In our video Don’t Be an Image Thief our Designer and Photographer, Charity, talked about how to search for images that can be used in your marketing, including how to use the Google Image Usage Rights Tool. Recently, this tool has been updated so we’re back to let you know how it works now!
Updated September 2020
About Using Original Images
In today’s digital age, where online content is the cornerstone of brand presence, the importance of using original images cannot be overstated. For a marketing agency like Green T Design, creating and implementing original imagery is essential for setting your clients apart in a highly competitive market. Original images do more than just complement a website or social media post—they play a crucial role in building trust, enhancing brand identity, and ensuring that your content stands out in an increasingly crowded digital landscape.
One of the primary reasons to use original images is to enhance your brand’s authenticity. Stock photos, while convenient and often high-quality, can often feel generic and overused. Customers today are quick to recognize stock images, and these can inadvertently dilute the uniqueness of a brand. By using custom photography or original illustrations, you ensure that your business or client’s message is communicated in a personal and authentic way. This speaks directly to your audience, showing them that your business is genuine and truly invested in delivering value to them.
Original images also contribute significantly to brand consistency. When a brand uses custom-created visuals, they can align perfectly with the company’s voice, style, and overall aesthetic. Whether it’s through the use of certain colors, types of imagery, or compositions, original images can be crafted to align precisely with the brand’s identity. This level of customization is difficult, if not impossible, to achieve with stock photos. With original visuals, every element can be carefully considered to reinforce the values and personality of the brand, creating a more cohesive and memorable experience for the audience.
In addition to improving authenticity and brand consistency, original images can have a significant impact on your website’s SEO performance. Search engines, like Google, prioritize fresh, relevant, and unique content. Using stock images can harm SEO if they have been used on countless other websites, which can lead to your content blending in with the competition. Custom images, however, help make your content stand out to both search engines and users. Moreover, original images give you more control over alt-text, captions, and file names, which can be optimized for better SEO performance. Custom visuals also encourage more engagement from users, which can boost metrics like time on site and interaction, both of which are important factors in SEO.
Another important consideration when using original images is copyright and legal protection. When you use stock photos, you often have to purchase licenses or face legal complications regarding unauthorized use. This can lead to unexpected costs or legal risks for your business. By using original images, you own the copyright, which eliminates any concerns about usage rights. This provides peace of mind, knowing that your images are unique to your brand and legally protected. It also gives you more flexibility in how and where the images are used, whether on your website, in social media campaigns, or in marketing materials.
Original images can also enhance user experience by making your content more engaging. People are naturally drawn to visuals, and custom images allow you to tell a compelling story that resonates with your target audience. Whether you’re showcasing products, capturing behind-the-scenes moments, or displaying customer testimonials, original images can help create a connection between the audience and your brand. In fact, research shows that content paired with images tends to get more shares and likes on social media, making original visuals an effective tool for improving engagement.
Furthermore, original imagery helps build credibility and trust with your audience. When people see genuine, personalized images that reflect your business’s unique qualities, they are more likely to trust your brand. This is particularly important in today’s digital environment, where customers are becoming increasingly skeptical of companies that use overly polished or impersonal marketing tactics. By incorporating original, relatable visuals into your marketing campaigns, you demonstrate transparency and authenticity, which helps foster a stronger emotional connection with potential customers.
Original images also allow you to differentiate your business from competitors. In many industries, companies use similar stock photos, making it difficult for any one brand to stand out. By creating your own visuals, you ensure that your brand’s messaging is not only distinct but also memorable. Whether it’s a custom photo shoot or unique digital illustrations, the originality of your images helps give your business a competitive edge. When potential customers encounter your website or social media profiles, original visuals leave a lasting impression that stock images simply can’t provide.
While the creation of original images requires time and effort, the return on investment can be significant. Investing in custom imagery allows you to develop a distinctive visual identity that resonates with your audience and helps your business remain top of mind. Original images also provide versatility, as they can be used across multiple platforms and marketing materials, from websites and social media to brochures and email campaigns. This helps maintain consistency across all of your marketing touchpoints, reinforcing your brand’s messaging and increasing brand recall.
So, using original images is a powerful strategy for businesses looking to enhance their online presence, boost SEO, and create a deeper connection with their target audience. By investing in custom visuals, you not only set your brand apart but also convey authenticity, build trust, and elevate user experience. At Green T Design, we understand the importance of original imagery and specialize in helping businesses create distinctive, high-quality visuals that align with their brand’s identity and marketing objectives. With original images, businesses can stand out in a crowded market and leave a lasting impression on their audience.
