If you’re not sure what you can use stock images for or why they’re the handy business tool every business woman needs, we’ve broken the details down so you can better understand working with stock images and all the ways to use them.
You might say stock images are a small to medium businesses’ best friend. This is true for a few reasons:
- They’re quality images taken by a professional photographer.
- They’re designed to appeal to a wide audience through popular every day, relatable themes (more on this further in the blog).
- They have an affordable price tag.
If you’ve never used a stock photo you mightn’t be sure how they work or where you can use a stock image so this blog runs through some of the best ways to use stock photography and the many scenarios as business owners, we find ourselves needing an image.
Firstly though, what are stock photos?
Stock photos are ‘pre- made’ photos if you like…. whereby a photographer will take shots, edit them and then place them for sale. By nature, stock images are usually popular to the masses (think photos of coffees, flowers, stationery, digital devices like computers, tablets and phones, balloons and food) and are designed to be convenient.
The convenience comes down to being able to search for and then instantly purchase the photograph that will go with your content. It’s literally having a library of photos at your fingertips.
The library of photos is categorised by themes, colours, backgrounds, industries, seasons, locations, events and so much more so when it comes to conveying a visual message, 99.9% of the time you’ll find a stock image that ticks the boxes for what you need.
For example: If you’re after a photo featuring a) a coffee mug and b) a blue colour palette to keep with your branding, you will definitely be able to find a stock image with these variables.
The image might be styled as a flatlay or with the coffee mug sat on a table or even someone’s hands holding the coffee mug but the image will include both coffee and a blue colour palette.
So as a business owner when will you find stock images most useful?
There will be many times when stock images will be convenient and from time to time they may even come to your rescue for those last minute content needs. Ultimately it will depend on your business as to when they are most useful which means we also need to ask where can I use stock images?
You probably know you can use stock images on your website and social media but you mightn’t have realised just how useful stock photos can be to your business.
Below are some of the many ways to use stock images for your business:
Website
- Photos throughout your website
- Photos for blog posts
- Blog Header Images
Social Media
- Facebook Header
- Facebook Notes
- Facebook video thumbnail
- Facebook posts
- Facebook Group Graphics
- IGTV video thumbnail
- Reels thumbnail
- Instagram posts
- Instagram highlight button
- Instagram stories
- YouTube video thumbnail
- LinkedIn Articles
- Pinterest Graphics
- Twitter Graphics
Digital Marketing/ Marketing Collateral
- Newsletter Header
- Newsletter Photos
- Pricing Guides
- Opt-Ins/free resources/ lead magnets
- Promotional pamphlets/flyers
- E books
- PDF’s
- Workbooks
- Client welcome guides
Advertising
- Facebook ads
- Instagram Ads
- Online Advertisements
Branding
- Podcast Graphics
- Backgrounds
- Banners
- Promotional Graphics
Education
- Presentation Slides
- Webinar
Once you begin using stock images, you’ll fall in love with the ease of finding and using them and they’ll become your handy go to tool especially when you want a photo ASAP without compromising the quality of your brand’s/ business’s visuals.
Feeling in control and finding solutions for your business needs is something every business woman wants. Stock photos are definitely one of the ways you can consistently show up in your business looking professional.
With a diverse collection and so many image choices you’re guaranteed to find the aesthetic you’re after with stock photos.
To find the stock images perfect for your social media feed, website or the blog you’re working on become a member of the Eliza Stock and receive 15 new images weekly sign up here.
Sarah.