Sourcing great stock imagery for your blog, website, or marketing materials can be a challenging task. If you get it right, stock imagery can save you money and time, and help you make a great impression on your audience.
Here are some tips to help you ace the stock image search:
1. Determine what you need
Before you start searching for stock images, it's important to know what you're looking for. Make a list of the type of images you need, including the size, colour scheme, and style. This will help you focus your search and avoid getting overwhelmed by the vast number of options available.
2. Use reputable stock image websites
There are a huge number of stock image websites out there, but not all of them are created equal. To ensure that you're getting high-quality images and access to large image libraries, stick with reputable sites. These are some of our favourite free stock image libraries:
3. Keep with your brands visual style
It's always important to keep your brand in mind when sourcing stock imagery. Consider your brand colour palette, logo and overall aesthetic to ensure the images you choose complement, not detract from, your brand. This will help you to create a strong brand identity.
4. Consider the context and who your audience is
Think about who your audience is - if you're targeting people that live in Darwin, you'll want to avoid stock images that look too much like interstate locations (brick houses, big city skylines). You'll also want to steer clear of people in jackets, jumpers and other cold weather attire.
5. Avoid unauthentic images
Photos that have been overly retouched or include people with artificial expressions tend to look like 'typical stock photos'. Your audience will connect with imagery that feels authentic, to focus on finding more natural looking imagery
6. Test different keywords
When searching for stock images, use a mix of keywords to help find the image you're looking for including broad keywords and also specific keywords. This will help you narrow down your search results and find the images that best fit your needs. We also recommend using the advanced search functions where possible.
7. Think outside the box
Don't be afraid to think outside the box when searching for stock images. Try searching for images that are unique and not often seen in traditional stock image libraries. This can help you stand out from the competition and create a memorable visual experience for your audience.
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