Where can I get a decent stock photo?
I have read many upset posts from people saying that they had used an image they found online, only to get an email a few days later from the photographer asking that the picture be removed. The ramifications of using a copyrighted image without proper attribution can be serious. Depending on how the image is used, copyright violations can lead to takedown requests, licensing fees, or legal disputes. And even without the possibility of legal action, in general it’s best not to steal someone’s work and use it without permission.
So what can you do if you just want to use a picture as the background of your post, or a header image on your website? Luckily there are a few sites that serve only 100% free-to-use images. My favorite two are Pexels and Unsplash. These platforms provide access to millions of high-quality photos that can be used for blogs, websites, social media posts, and other marketing materials.
Pexels
Pexels has an almost unending supply of images in nearly any topic you could imagine and allows you to download them in a decent variety of sizes. The site frequently runs little contests with the people who submit photos, to inspire more contributions. This way around holidays, you will see a surge of relevant imagery you can use. This avoids the issue of the same group of stock photos being used over and over again.
Every image you download on this site can be used however you want (as long as you don’t try and sell the image as your own work) and can be used without attribution. This makes Pexels a popular option for business owners, bloggers, and marketers who need professional-looking visuals without additional licensing costs.
Once you download an image, a window will pop up allowing you to send a few dollars to the photographer if you wish, but this is absolutely not mandatory. Supporting photographers through donations is a great way to encourage the continued creation of high-quality content.
Unsplash
Similar to Pexels, Unsplash has a huge variety of beautiful images that you can download in different sizes. Unsplash also has the addition of “sponsored” images, so if you are looking for a picture for a specific brand, you run a higher chance of finding those images there.
Unsplash also has a row of suggested keywords that you can search at the top, which makes discovering images a little more simple and quick than Pexels. Its clean search experience and large collection of professional photography make it one of the most widely used stock photo resources online.
Often photographers will submit their images to both these sites, so you will tend to see a lot of overlap. We recommend sending some money to your photographer if you use your pictures frequently. This is by no means required, but is a nice way to ensure that the photographer feels appreciated and continues to submit pictures.
Using quality images can improve the appearance of your website, social media content, and marketing campaigns. When paired with a strong website design and development strategy, professional visuals can help create a better user experience and strengthen your brand's online presence.
Businesses that regularly publish content on blogs, social platforms, and email campaigns often benefit from having access to reliable stock photo resources. High-quality visuals can support social media marketing services and improve engagement across multiple digital channels.
If you're using images to support broader online growth efforts, they can also complement a well-rounded digital marketing service strategy by helping create more engaging and visually appealing content.
Conclusion
Finding a decent stock photo doesn't require risking copyright infringement or breaking your budget. Platforms like Pexels and Unsplash make it incredibly simple to source high-quality, professional imagery safely and legally. By integrating these visual assets into your digital strategy, you can elevate your website design, boost user engagement, and create a more cohesive brand identity across all digital marketing channels.
Need help creating a professional online presence? Contact ProFusion Web Solutions at (360) 738-8188 or [email protected] to discuss your website and digital marketing goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get free stock photos for my website?
Popular options include Pexels and Unsplash, which offer large collections of free, high-quality images for personal and commercial use. These platforms are excellent for quickly filling in your visual gaps. They are especially helpful if you are currently working with a Bellingham web designer to build your online presence.
Are Pexels images free to use?
Yes. Most images on Pexels can be used for free, including for commercial projects, subject to their licensing terms. Local entrepreneurs often rely on these assets to keep upfront costs down. It is a great strategy when launching a new small business website Bellingham consumers can trust.
Are Unsplash images free to use?
Yes. Unsplash provides free images that can be used for many personal and business purposes under its license agreement. This makes it an incredibly cost-effective asset library for startups. It helps keep expenses low when you are figuring out how much does a website cost Bellingham business owners.
Can I use images from Google Search on my website?
Not necessarily. Many images found through Google Search are protected by copyright and require permission or licensing before use. Scraping images directly from search results can lead to legal issues. It can also result in copyright notices that harm your business reputation.
Do I need to credit photographers on Pexels or Unsplash?
In most cases, attribution is not required, but crediting photographers is appreciated and helps support their work. Most platforms make it easy to copy a quick credit link. You can easily paste this text into your blog post or your page footer.
Why should I avoid copyrighted images?
Using copyrighted images without permission can lead to legal issues, removal requests, and potential licensing fees. It can also result in sudden takedown notices. These issues disrupt your user experience and damage your online credibility.
What makes a good stock photo for a website?
A good stock photo is relevant to your content, high quality, professionally composed, and consistent with your brand image. Look for authentic lighting and natural settings. Avoid overly staged, corporate-looking poses that feel artificial to your visitors.
Can stock photos improve website engagement?
Yes. Relevant and professional images can make content more appealing and improve user engagement. High-quality visuals break up heavy walls of text. This keeps visitors on your pages longer and encourages them to explore your services.
Should businesses use stock photos on social media?
Yes. Stock photos can help businesses maintain a consistent posting schedule and improve the visual quality of social media content. They are perfect for background graphics or announcement templates. They also help match your aesthetic when you do not have custom photos ready.
Are stock photos beneficial for digital marketing?
Yes. High-quality visuals can strengthen marketing campaigns, improve content presentation, and support brand awareness efforts. Clean imagery catches the eye of potential customers. It bridges the gap between a user scrolling past or deciding to click through to your site.