In a marketing world and generation that are so visually focused, why do we rely on blogging to only be based on text? In some way, we need to figure out how to use images that not only become part of the blog article, but enhance the story you are trying to tell and improve the engagement from the reader. We have several tips for you to use when finding and uploading images to your blog posts.
- Start With the Simple Concept – Use Images
Images should not be an after thought. In reality, it should be something that actually adds value to your article. If you take two seconds to find a clip art image off of Google images, you are only hurting yourself and your reputation with you readers. What is being communicated is that I may have some great ideas to share, but I do not have the time to invest in proper images because you, the reader, are not a priority to me. - Stock Photography Should Die
The website Death to the Stock Photo‘s message is that the generalized idea that stock photography is a good thing should just end. Unlike companies like Lightstock.com, there is too much junk out there that people use because it is free and considered “stock photography.” Instead of settling for someone’s B-list photos that they give to you for free, why not go to a reputable website and pay the right price for quality photos? - Use HD Quality Photos
Too many social media networks like Pinterest, Google+, and Facebook are going towards high resolution photos that can only be a win for your blog. That is, unless you decide to pass off a low-res photo for your blog. Go big and push for big images that draw people in as your story unfolds. This will be captivating on social media and garner greater numbers of click-throughs on these networks.
How do you find images and what other points would you add to the conversation with stock photography and blog posts?
Chris Wilson says
Sorry Jeremy I don’t get the second point. it seems to be saying that stock photos are bad (because they are free and generic) but then it says you should pay for photo that you can use multiple times (which by definition are stock photos). So which is it? I know that not all stock photos are equal, some are high quality and others look like they’ve been shot on an old android smartphone.
Definitely agree with the other points though, images communicate a lot. I’ll share this with the Christian Bloggers community as we’re focusing on Images this month ๐
seventy8Productions says
As you said, I do not think stock photography should die, but “crappy stock photography” that we call free and easy to get should. Stock photography overall is fine, but make it quality stock photos. ๐
Hope that makes better sense?
Chris Wilson says
Definitely, On a side note “stock photography should die” is a GREAT resource.
seventy8Productions says
Agreed, though too many people know about it now, so I keep seeing the same image over and over again. I wanted it to stay my little secret…
Chris Wilson says
Same with those free photos that lightstock and others give away. When I saw Mars Hill had used one I knew it would lose some of the effect. Some people really try and ram in a free photo in that kind of works (see doesn’t work at all) for that reason.
seventy8Productions says
I don’t disagree.
David Sherry says
Hey Jeremy,
Thanks so much for writing/talking about this topic.
I’m so glad you connected and understood our mission at Death to The Stock Photo. We’re photographers and designers ourselves, so we’ve personally felt the pains of drudging through stock sites, as well as seen the work that people are paying for being subpar, whereas other photographers whom we know and love make beautiful work that garners less respect or use online. In fact, we don’t believe that we are the end all for anyone’s content, rather a supplement. We’ll actually be starting (insider secret ๐ ) a new series via the email list where we highlight photographers that we love from cities around the US to say “This is great work, hire them for your projects.”
Stay in touch,
Thanks again!
David
seventy8Productions says
Love it! Thanks David and I agree that stock photography needs to step it up.