5 Reasons not to use stock imagery - Webfactory

We know it can be difficult to find that perfect image for your website and often we turn to stock imagery to fill the gaps. Here are some reason however why you should try to avoid using stock imagery.

Stock images are cliché:
If you've browsed some stock images before you probably know what we’re talking about. Because they are sold on mass the pictures are set to appeal to a wide audience. This means that the images, especially those featuring people appear overly staged and predictable. Your website visitors will probably be able to tell right away that an image you've used isn't really of you or your business.

Stock images are unoriginal:
A big disadvantage of stock images is that no matter which you choose they will be completely unoriginal. You may find the images you've used cropping up on other sites, magazines, leaflets, even book covers! Far better to take a genuine image yourself even if they aren't photo shoot quality.

Stock images add little or no value:
Because stock images aren't original what do they really do for your business? They don’t bring across any personality or a close connection with your company. You would be better off using your own images. Your visitors will instantly recognise a genuine image and receive a better insight into your business

Stock images can be expensive:
Even buying basic images will soon start to add up in terms of cost and if you want to obtain more unique images and try to avoid some of the pitfalls above the cost can rise significantly.

There’s no denying that stock images have their place and indeed we suppose it is better to have a stock image than no image at all however taking the images yourself of getting a friend will lead to a much better end result and in fact can often be cheaper.