There’s is nothing wrong with using free stock images, just as long as you choose them wisely. The problem with cheap or free stock photographs is they often look fake or staged. If an image doesn’t seem real, how do you expect your customers to trust you?
Know your options
If hiring a photographer is within budget, go for it, no questions asked. If your budget and time is limited, go for stock photos, but:
- Appropriate some time to sift through stock libraries
- Establish a guideline for whoever will choose the photos
I believe that successful brands are built on three things: credibility, relevance and differentiation. Cheesy stock photos can hurt you in all three areas…
The problem with stock photography isn’t the photography, but it is the person who is choosing the image.
