Image Perfect: Sourcing Copyright Images for Your Marketing Materials

We know it is tempting to save an image from the Internet without checking that it is copyright-free, but it really isn't the right thing to do - creatives should be paid and acknowledged for their work. So, whether you are using an image for a commercial website or a children's party invitation, don't just pinch an image!

Where to Find Your Perfect Image

1. Copyright-Free Stock Photo Websites: These websites offer a treasure trove of images, some of which can be used commercially. Some popular options include:

Unsplash – Our favourite!

‍

Pixabay – integrates with Canva

‍

Pexels – great quality

‍

‍

Gratisography – a bit quirky!

‍

FreeImages – also includes vector images and clip art

‍

PilkWizard – more 'artsy' than most

‍

2. Create Your Own Images: Take photos to show the real, unpolished side of your business. People love to see the hard work and dedication that goes into a product or service.

N.B.  We don't recommend using AI to generate images as they a) look a bit weird (count the fingers!) and b) you can't be sure the original artist gave their permission for the image to be used.

3. Image Banks with Specific Focus: If your newsletter targets a particular niche, explore image banks that cater to your audience. For instance:

• Tourism: Visit Scotland's media toolkit (https://toolkit.visitscotland.org/)
• Age-related content: Ageing Better's Age Positive Image Library (https://ageing-better.org.uk/news/age-positive-image-library-launched)  
• Diverse representation: Despora (https://www.theunmistakables.com/despora)
  

4. Hire a professional photographer: I have used commercial photographer paulwatt.com SO many times over the last 20 years - he covers the whole of the UK and is an AWESOME photographer.

By following these guidelines and exploring the various image sources available, you can elevate your marketing material's visual appeal, enhance your overall message – and not fall foul of copyright infringement.

Remember, the perfect image is the one that resonates with your audience and complements your content – speak to us about making your brand be seen and heard.

‍Crafting compelling copy for your website, emails, and social media is essential for effective content marketing. But words alone aren't enough. Images are the unsung heroes of marketing. They can enhance your message, evoke emotions, and even boost click-through rates. But with a vast ocean of images online, finding the perfect fit can be overwhelming.Recently, a friend of ours, whose blushes I will spare by naming, fell foul of copyright infringement. A quick, copy and paste to a personal blog saw them being issued with a hefty fee by the licence owners.