Hey what is better than stock images? You can get people in business suits doing, well anything: meeting, standing, working, standing randomly in fields. And they look good.
Most websites use stock images on their websites and collateral. But why?
Well, usually it is cheaper and easier than having people in your office or factory do……whatever you are trying to convey.
However, I have begun to hate stock images.
It really came together for me when I was at a recent industry conference and I saw the same stock image, six times. SIX! And it was only a 2-day conference!
It was insane. I talked to someone who had been in this particular industry for a while and he said, “Oh yeah, everybody uses that image. It works so well for the industry.”
I was stunned. I had always been somewhat against stock images, but now I am really anti-stock.
Now don’t get me wrong. When I say stock images, I don’t mean the random ones with a chain for unity or a funnel for sales.The cost benefit of having a photo shoot with a funnel is limited at best. Plus it is pretty boring.
I mean the ones that have a bunch of people in suits delighted they have found the solution to a problem. “Yeahhhhh!!!” Fist pumping, wildly exalting!
Like we all are at the end of meetings.
If I have pictures of people on my website or collateral, I want it to be people that prospects will see when they interact with my business.
Let’s looks at some misconceptions and show how we can stop the tyranny of stock and still have image heavy websites.
Stock is Cheaper
This isn’t always true.
You should be able to get a photographer for less than $800 for a half day shoot and that should include some rudimentary editing as well.
Or if you have someone on your staff who is good with a camera, see if they might be open to giving it a shot.
That should give you hundreds of pictures you can use. Know what images you want going in and you should be able to capture multiple photos you can use.
Have You Seen Our Employees?
Your people don’t look like models? Uh yeah, no ones do, not unless you work at Abercrombie and Fitch.
But in all seriousness should your accounting team really look like they stepped off a runaway? How realistic is that?
And what does that say to potential clients? It’s a slippery slope. If your images aren’t accurate why should your clients believe anything else on your site?
Change is Hard.
I see this classic argument from the C-suite.
“Well we will have to change the website if anyone leaves!”
My counter argument is “So think having people who have never worked here is a better option?”
The solution is you need a good agreement when you do your photo shoot. Nothing fancy just something that says you reserve the right to keep the photos on your site if an employee leaves.
And if you have a website built on a easy to use CMS (You do right? If not, I know a guy) changing out the pictures should be a snap.
You want to know what I think the best reason is to use your employees on your website?
People like to see who they work with. Prospects want to evaluate who they might work with. Do these people look trustworthy, friendly, like people?
Authentic photography helps humanize your company. And here at 366, we are huge fans of acting like humans.
I hope this encourages you to change out your stock for real images. I know we are making an effort here to decrease our reliance. Need to organize a photo shoot at your company? Contact 366 Marketing and let’s see if we can help.