Stock photos are a great tool for businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), who are looking to save time and money on professional image production. But who is using them the most? Research shows that designers and entrepreneurs are the top two groups taking advantage of stock photos.
Designers often use stock photos to create visual stories or to fill in areas where custom photography would be too expensive or time consuming. Entrepreneurs may be attracted to the ease of finding relevant imagery they can use quickly to solidify their brand identity.
According to a survey of 853 entrepreneurs conducted by Small Business Trends, some of the main reasons why small business owners rely on stock photos include the ability to find a large variety of images quickly, the low cost of using stock photos versus custom photography, and the fact that many stock photos are of professional quality. The abundance of choices also allows entrepreneurs to find what they need without investing the money to hire a professional photographer or graphic designer.
When it comes to specific industries, designers are typically the ones taking advantage of stock photos the most. According to a survey of 525 designers conducted by Stock Photo Secrets, the most popular uses for stock photography include web design (72%), graphic design (65%), and print media (62%).
However, stock photos are being used in more specific ways as well. For example, health professionals are embracing stock photos to represent treatments and diagnoses, while entrepreneurs are leaning on stock photos to find just the right imagery for their social media posts. Stock photography is also being used in a variety of ways by small businesses, such as using an image of a product to illustrate a blog post or using a library of stock images to quickly create promotional materials.
Overall, a vast array of businesses are taking advantage of stock photography, ranging from designers and entrepreneurs to start-ups and small businesses. The range of uses for stock photos expands every day as entrepreneurs, designers, and small businesses continue to discover new and creative ways to use them. With its low cost, professional quality, and ease of procurement, it's no wonder that stock photos are being used more and more.
In addition to being cost-effective and popular, stock photography has also been found to be a great way to connect with consumers. Studies show that people are more likely to purchase from companies whose marketing materials use real people in their images, making stock photos a great way to create a connection with potential customers.
By using stock photography, businesses can get the professional look they desire without breaking the bank. Designers and entrepreneurs have been taking advantage of stock photography for years, but now more industries are beginning to see the value of using stock photos in their marketing materials. With its low cost, range of uses, and ability to connect with customers, it's no wonder that stock photos are becoming more and more popular.
Though stock photos can be valuable tools, it is important to remember that the key to creating effective visuals is to use them thoughtfully. By carefully selecting images and considering how they will affect the audience, businesses and designers can ensure that their visuals are telling the story they want to convey. With careful selection and strategic use, stock photographs can be an invaluable asset for businesses looking to create captivating visuals.
It's clear that stock photography has become an invaluable asset for businesses and designers alike. From web design to print media, entrepreneurs to start-ups, stock photos are being used in a variety of ways to help businesses create unique visuals at a fraction of the cost of custom photography. By carefully selecting images and strategically using them, businesses can create captivating visuals that leave a lasting impression on potential customers. Stock photography is here to stay, and it's no wonder why.