Why You Should Stop Using Stock Photos
Have you ever looked for a service provider to help you with something and recognised images on their website and social media because you’ve seen them elsewhere? That’s because they’re probably using stock images and I’m here to tell you to NOT do that!
Stock libraries like pexels and unsplash are amazing. You can get your hands on beautiful images for free to help upgrade your social media feed, create canva designs and upscale your website aesthetics.
But… They will only last you for so long.
Your brand becomes undefined and interchangeable with other businesses – often they don’t even offer the same as you. People will remember a beautiful stock photo but, not what it sold – because the message isn’t clear. So let me share a few tips on how to make your business stand out with personal branding images that didn’t come from a stock library.
Your brand photos show your face
As a small business, you have the opportunity to make personal connections with your audience - that starts with using your face, your tone of voice, your own aesthetics and your values. Stop hiding behind a logo and a brand name, show your face so we can get to know you.
I promise, nobody who wants to work with you will worry about what you look like. They do want to know who you are though.
Your brand images show how you work
Whether you work online, create hand-made things, design websites or coach exclusively 1:2:1, your own brand images can show what it looks like when you do your work for and with your clients.
A stock photo of hands on a keyboard won’t show your web design clients how you build your beautiful designs or what your surrounds look like while you create your magic. A stock image of a woman on a mountain enjoying the view and experiencing freedom is a beautiful cliché of what you promise - but what can your coaching client expect what they actually invest in you? These generic images can support your message but they can’t build the trust your audience needs to have before investing in you.
Your personal branding photos can share a slice of your own lifestyle
Whether you work from home, from a cafe or the beach. Whether you have a pet at home that interrupts your work. Whether you like water sports or are a homebody that lives for their plants. None of these things really have anything to do with your services but giving your audience a peek into your life shows them that you are open to share something from you before they make the jump to hire you.
You might think those things aren’t important but think about what accounts, people and businesses you follow online. Don’t you love it when they give you an insight into their lives outside of work?
This doesn’t mean you have to share your whole life online - only share as much as you’re comfortable with - but share more than your offers and how people can work with you.
What’s your favourite playlist to recharge, what’s your cat’s name, where was your favourite travel destination (and why)… Anything that gives people an insight into your values and interests will be helpful to convert a lead into a client. Stock images can’t make this personal connection for you.
Your own photos will stand out through individuality
We all want to fit in, we want to belong. But blending into a sea of other people isn’t going to do that for you. It’ll make you invisible.
I mean, if that’s your goal, then running your own business might not be the right path for you because it’ll be hard to cut through the noise of your competition that way. And that’s what you need to do to make money with your work.
You have GOT TO stand out. And you can’t stand out if you look like everybody else.
Standing out requires courage and bravery. Your personal brand photos go hand in hand with your services or products, your values and what your clients need or want from you. If they can’t tell you apart from any other business out there, how will they be able to hear you?
Your Brand Photos don’t have to cost “the earth”
Investing in your own photos to replace free stock images can get pricey but it is a business expense. Though, you don’t necessarily have to spend thousands of pounds. You can get beautiful images for a few hundred pounds (or even less than that if you want to join my next Mini headshot Session at WRAP).
What you’ll spend on your business photos, really depends on how many images you need overall. You can take a lot of the photos you use online yourself to cut down on cost. You need to understand light and composition but if money is tight, this is an excellent way to show your personality and your services or products without relying on stock images or a full Personal Brand Shoot.
So, if you’re still using stock photos to promote your business, I encourage you to reconsider. How could those images could be replaced showing more of your own personality so you can stand out in today’s saturated markets?
Anja is an award-winning photographer for families and small businesses. Her work reveals authentic stories and genuine emotions, creating images that reflect the true essence of her clients. With a focus on empowerment, Anja instils confidence in those she photographs, showcasing their unique journeys through timeless and heartfelt photography. Anja will be coming to WRAP on the 12th of February to host her popular mini-portrait sessions, booking link will be available soon.