Stock photos are SO important to blogging: they increase traffic, conversions, and provide beautiful and professional brand consistency. In this article you’ll learn the absolute BEST ways that bloggers can not only save time using stock photography, but money too!
This is a guest post by Amy Cameron from Hello Stock Photography! See the end of the article for more information about her, her company, and how you can get free stock photos!
It’s such a common mistake: We start a business or a blog and think that if we build it, they will come. I did it too!
And then, crickets…at least until we figure out this whole marketing thing! We pour into social media, and SEO, and #allthethings. And 87 hours a week later…we’re doing it!
BUT, didn’t we start this business to free up our schedule? Not kill it?
Today, I have three ways that stock photography can save you time and money.
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#1: Make Templates Even Faster!
I guess you probably knew this one was coming, right? When you have good quality templates like Kara’s along with beautiful stock photography, you can literally cut hours out of your creation process.
Choose a stock photography collection and everything will flow and look great–with no time spent agonizing!
Plus, high resolution stock photography can be cropped to fit different needs. For example, if you like a horizontal photograph but need a vertical photo for a particular layout, you can still use the photo. With low resolution photos, you will end up with poor quality photos if you crop very much (or at all!)
From This:
To This:
#2: As Backgrounds for Social Media Quotes & Stories
I don’t know about all of you, but Instagram stories is a place where I tend to struggle at times to think of content. On those days when I feel extra stuck, I simply use stock photos as backgrounds for my polls, quotes, or questions.
It takes a few seconds to download them, add some text, and share. Bonus: I’m staying consistent and on brand for my audience.
#3: Simplify a Cohesive Feed on Instagram
I hear over and over again the struggle to create a cohesive, on brand feed for social media, and especially Instagram.
Here is one of the simplest solutions that I recommend. Choose 2-3 collections of stock photos and then interweave your own business photos throughout. The feed then ends up looking like this.
For example, on my @hellostockphotos feed, right now, I am using our Rose Gold Office, Typewriter, and Warm Winter Comforts Collections.
I occasionally add in a custom photo too. So, since the collections already look great together, the feed works fairly easily and takes just minutes to plan.
Pro Tip: One thing I like to do is alternate light or white backgrounds with darker backgrounds for a subtle pattern.
I love how easy planning this feed is!
I hope you’ve found at least one way you can save precious moments today. If you’d like 10 free stock photos to try out this week, head over to Hello Stock Photography and sign up for our freebie at the bottom of the page!
About the author
My name is Amy Cameron and I’ve been a professional photographer for almost 15 years. Recently, I realized the demand for good photography that business requires takes more time and money than many business owners can put into it. BUT, without a consistent social media presence, most businesses don’t grow like they could. This is where my stock photography solution–Hello Stock Photography was born.
Hello Stock Subscriptions are now available for pre-launch at 25% off (until January 31, 2020) and allow you access to every photo and caption prompt we offer!
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