Social media content marketing involves adding visuals. What kind of sector or niche you belong to doesn’t matter visuals are essential because it quickly grabs the attention of readers. People can grasp your brand message and remember it quickly with images.
Stock images are readily available and can be downloaded immediately, which makes them convenient to use. You can either choose free or premium stock photos from Planet Stock Photo or any other stock photography website.
Free versus premium stock photos
The main difference between free and premium stock photos is the level of quality, uniqueness, and customization that they offer. Free photos may be more general and less tailored to specific needs, while premium photos offer greater customization and can be more targeted to the needs of a specific project or brand.
In general, if you’re looking for high-quality, unique photos that are tailored to your needs, premium stock photos may be the best option. However, if you’re working on a tight budget and are willing to sacrifice some customization, free stock photos can still be a great resource.
Can you use premium stock photos on social media content?
Yes, you can use premium stock photos on social media content as long as you have a valid license to use them. When you purchase a premium stock photo, you typically receive a license that outlines the ways in which you are allowed to use the image. Make sure to carefully read the terms of the license agreement to ensure that you are using the image within the permitted usage rights.
Do and don’ts of using stock photos on social media content
Do’s:
- Do use high-quality images that are relevant to your content, audience, brand’s message, and values.
- Do choose images that resonate with your target audience and capture their attention.
- Do use images that are legally obtained and licensed for use.
- Do customize or add a personal touch to the images to make them unique and more aligned with your brand’s identity, style, and messaging.
- Do optimize the images for the specific social media platform you’re using to ensure they look great and load quickly.
- Do use images that tell a story and engage your audience.
Don’ts:
- Don’t use low-quality or blurry images that may harm the quality of your content.
- Don’t use images that are not legally obtained or licensed for use, as it can lead to legal issues.
- Don’t overuse stock images, as it may lead to a lack of originality and engagement.
- Don’t use images that are not relevant to your content, audience, or brand.
- Don’t use images that may offend or discriminate against any group of people, as it can damage your brand’s reputation.
- Don’t overuse stock images to the point where they become repetitive or uninteresting.
Some social media platforms may have their own rules and guidelines regarding the use of images. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the platform’s terms of service to ensure that you are complying with its rules and guidelines.