search are generally the most used. If you want to stand out from the crowd and avoid using imagery that appears elsewhere, take the time to look at everything on offer. There are many hidden gems to be found, often much further down the page. Opting for the same stock images as other brands are not only confusing, it’s less original, even if the copy sitting alongside the image is unique.

Look For Imagery that is Unique and Original

The best image often isn’t the most obvious, which is why it pays to take your time when searching for photos and illustrations. Think about what you want the image to say, who your target audience is, where it is going to be in use, and what platforms it will be used on. Your content will benefit from imagery that is original and avoids being a cliché.

Don’t Use Abstract Images Or Figures: Guide To Stock Images

Unless there is a particular reason for using abstract or computer-generated imagery, such as visual effects seen in video games, like those offered by many of the casinos recommended, it’s wise to avoid this format, as it’s more suited to moving imagery in movies, games, and television programs.

Select Images That Strengthen Your Brand Identity

As well as choosing imagery that compliments your web content, think about what it will bring to your brand. Strong, carefully selected images should entice your target audience and reinforce your product or service. On this note, steer away from stock images that will clash with your brand’s visual identity. Even if the imagery looks picture-perfect, this doesn’t mean it will enhance your brand’s tone of voice. It’s also good to remember that not all imagery works across all platforms, especially when sizes vary. For example, web banners have much tighter height constraints than full-page adverts.

Avoid Passing Off Other People’s Work As Your Own

Unless you’ve paid for the rights to the image or have permission to use it. In some cases, you will need to credit the original photographer or artist. Even if no credit needs, you should never imply work is your own unless it’s just that.

Learn Which Platforms Benefit From Stock Imagery

Many platforms benefit from great stock imagery, including

Websites: asides from being much more cost-effective than hiring the services of a professional photographer, stock imagery allows website owners to add interest to various areas of their site, including homepage banners, blog posts, and carousel imagery. These images can also be used on social channels to brighten up posts.

Online Gaming Sites: online casinos entice users through personalized, on-trend web platforms, many of which can be found on www.casinosnotongamstop.me. In order to make their games and platforms look appealing, imagery is key. There are an abundance of online casino stock images to choose from, ranging from gaming backgrounds to close-ups of the machines.

Print Collateral: adding interest to brochures, flyers, campaigns, and adverts has never been easier. Stock imagery is a great source for businesses wishing to create an abundance of aesthetically appealing marketing materials without taking the photos themselves.