Does Your Business have the right image?
Does Your Business have the right image?
If you are struggling to find photos or images for your website, then you’re going to what to come and take a look at this.
Here is a list any website owner is going to wish they had come across when first putting their site together. It provides information about useful websites that provides not only top quality images but free ones too.
Where to find images
Screenshot Courtesy of Nimbus Screenshot
I think it’s fair to say that a large majority of us (but of course not everybody!) have been guilty of copying an image or two. Most of which would have been from either a search engine such as Google or a website we have visited at some point whilst online.
Over the years, I have not only learnt the potential consequences of this practise but the more I looked into it, the more I discovered that there is actually less and less reason for doing it.
There are now more sites than ever offering you either free images, ways of searching for free images or tools to help you produce your own, including content images such as Info-graphics
Free Images
Image courtesy of imagerymajestic. at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
For those of you that are just starting out or perhaps are thinking of re-
1. http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/
2. http://www.stockfreeimages.com/
3. http://www.freephotosbank.com/
6. http://www.istockphoto.com/
8. http://www.freerangestock.com/
9. http://www.everystockphoto.com
10. http://search.creativecommons.org/
Now, before you go copying and pasting ‘Royalty Free’ images rather than registering and downloading, you will need to be aware that there is a difference between what is ‘free’, ‘royalty free’ ‘free for commercial use’ and other various licences.
To help you distinguish between each meaning, these articles make informative reading.
- The Big Guide To Free Images For Your Blog Posts. Part 1 –
Public Domain - The Big Guide To Free Images For Your Blog Posts. Part 2 –
Creative Commons - Helpful information about image copyright rules and how to license stock photos.
Paid Images
Image courtesy of Nimbus Screenshot –
Even paid images are now being offered at a great price now. The following sites not only offer fantastic images, but their prices start from just $1 (or equivalent)
Get Creative
Image courtesy of Nimbus Screenshot –
You can even be more creative these days by using free online tools. Whether you want to make some changes to boring selfies or produce photos with your slogan on, producing something different from the norm will always raise an eyebrow or two.
Try these sites just to get you started…
Free Screenshot Software
Image courtesy of Nimbus Screenshot –
Another tool marketers use to produce free images is the good old ‘screen shot’ tool. I would often wonder how people got some great images of their own websites, logos, search bars etc. I must admit, using screen saver on the keyboard and then editing in PowerPoint didn’t produce quite the same results!
I am now using Nimbus Screenshot but if you have taken a look and thought it’s not for you, then you may wish to take a look at this article. It lists over thirty different screen capture tools across different platforms.
But if you like using Chrome extensions, then here are just two more of the many free downloads that are on offer –
Info-graphics
Image courtesy of Nimbus Screenshot –
If you’re a little bit more adventurous though, you may want to try your hand at designing your own Info-graphics. It is without a doubt that these have become more popular over the past few years. With free tools to help create your own, all you need is an artistic flair, facts and the skill (or tool) to produce an attention-grabbing headline.
I personally use Canva (because it can be free and it offers great training videos when you sign up) but if you’re looking to produce maps and charts, then you may want to consider Venngage. Although Venngage offers a free service, it is limited, depending on the level of subscription you take out.
As with all these things though, it is so easy to overdo it, so before you have a go for the first time, you may wish to read these blogs on what to and what not to do…
- 3 Good Reasons to Use Infographics for Branding
- 9 reasons to use infographics in your content marketing
- How to Keep Infographics from Ruining Your Visual Content: 8 Rules
If you’re really serious about learning then as I mentioned earlier, sign up to Canvas‘ newsletter and they will send you some tutorials on a weekly basis. For those of you that have the tools (Adobe Illustrator) and are willing to pay a subscription, then you may find this link useful.
If you like the idea of Info-graphics but have neither the time nor the skill, you can always outsource your work. As to be expected, sites such as Fiverr.com will always offer some great talent at exceptional prices.
Buying images in bundles
Image courtesy of Nimbus Screenshot –
If you are serious about website design or Internet Marketing and see yourself continuing in this line of work for the foreseeable future, then it might be wise to spend your pennies on ‘bundles’ rather than individual images.
I remember a few years ago being able to purchase a disk from a high street shop with 10,000 ‘royalty free’ images on. But it would appear that these days, such products are becoming harder to find.
You can however still find some on the normal sites such as Amazon or e-
Common Courtesy
Whether you find yourself using a Screenshot tool or downloading a ‘ free to use’ image from Google Chrome, you should always remember to use common courtesy.
- Where possible, complement the website that the Screenshot was taken off.
- If possible, provide a back link to the website your image represents.
- Let them know about your article (you may even get a back link in return).
- Never take things for granted. If you are unsure, ask for permission first.
And for those of you that have been asking the question –
Conclusion
The above information is why I believe that there is now no need to copy other peoples images. Experienced marketers will most probably already know about the above links but this is aimed at the inexperienced Newbie’s that are just starting out.
Whilst it is tempting to simply copy and paste, there are enough options on offer to either source free images, purchase on a budget, or have a go at creating and designing your own.
Please remember that the above has been provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be used as a legal guideline of any sort. Always seek further advice if you’re unsure about whether or not you can use an image.
Peace of mind –
Well, that’s it for now. I hope anybody that’s new to Internet Marketing will find this post useful and informative
Link Count
There are 41 unique links on this post. We need another 59 to complete our mission. If you have any suggestions that you would like to share with other readers, please leave them in the comments below.
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Amazing issues here. I am very satisfied to peer your post.
Thank you a lot and I am looking forward to contact you.
Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?
Hi, thank you for the complement. Please let me know how I can be of help? Many thanks, Martin.
Hi there, nice round up of photo resources and I really appreciate you linking back to my lists as well, so thank you!
Hi Marianne. I’m glad you liked my post ‘Does your website have the correct image’. I found your articles quite useful and informative and thought others would appreciate the information too.
I found your blog site very well presented and full of useful information. I am sure I will be using your site again in the future for other useful links (if you don’t mind?).
Thanks for the contact, regards, Martin.
Very nice article, totally what I wanted to find.
Initially, I believed your headline was misleading, but you really delivered. Nice job.