Creating your own images for your business is essential.
Having access to free stock photo sites is life changing. Literally. The one above is from my favorite, Gratisography. He has a very eclectic sense of humor that I love.
When I started using these sites to create my own images in Canva (a free graphic design website), I kind of fell back in love with my business.
Don’t be a Copy:
People don’t want to see stock images from your company. People don’t want to see cookie cutter images that you took zero time to invest in. And that’s what it shows. When you post a stock photo, it shows your customers you are just like every other person/consultant out there.
Facebook Jail:
How many of you have heard of Facebook jail? Not fun! Do you know why it happens? Because one person posts something and 5,000 consultants upload the same graphic and the same words. And Facebook algorithms instantly scream SPAM! Never take someone else’s post, especially without their permission, and post it as your own.
Watermarking:
I get asked about watermarking a lot. What is it? Simply adding your information to a photo so no one else can use it. It could be your name, your website, your logo…something that identifies YOU as the creator of that graphic. Why should you do it? Because you worked hard on your design and they didn’t. You took the time out of your life, your family, your kids…and created something great in order to be a better business owner. They have zero rights to that graphic. So make sure you watermark it.
And…it will keep YOU out of Facebook jail. Because people won’t be taking your photos anymore.
Free Stock Photo Sites:
Below, I have 5 of the top free stock photo sites for you. You go there, type in what you’re looking for (dog, yellow umbrella, red phone, cell phone, desk, anything you want). And you’re instantly connected to hundreds of free photos you can download and edit as you please.
Designing Your Own Photos:
And then I hear you…saying… I don’t know how….(insert whining). Stop it! Neither did I. Just like anything else in life it takes an investment of your time. And you know what? You’re gonna SUCK at first. Just being honest here. But every single time you do one, you will get better. Every time you take 20 minutes to do them, you will learn something new.
Canva:
Canva is the BEST free graphic editing site out there. Hands down. A lot of people say they can’t figure out Canva. “It’s too hard”. It’s not. I promise. And I created a video for you. In this video, I create 5 different photos. They have free templates of graphics to help get you started, and they also have a stock library of graphics just like the sites below. Where you can grab their photos and edit away!
#1:
Pexels.com
#2
StockSnap
#3:
Pixabay
#4
Gratisography
I love canva! I found it a year ago and use it for EVERYTHING. My blog, fun printables for the kids, material for church, and our homeschool co-op. I have no background in graphic design and find it really easy to navigate.
I have only been with 31 since August 2017 but I always love you posts! You are so inspiring and funny. Thank you for sharing. I hope one day to meet you and thank you in person. (((Hugs))) Fancy Nancy