Stock vs. Photography: Which is better?

Ah, the age old marketing question. Which to use? Is stock better? It’s certainly faster and more readily available than going through the rigmarole of hiring a real-life photographer, but will it have the same impact?

Well, we think the perfect solution lies somewhere in the middle. Stock can be great for websites, content, even social media to an extent, provided it’s mixed in with visuals of real people, which add a dash of personality and authenticity to your brand in a way that stock content never could. Think of it as a stock/photography marketing smoothie if you will. Blended together to create one really great brand aesthetic. Yum.

So, what are the benefits to using stock?

There are several! It’s like we said before; Is it a total replacement for professional photography? Absolutely not. But when used in the right way, it can help boost your overall look. Stock content is:

• Cost-effective (mostly)
• Readily available, with lots of choice
• Easy, in that no management or logistics are required to download
• Of a high-standard and looks professional
• Able to be updated quickly and easily when required

Great, ok. So why can’t I just use stock imagery then?

Because if you just use all stock, then that’s what your website or social media feed with look like. Stock. The same as everyone else. Minus all that lovely personality and authenticity that makes your business and brand what it is. To balance out the argument, here are some of the reasons why (we think) you shouldn’t just use stock:

• Everything can start to look a bit same-y
• It’s difficult to show a customer who you really are
• You run the risk of another business buying that exact same image

So, there we are. You don’t need to spend thousands on regular professional photography, but you shouldn’t just pad out your entire website, social and marketing assets with stock images either. Somewhere in the middle is the sweet spot.

 

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