Bad images (and video) kill a website 📸
Hey, thanks for visiting the blog! Quick heads up - this is a micro-post in a long running series called Your Website Sucks - Let's Fix That. If you find what's written here useful, check it out!
Finding good photos on a shoestring budget used to be next to impossible. Now it's easier than ever! Thanks to amazing websites like Unsplash, no website needs to have terrible photos.
Keep in mind that particular stock photos have become overused. If you browse the web extensively, you'll immediately recognize some of Unsplash's more popular stock.
(If you're a perfectionist like me, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect photo. If you'd like a great one without all the fuss, check out my curated collections).
Additionally, if you want something truly unique - branch out! There are hundreds of less popular (although still great!) free stock sites that guarantee something special. Here are a couple of my favorites:
- Pikwizard Unlike other stock sites, it has a lot of pictures of people.
- New Old Stock Incredibly varied vintage photos, perfect for websites with a particular aesthetic.
- Free Nature Stock Royalty-free nature stock from the talented Adrian Pelletier. Lots to choose from!
- Pexels Like Unsplash, but different content.
I'll also highlight two amazing stock video sites. Do take a look if you need stock video:(But make sure your videos are compressed before using them on a website)
- Pixabay Also a great source for stock photos, they have a large library of video.
- Coverr If you want to liven up your website with a video cover, I can't recommend this site enough.
With all of this said, if you have the budget to invest in a photographer or videographer - I highly recommend it. Having media unique to you is yet another chance to stand out. That's the name of the game.
If you do use free stock, be sure to give credit where it's due. I'll admit I haven't done this consistently myself, and it's a 2019 resolution of mine to get better at it. Hope you'll commit to the same.
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This series of articles is constantly evolving and always open to improvement. If you have any thoughts don't hesitate to reach out. Feel free to drop me a note at [email protected]
Need help with your website? Check out my portfolio, or give me a shout!
Cheers, 🍻
- Josh @kraahkan
Cover photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash