But, all too often, content marketers make the mistake of relying too heavily on the same old boring stock images<\/a>, without giving much thought to their content. It isn’t that stock images in themselves are bad.<\/p>\n They are professionally shot and cover a wide variety of subjects. But even those subjects that lend themselves naturally to visual representation aren\u2019t always easy to come up with, due to the sometimes competing priorities and multi-faceted nature of content marketing.<\/p>\n You want your images to relate to your brand, while grabbing the audience\u2019s attention, and be the embodiment of the topic all at once, and that takes a bit of research.<\/p>\n In many ways, the images you pick are as important as the content itself, maybe more so. For some great image resources see Where To Find The Best Stock Images<\/a>.<\/p>\n Where you place your images is your first consideration and will depend largely on the type of content you are creating. For example, for a blog post, the best rule of thumb would be to try to have one image for every 3 paragraphs.<\/p>\n This will successfully break up the text and keep readers engaged throughout.<\/p>\n Note that the blog post you are reading now is the exception that proves the rule. This post is about the proper use of imagery. Therefore, it is appropriate to include so many images.<\/p>\n White papers and eBooks have a much different layout, with multiple pages and likely much more text. A good way to include images throughout is to use a third of the page for the image (whether that is a photograph or an illustration of some kind) and the rest for text.<\/p>\n Sometimes, figuring out how to match images with longer-form content can feel like a puzzle. You might spend more time looking for visuals than you do writing the actual copy. Still, when you finally nail the right image-to-text balance\u2014especially for eBooks and white papers\u2014it can turn something dense and intimidating into a piece people actually want to scroll through. Even a single relevant illustration or thoughtful placement of graphics can lighten up an entire page. This isn\u2019t rocket science, but it does require you to step back and see things from the reader\u2019s side every now and then.<\/p>\n Pulling a good quote from the text and placing it over a picture that embodies the subject is another great way to incorporate images. This works well for every other page.<\/p>\n For emails and newsletters, bright and bold images work to get your user to click right away. Close up images of a product detail, or a person using the product or service brings clicks because the reader can visualize the subject and sees it in action.<\/p>\n When choosing an image for a particular type of marketing content, the hunt is everything.<\/p>\n There\u2019s also a kind of sixth sense that develops with experience\u2014the ability to spot clich\u00e9s before they make it onto your draft. Too many marketers fall back on that handshake or the \u201cpointing at a laptop\u201d shot, and honestly, we\u2019ve all scrolled past those without a second glance. If you feel a photo is everywhere, there\u2019s a good bet your audience feels the same way. Staying a bit stubborn and pushing past those easy picks can be what separates forgettable content from something that stops people mid-scroll. (On the other hand, don\u2019t get paralyzed second-guessing every choice; sometimes you just need to pick and move on.)<\/p>\n Keep these things in mind when starting your image search:<\/p>\n The number one rule of thumb is to choose a high quality image with great resolution. Pixelated images will most likely annoy and drive away your readers no matter how compelling the headline is.<\/p>\n Image found on littlevisuals.co<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n The best way to find high-quality and professional photos is to use terms that photographers use in your search. Terms like low angle, defocused, silhouette, depth of field, front view, head and shoulders, motion blur, long exposure, wide angle, and selective focus will all bring you to captivating images with unique angles.<\/p>\n Image found on shutterstock.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n The internet is a visual medium, and your social media images<\/a> have the ability to pull your audience in with just one look. In a lot of cases, they hold the same weight as your marketing content. Take advantage of that power with the use of bright and bold colors to grab attention.<\/p>\n Image found on shutterstock.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n People can often tell when a stock photo is a stock photo and, if your audience is anything like me, they cringe when they those that lack originality or are clich\u00e9. But, sometimes stock photos are all you have to choose from. In your quest for originality, use search words like authentic, candid, and focus on foreground to find what you need.<\/p>\n People respond to images they can relate to, so when they see people their age, in clothes that they would wear, doing things that they like doing, they are much more likely to engage. Keep in mind who your target demographic is in all of your content and use pictures that characterize their interests and lifestyle.<\/p>\n Image found on shutterstock.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Whether your company is based in technology, fashion, sports, or health products, you most likely have a certain feeling that you want people to pick up on when they read your content. Reinforce that feeling by choosing images that strike an emotional chord. Along with the action you\u2019re searching, add a particular emotion you want to convey as well. Choose images that compliment your brand\u2019s colors, and use consistent filters in all of your images.<\/p>\n Image found on deathtothestockphoto.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Possibly the best tip for making your images feel original and authentic is to take your own photographs. Depending on the subject, some of the best shots are candid photos of the team, a picture of the office, and closeups of your products. There\u2019s no chance of anyone ever having the same images, and they are guaranteed to feel real and authentic along with the rest of your content.<\/p>\n Image found on shutterstock.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Image found on shutterstock.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n As we\u2019ve explored the art of selecting compelling images, it becomes evident that visuals play a pivotal role in content success. Beyond this, optimizing your online presence involves a holistic strategy, connecting with various SEO factors, especially in Google Images searches.<\/p>\n For those aiming for a comprehensive approach to elevate their content game, WriterAccess<\/strong><\/a> extends beyond content creation. Our platform offers seamless integrations to enrich your content creation journey.<\/p>\n Unlock the potential of Storyblocks for a diverse library of free stock photos. Streamline image sourcing with Shutterstock and polish visuals smoothly with Canva\u2014all conveniently within the WriterAccess platform.<\/p>\n1. Quality Control:<\/h2>\n
![\"1](\"https:\/\/mlgzkyrbq6eh.i.optimole.com\/w:645\/h:429\/q:mauto\/https:\/\/pingback.com\/br\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/1-Quality-Control-645x429.jpg\")
2. Use Real Photography Terms:<\/h2>\n
![\"2](\"https:\/\/mlgzkyrbq6eh.i.optimole.com\/w:645\/h:430\/q:mauto\/https:\/\/pingback.com\/br\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/2-Use-Photography-Terms-645x430.jpg\")
3. Attract with Color:<\/h2>\n
![\"3](\"https:\/\/mlgzkyrbq6eh.i.optimole.com\/w:645\/h:430\/q:mauto\/https:\/\/pingback.com\/br\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/3-Attract-With-Color-645x430.jpg\")
4. Aim for Originality:<\/h2>\n
![\"4](\"https:\/\/mlgzkyrbq6eh.i.optimole.com\/w:645\/h:430\/q:mauto\/https:\/\/pingback.com\/br\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/4-Aim-For-Originality-645x430.jpg\")
5. Feature Your Target Audience:<\/h2>\n
![\"shutterstock_2195601\"](\"https:\/\/mlgzkyrbq6eh.i.optimole.com\/w:618\/h:412\/q:mauto\/https:\/\/pingback.com\/br\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/shutterstock_2195601-618x412.jpg\")
6. Reinforce Your Brand:<\/h2>\n
![\"5](\"https:\/\/mlgzkyrbq6eh.i.optimole.com\/w:645\/h:430\/q:mauto\/https:\/\/pingback.com\/br\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/5-Feature-Target-Audience-645x430.jpg\")
7. Create Your Own:<\/h2>\n
![\"6](\"https:\/\/mlgzkyrbq6eh.i.optimole.com\/w:645\/h:430\/q:mauto\/https:\/\/pingback.com\/br\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/6-Reinforce-Your-Brand_1_sml-645x430.jpg\")
![\"7](\"https:\/\/mlgzkyrbq6eh.i.optimole.com\/w:618\/h:412\/q:mauto\/https:\/\/pingback.com\/br\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/7-Create-Your-Own-618x412.jpg\")
Enhance Your Content Creation Journey with WriterAccess<\/h2>\n