What is stock media? Quickly and easily equip a website with images, videos or graphics: If you don’t have your own content available, you can use so-called stock images and other stock media to visually spice up your web presence. But how do I find suitable stock photos in good quality and, ideally, free of charge?

We will answer all your questions regarding stock media and also give you valuable tips on selecting suitable images, graphics, etc. If you would like to find out more about stock media or optimizing your website, we would be happy to advise you personally. Simply make an appointment for a non-binding introductory conversation.

What is stock media?

Stock media is a media that is produced in stock by so-called stock portals and offered to a broad masses online. There are stock images, icons, videos and audios, as well as many other media formats. For example, if you don’t have your own images or want to save money on an expensive photographer, you’re well advised to look for suitable stock photos at photo agencies. Even if you have images or videos that do not meet today’s quality standards or the viewing habits of your target group, it is better to use stock media. Bad recordings are often more damaging to a website than having no media.

Is stock media free?

The answer is: “No”. Whether stock media is free or not always depends on the respective stock portal, medium and purpose of use. Some assets are royalty-free, while others require a license. Royalty-free stock media can be used free of charge and indefinitely with restrictions (usually in size and quality). However, sometimes there is an obligation to provide proof of the image number/name, author and stock portal in the imprint of your own website. A fee is charged for licensed stock media depending on the type of use, circulation and duration. However, many portals also work via subscriptions. Licensed and therefore paid media can be purchased on these portals by paying a monthly fee.

The license models of the stock portals can be divided into three categories:

• Creative Commons licenses (CCO): free of charge & no obligation to provide proof
• Free: free of charge & proof required
• Requires a license: subject to a fee and proof required

Which license model a stock portal follows and for which purposes the stock media offered can be used can be found in the license agreement, in the general terms and conditions or in the FAQ and usually also on specially created pages. If the regulations are ignored, website owners are threatened with injunctive relief and claims for damages.

How do I find the right stock material?

Finding the right stock material for your website is not easy but following these points will make it easy.

Before researching suitable stock media, ask yourself the following questions:

• Where should the medium be used?
• What is the target group?
• Should it support the text or draw attention to a button?
• Should a product, a situation or a service be presented?
• Does what is shown fit your own company or does it seem too exaggerated?
• What look does my website have?
• Is there already a graphic style on your own websites that should be taken into account (filters, colors, focus, what is shown, etc.)?
• What emotions, stories or feelings should be conveyed?
• Is a certain perspective of the recording perhaps more suitable?
• Do people or objects have to be depicted in the medium? – Objects often symbolize situations or requests.
• Is the icon style harmonious and understandable without description?
• Which resolution is optimal?

How do I search for suitable media in stock portals?

Now that you have a goal in mind that you want to pursue with stock media on your pages, you have reached the point of research. Now you can do this successfully and quickly find suitable motifs and media, we will give you a few useful tips from our practice:

• Every stock portal usually has search masks or functions that are intuitive to use. Enter two to three search words in the search slot that accurately describe the desired representation and, if applicable, the image style. However, be careful not to use too many search terms.
• Use the filter options offered (format, image orientation, colors, etc.) to refine your search.
• If you find something that appeals to you in some way or goes in the right direction, simply click on the asset. You will often see even more suitable search hits or similar results.
• Make a selection and then sort out the less suitable materials. This gives you the opportunity to get an overview of what suggestions are available to you after your search and whether you can choose from free content or, if necessary, have to resort to paid materials.
• If you find it difficult to imagine what the materials will look like on your site, just test it out. You can then say whether the format is correct, the resolution is sufficient or something needs to be edited. For the test, download (preview) images and embed them into your website for a short time or in preview mode.

Conclusion

We know from our own experience that, depending on the industry, service or product, the search for additional stock media can be tedious. However, the effort is worth it because accurate stock photos, graphics or refreshing videos can do wonders for the appearance of your website. It doesn’t always have to be licensed media. Take enough time to research and study the terms of use.

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How To Use Social Media To Make Money? A Complete Guide

How To Use Social Media To Make Money? Worldwide, it is estimated that 3 billion users are active on social networks and spend at least two hours a day there. These platforms are instant communication tools where you can exchange photos, receive information or even watch videos. If you are reading this article, you are probably wondering how it is possible to make money on the Internet while having a good time with your community. We’ll give you some tips.

How To Use Social Media To Make Money?  

 Here are some strategies on how to use social media to make money.”

Find your niche

As soon as you want to start earning money on social media, you must opt ​​for a behavior and attitude that is more professional than relaxed. To do this, it is essential to specialize in a field such as health, fashion or sport. You will then be able to adapt your speech according to your audience in order to have a real connection with them. If you decide to specialize in photography, don’t start talking about football to your followers who will not understand the link with your usual niche. They will completely lose interest in your page. Be sure to stay consistent.

Keep your account active

A dormant account is an ineffective account. To keep your audience engaged, it’s important to post content regularly. When it comes to generating profit, being inactive won’t do you any favors, no matter how many followers you have. Make them want to, make them salivate in advance at the idea of ​​seeing your next publication or video. Developing a strategy is downright necessary when it comes to generating interest. Define the amount of content to publish in the week, day, time, and stick to it. This will be the latest event not to be missed for your community.

Stay up to date with the current trends

The world of digital marketing and social media are always changing. What is trendy today may not stay trendy tomorrow and vice versa. Technology monitoring can allow you to quickly discover what is currently best. In addition, you will be able to discover new tools that could perhaps change your life, so don’t hesitate.

You don’t need thousands of followers

Nowadays, many people assume that in order to maximize your earnings on social media, you need to have a huge community. This is not true. Brands are increasingly looking for quality over quantity. This means that they prioritize promoting their products to a smaller yet more high-quality audience over reaching a larger but lower-quality audience. Gone are the days when companies only looked for celebrities. Influencers have taken over.

Youtuber, the new fashionable profession

Jimmy Donaldson-MrBeast,  Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes, Like Nastya… These names surely mean something to you since these people are among the YouTubers who have a gigantic community of followers. To make money on Youtube , the path is not easy and it can take a little time. Indeed, before you can obtain your first euros thanks to advertising in partnership with the platform, you will have to total, over the last twelve months, 4000 hours of viewing and 1000 subscribers. Fortunately, you have other ways to generate income such as affiliation, crowdfunding from your fans or even selling your own products.

Facebook, the leading social network

With its billions of users, Mark Zuckerberg’s platform has long remained the benchmark social network. Earning money on Facebook is not complicated as long as you give yourself the means. For the average person, the marketplace is the ideal solution since you can sell anything and everything: furniture, clothing, household appliances, etc. Sales are made easier by the possibility of targeting only your region, department or city in order to keep shipping costs as low as possible.

Competitions are also legion so don’t hesitate to play as much as possible to put all the chances on your side. Finally, in addition to affiliation when you have a large community and your profile appeals to brands, Facebook is interesting if you run a business and a website. This network gives you the chance to create your professional page and develop your online visibility. You can accentuate the latter with advertising by promoting your latest products and your website.

Make way for photos with Instagram

If you want to make money on Instagram , affiliation and the publication of sponsored posts remain the benchmarks. Although you don’t need a large community, it goes without saying that the more followers you have, the more brands notice you and the more offers they have for you. As a business, like on Facebook, you have the opportunity to present your products to encourage your core target to purchase. Finally, who says Instagram, necessarily says images. Photography has a place in its own right on this network given how it works so that if you are a photographer, professional or amateur, you can stand out by selling your photos or offering your services.

Gamers also have their role to play

Who has never dreamed of getting paid to play video games all day? Know that earning money with Twitch , the famous streaming platform, is entirely feasible. To do this, users create their own channel where they broadcast their current game. What is interesting for developing your community is that you can film yourself and communicate in person with your microphone. Establishing a close relationship with your followers will be very easy and you will increase your chances of earning cash. The possibilities are numerous on Twitch and everything will depend on your ability to unite your audience and interest them. Your personality will matter as much as the game you play.

FAQs

How to get paid on social networks?

As you have seen, making money on Instagram is possible, as well as on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube or even with your blog. You just need to register as an influencer on the platform, link your social networks and wait for advertisers’ campaigns to be sent to you.

Which social media is best to earn money?

Instagram and TikTok are often cited as the most profitable social networks.

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