Thursday Press #130: I def shouldn't be telling you this...

[2 MAY 2024] Detective Burk, at it again!

I probably shouldn't be telling you this.

Actually, I definitely shouldn't be telling you this.

This is information I would typically guard with my life, hoarding it like a dragon's stash of precious gold.

That's how much a good stock photo means to me.

It's no secret that I'm a bit of an online detective.

FBI agents have nothing on me when I'm given a phone, internet, and a fake Instagram account.

And as a detective, one of my favorite crimes to solve is the felony offense of using bad, cheesy, just plain ridiculous stock photos.

Whether you're a client of mine or just a friend in need of the perfect vibey stock video for a reel, you can trust I'm going to find it for you.

No friend of mine will suffer the endless Pexels scroll when Detective Burk's on the case!!!

And because I obviously consider us friends, girlypop, I'm gifting you the tools to do your own stock photo detective work.

Now open for business — Sarah's Stock Photo Search Party Academy!

(SSPSPA, if you want to abbreviate it and call any stray cats within a 5-mile radius).

How to Find On-Brand Stock Photos

On-brand, high-quality stock photos are an absolute Pinterest essential.

Most business owners don't have a plethora of relevant, stock-esque brand photos or pro-quality images to throw up on every pin, and that's totally fine! That's why stock photos exist.

(Actually, they come from the 1920s newspaper industry, but I still couldn't figure out why they're called stock photos. Bummer.)

A common misconception about stock photos and Pinterest is that you can't or shouldn't use stock photos in your pins because it's “unoriginal.”

FALSE.

Of course, if you're just posting the stock photo as is and calling it a day, that's a different story. But using stock imagery as part of your overall pin design is totally fine.

Even if other people are using that image! And honestly, sometimes especially if other people are using it. Let me explain… 

Pinterest is a visual search engine, emphasis on the VISUAL.

Its algorithm scans the visual appearance of your pin and compares it against other pins with similar descriptions to see if it “fits.”

If you’ve ever looked up something home decor or fashion-related on Pinterest, you’ve experienced this effect in action.

You search for “old brick floor kitchen” one time and then for the next 6 months half of your feed is kitchens with brick floors.

The same algorithmic principle applies to other niches, too.

Let’s say you’re creating a pin all about how to plan a tropical honeymoon, but the stock photo you use is a boho office scene. *ERROR: CANNOT COMPUTE*

Well, it can, but you’re not doing the Pinterest robots any favors.

That’s why, despite popular belief, there can actually be some benefit to using the more popular stock photos in your pin designs, particularly in the marketing and business niche.

If you look at the search results for “how to start an Etsy shop” on Pinterest, you’ll notice that all the images used in the pin graphics are quite similar — people typing on a laptop, styled desk flat lays, overhead working shots, etc.

Pinterest has “learned” that pins for the keyword “how to start an Etsy shop” look like this. It’ll be checking any newly created pins that use that phrase against its model of what a pin in that category looks like.

Thus, the benefit of using stock photos when it’s relevant to the pin content.

You don't have to just use the same old stock images everyone else is using though. You still want to stand out! You want gorgeous photos without having to book and plan an entire brand shoot.

I've gotcha covered.

I'm about to share two FREE stock photo resources that I've been keeping close to the chest for a very long time while simultaneously BURSTING at the seams to tell you because it's so good BUT I also don't want to ruin the magic…

Promise you won't blow up my spot(s)???

1. Kaboompics

This. This is the one I can’t believe I’m actually sharing with you.

Kaboompics is one of the best free stock photo websites I’ve ever found, specifically for creative entrepreneurs.

When I looked into the owner, I wasn’t surprised that I loved it so much, because Kaboompics was actually created by one of my favorite stock photographers — Karolina Grabowska.

Karolina’s photos are the perfect mix of lifestyle and business, and it’s no surprise that her stock photo site is full of the most perfect pictures I’ve ever seen.

I know you think I’m being dramatic, but my jaw literally dropped the first time I scrolled through the Business & Office category.

Like… are you kidding me???

Okay, I’ll stop drooling now, but seriously — Kaboompics is a golden treasure trove of free, on-brand stock images, especially if you love the more neutral, editorial vibe like I do.

2. Dupe Photos

The concept: connecting content creators to marketers and brands who need not-cringe, UGC-style photos.

The execution: A perfectly curated, natural-feeling resource of royalty-free images that’s more fun than scrolling through Pinterest.

The ~vibe curator~ in me is kicking her feet in joy at the searchable aesthetics.

Dupe isn’t your typical stock photo resource. You’re not going to (necessarily) find the perfectly styled shots and meticulous flat lays.

But that’s a good thing.

Sometimes you need to switch up your stock look, sometimes you want a more “in-the-moment” feel, and sometimes you just need a good background for your Instagram stories. Dupe is your girl for those times.

P.S. They recently released the app version of their site and I’m not being dramatic when I tell you I’d rather scroll on there than any social media platform.

Should I f around and submit some photos of my own???

Those are my two favorite (& free) places to look for stock photos, and Haute Stock is my go-to paid resource.

But wherever you're pounding the stock photo streets, you need to know how to find the right stock photos for your brand.

I'll give you the short and sweet summary here, but you can head to the blog for a full explanation & demo!

• Use the right keywords

  • Take a look at what keywords your fave stock photos have!

• Find your favorite stock photographers

• Search/sort by color

• Consider the overall tone of the image (warm vs. cool)

• Scroll more than you think you should to find less used photos

• Save your faves in one central location

  • I like using Canva folders!

Everything You Need to Know About Finding + Using Stock Photos

I've been wanting to share this for SO LONG, and I have to admit, it feels good to get it off my chest.

There's just something about pretty pictures that makes my soul sing like sitting outside with a book on the first perfectly sunny spring day with a hint of breeze that makes you remember how much you actually love being outdoors.

Need some help finding on-brand stock photos?

I love a challenge and a reason to research! If you truly can't find stock photos you love, hit reply or slide on into my DMs @thesarahburk and let me know what you're looking for! 

HAVE FUN YOU STOCK PHOTO SLEUTHS!