Once you have your blog or content management site finished, you will want to start writing new blog posts. In order to keep readers engaged and interested in your posts, it is nice to apply the general 80/20 rule: 80% text and 20% images. But where to find those stock images? Just using any image you find on the internet can be an illegal move, lead to large fines, and is very bad practice.
Why Use Imagery on Your Website
You’ve all seen those boring websites that are page after page of unending text. You get to page two and despite the content being engaging, you find yourself practically bored. An image here and there can give your viewers a place to pause their eyes and in doing so, can enhance your viewers’ experience.
Additionally, imagery visually reiterates what you are saying in just a few seconds- this is essential for visual learners. If you want people to pay attention to what you are saying, then you need to say it many ways (in writing AND in photos, and even through audio or video).
Surf the net for some sites by large companies that really speak to you (keep in mind these people paid a lot of money in research to find out what and what doesn’t appeal to people). Of these, take note of the visual elements. You’ll notice that most of these sites have a visual emphasis. As your surf on, you will start to notice how even a few images can make or break a site.
Why Pay For Images
Photographers and artists work hard to create their images. For many of them, this is their livelihood. Using a copyrighted image without paying for it is stealing. By paying for an image from a photographer or artist you like, you are helping them create more of their art (which you may also enjoy). In addition, think about how much time you save by just spending $5 to $75 on an image that would have taken you hours to get on your own, thousands in camera gear, and many more hours to touch it up. Therefore, spending a little money on some awesome imagery helps in many ways because it:
- supports the photographer or artist so they can continue making stunning work
- makes your website beautiful and eye-catching
- allows you to have incredible shots AND be legal
- prevents you from having to waste time getting a similar shot or drawing a similar illustration, hiring models, dealing with model waivers, purchasing thousands of dollars in camera gear or illustration materials or a scanner, cropping and touching up images, etc.
How to Pay For Images
Depending on the use of the stock image in question, you may need to purchase different licenses (royalty free or rights managed). To determine what license you need, you will need to review the terms per each website, photographer, artist or agency that you are purchasing it from. You can sort through many stock images sites, such as iStockPhoto.com, to see if there is a photo or illustration you want to use. Once there, review the terms of use and be honest! (please keep in mind that there are some agencies that will contact you and may fine you if they find you are using the image wrongly- I’ve personally heard of fines ranging from $3,000 to $24,000!). Additionally, if you are using the photo only to enhance a blog post, you can choose a smaller (and less expensive) version of the image. Keep in mind that using another person’s license does not legally give you the right to use images from their account.
If you are interested in using imagery in your website or on your blog, you need to pay for the images you find. Or, if you are a good photographer or artist and know how to touch up/crop your images, then take/make your own. If your interest is in saving money on your site, then it makes most sense to buy single-use stock photos at low resolution. This will make your site look beautiful, but will also keep it legal. If you have any questions, please consult a copyright or trademark attorney.