Aug 1, 2017

Why Stock Photos Are Ruining Your Website UX

Remember the last time your coworker cracked a joke during a conference call and the entire room erupted in hysterics? How about the time your team successfully completed a project, and one member turned slightly to the left, giving a big smile and thumbs up to some unseen entity?

When was the last time your tablet screen suddenly regurgitated a holographic of marketing buzzwords?

These scenarios sound like something out of a fever dream, right? Yet we encounter them daily in the form of stock photography online.

And they’re ruining your visitors’ user experience (UX).

These staged, sterile, and stale images are meant to serve as easily-accessible visual aides for websites. But if none of the described situations are ringing a bell for you, they probably won’t for your customers. Which can be a BIG problem for industries that value personal connections – like legal and medical practices, travel agencies, and car dealerships.

There are myriad reasons why stock photos should be high on the “things not to do” website checklist, but here are three of the most compelling:

Using Stock Images Is Lazy

The reason stock images have become so commonplace is because they’re easy to acquire. You’re of course familiar with some of the paid services like Shutterstock and Twenty20 – and if you’re a bit more savvy you’re already using free sites like Pixabay, Pexels, and Unsplash.

All of these examples provide a great service by allowing those with limited resources or photography experience to make use of professionally-shot photos.

But they’re easily identifiable to regular internet users. Maybe the setting of the photo doesn’t match up. Maybe they’ve seen the subjects in the image elsewhere online. Or maybe your designer mistakenly included a line-up of Dodge vehicles on the local Kia dealership’s hero image. The bottom line is, you’re not being entirely upfront about your business.

Between smartphones, social media, and associated apps, it has become easier than ever before to snap and upload real photos that could rival those taken by a camera with a 4-figure price tag. Snapping some pics of who and what your customers will experience when they arrive at your doorstep makes for a great first impression, and goes a long way toward fostering trust.

Electing not to do that, is lazy at best; and deceitful at worst.

Stock Photos Aren’t “Real”

While the absurdity of some of these images has already been pointed out, there’s a deeper reason why we don’t recommend them – they’re whitewashed.

In more than one way.

The lighting in many of the more popular environments – specifically homes and offices – is almost unnaturally bright. True, the photo’s subjects stand out well, but it would be impossible to replicate the shot anywhere other than a Hollywood soundstage. You don’t want to appear too “perfect.”

Furthermore, the lack of diversity in many stock photos is painfully apparent. The world has continued to shrink, meaning not all of your customers are fit, stylish, middle-aged white men and women.

In fact, it may be more accurate to admit that demographic is only a small fraction of your actual consumer base.

One of the most important aspects of UX is authenticity.

Your customers will find it easier to relate to your business when you reflect who you serve on a daily basis. An online user experience which closely mimics the offline one not only gives visitors an idea of whether or not your business is right for them; it also helps you stand out among your competitors who are still image searching “Susie Homemaker” for their client testimonial page.

Stock Photos Are A Bad Investment

As a business owner, you’re always on the lookout for ways to maximize everyone’s favorite letters: “R,” “O,” and “I.” This means you may believe that, in the grand scheme of things, paying a couple hundred bucks a year for a subscription to a stock photography site is a worthwhile investment.

However, those fees add up over months and years. Even with free access sites, you still need to factor in the time it takes for a paid employee to search through the thousands of available images. Not to mention, if you own a particularly image-heavy site, or are using these for social media posts, the pool of options becomes surprisingly small surprisingly quickly.

And of course, there’s no guarantee you’ll find exactly the image you need.

On the other hand, a local professional photographer is a one or two-time expense, and allows you complete control over how you want to show off your company. Set up shots of your location(s), services, employees, and even take a page out of the stock image sites’ book, and stage some common (and real) scenarios.

This is your business – doesn’t it deserve the investment required to portray it as accurately and professionally as possible?

Don’t come off to customers as lazy or fake – and don’t waste your precious budget. Just say “NO” to stock photography!

Of course, your site’s images are only one part of overall UX. There are plenty of other design and usability elements that are just as important to consider. Click here to download our full UX primer now!

Get free marketing and advertising insights...

Featured Blogs

News and Press

Diaz & Cooper Recognized as a Clutch Global Leader for Spring 2024

DCA Team
DCA Team
Diaz & Cooper Recognized as a Clutch Global Leader for Spring 2024
Diaz & Cooper named a top B2B company for HubSpot CRM services
DCA Team
DCA Team
HubSpot Inbound Services

How Busy CMOs Can Harness HubSpot for Account-Based Marketing Success

Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
How Busy CMOs Can Harness HubSpot for Account-Based Marketing Success
HubSpot for Account-Based Marketing Success Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) face a massive task. They have to bring in leads, nurture them,...
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
News and Press

Diaz & Cooper Honored as a Clutch Champion for 2023

DCA Team
DCA Team
Diaz & Cooper Honored as a Clutch Champion for 2023
DCA Team
DCA Team
HubSpot Technical Services

Drive Exponential B2B Growth with HubSpot Consulting Services

DCA Team
DCA Team
Drive Exponential B2B Growth with HubSpot Consulting Services
Remarkable ROI Increases in B2B Firms Creating a comprehensive marketing plan for your organization, executing it, and meeting company...
DCA Team
DCA Team
HubSpot Technical Services

5 Best Features of Hubspot Marketing Hub Explained for B2B Enterprises

Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
5 Best Features of Hubspot Marketing Hub Explained for B2B Enterprises
Best Features of Hubspot Marketing for B2B Enterprises CMOs and marketing teams have a big job. Delivering qualified leads and driving...
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
HubSpot Technical Services

Top 4 Reasons Why Hubspot Sales Hub Should Be Part of Your CRM Platform

Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Top 4 Reasons Why Hubspot Sales Hub Should Be Part of Your CRM Platform
4 Reasons HubSpot Sales Hub Should Be Part of Your CRM If you’re a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) in the B2B aviation, transportation, or...
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Sales & Marketing Alignment

The Bold Truth About AI in Marketing: Protecting Your Brand

DCA Team
DCA Team
The Bold Truth About AI in Marketing: Protecting Your Brand
The Dark Side of AI in Marketing: Navigating Risks and Challenges According to Statista research, 62% of marketers use AI in digital...
DCA Team
DCA Team
HubSpot Technical Services

Navigating Sales-Marketing Alignment: Tackling Top 5 Challenges Head-On

Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Navigating Sales-Marketing Alignment: Tackling Top 5 Challenges Head-On
How to Overcome Top Sales and Marketing Alignment Challenges Now B2B marketing and sales alignment—it's on the tip of everyone's tongue for...
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
HubSpot Technical Services

Top 4 Costly Google Analytics Mistakes

DCA Team
DCA Team
Top 4 Costly Google Analytics Mistakes
4 Common and Costly Google Analytics Mistakes and How to Fix Them
DCA Team
DCA Team
HubSpot Technical Services

How HubSpot Consulting Services Help Accomplish Your Marketing Goals

DCA Team
DCA Team
How HubSpot Consulting Services Help Accomplish Your Marketing Goals
HubSpot Consulting Services Benefits HubSpot Consulting Services can help you set up your HubSpot account and your entire sales and...
DCA Team
DCA Team
HubSpot Technical Services

5 Types of HubSpot Consulting Services and How they Can Help Your Business

DCA Team
DCA Team
5 Types of HubSpot Consulting Services and How they Can Help Your Business
Configuring HubSpot for Success Using Partner Consulting Services Whether you’re new to HubSpot or looking to get the most from the...
DCA Team
DCA Team
HubSpot Technical Services

How a Kid's Solo Flight Shaped a Passion for the Aviation Industry

Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
How a Kid's Solo Flight Shaped a Passion for the Aviation Industry
All it took was one childhood flight to Miami... Growing up in Puerto Rico, I always had a love for travel, and for airplanes in...
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Digital Marketing Strategy

3 Ways Your Website Redesign Hurt Your SEO

DCA Team
DCA Team
3 Ways Your Website Redesign Hurt Your SEO
I love your new website.
DCA Team
DCA Team
HubSpot Inbound Services

The Quick & Dirty Guide to Getting Found Online

DCA Team
DCA Team
The Quick & Dirty Guide to Getting Found Online
Part 1: Search Engine Optimization Introduction There is no debate: Your website is one of the most important pieces of your business...
DCA Team
DCA Team
Sales and Marketing Consultancy

How to Build a Data-Driven Content Strategy with HubSpot

DCA Team
DCA Team
How to Build a Data-Driven Content Strategy with HubSpot
How HubSpot can Help Drive Qualified Traffic and Leads As a marketing professional in today's data-driven marketing landscape, you know...
DCA Team
DCA Team
HubSpot Technical Services

HubSpot’s Time-saving Marketing Automations for Technology and SaaS

DCA Team
DCA Team
HubSpot’s Time-saving Marketing Automations for Technology and SaaS
HubSpot Marketing Automations for Technology & SaaS Industry The competition in the technology and SaaS industry is fierce. Most companies...
DCA Team
DCA Team
News and Press

Diaz & Cooper becomes HubSpot Platinum Partner

DCA Team
DCA Team
Diaz & Cooper becomes HubSpot Platinum Partner
Diaz & Cooper announces that it has reached the platinum tier in HubSpot's Solutions Partner Program
DCA Team
DCA Team
Sales and Marketing Consultancy

3 Dynamic Ways HubSpot Lead Scoring Helps Firms in the B2B Healthcare Technology Industry

Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
3 Dynamic Ways HubSpot Lead Scoring Helps Firms in the B2B Healthcare Technology Industry
3 Ways HubSpot Lead Scoring and Attribution Benefits Your Business HubSpot is a powerful CRM thanks to its seamless connectivity to ...
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
HubSpot Technical Services

How to Improve HubSpot with Integrations for SaaS Companies

DCA Team
DCA Team
How to Improve HubSpot with Integrations for SaaS Companies
Get the Most from Your Data with HubSpot Integrations HubSpot is a powerful marketing automation platform no matter what type of business...
DCA Team
DCA Team
Sales and Marketing Consultancy

How to Optimize the Inbound Marketing Conversion Funnel

Brandi Jangula
Brandi Jangula
How to Optimize the Inbound Marketing Conversion Funnel
What’s an inbound marketing conversion funnel? You’ve taken time to focus on driving valuable traffic to your website using inbound...
Brandi Jangula
Brandi Jangula
Sales and Marketing Consultancy

Improve Your Organic Search Ranking with an Inbound Marketing Strategy

Brandi Jangula
Brandi Jangula
Improve Your Organic Search Ranking with an Inbound Marketing Strategy
Rank Higher, Increase Website Traffic and Convert More Prospects Organic search rank can be one of the most powerful tools for growing a...
Brandi Jangula
Brandi Jangula
Sales and Marketing Consultancy

Why Inbound Marketing is More Cost-Effective than Paid Advertising

Brandi Jangula
Brandi Jangula
Why Inbound Marketing is More Cost-Effective than Paid Advertising
How Inbound Marketing is More Cost-Effective than Paid Advertising When you invest in a marketing strategy, you’re planning for it to pay...
Brandi Jangula
Brandi Jangula
HubSpot Inbound Services

The Measure of Success: Why Goal Setting is Important to Inbound Marketing

Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
The Measure of Success: Why Goal Setting is Important to Inbound Marketing
The Importance of Outlining What Marketing Success Looks Like What’s in it for me? That’s the question many people ask when starting...
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
HubSpot Inbound Services

5 Effective Email Marketing Strategies to Fuel Inbound Marketing Today

Brandi Jangula
Brandi Jangula
5 Effective Email Marketing Strategies to Fuel Inbound Marketing Today
Email Marketing Strategy for Inbound Success Inbound marketing is all about meeting customers where they are at and engaging with them...
Brandi Jangula
Brandi Jangula
Sales and Marketing Consultancy

3 Powerful Insights for Effective Inbound Marketing Strategy

Brandi Jangula
Brandi Jangula
3 Powerful Insights for Effective Inbound Marketing Strategy
Co-Founder Omi Diaz-Cooper Talks Strategy in a Live “Ask Me Anything” Recently, DCA’s Co-founder, Omi Diaz-Cooper, answered questions from...
Brandi Jangula
Brandi Jangula
HubSpot Inbound Services

Inbound vs Outbound Marketing: What’s the Difference?

DCA Team
DCA Team
Inbound vs Outbound Marketing: What’s the Difference?
How Inbound Marketing Can Boost Your Business Both inbound and outbound marketing strategies can serve as key pieces of any marketing...
DCA Team
DCA Team
HubSpot Inbound Services

Inbound Marketing: What You Need to Know to Get Started

Brandi Jangula
Brandi Jangula
Inbound Marketing: What You Need to Know to Get Started
What is the Purpose of Inbound Marketing? Why is it Important? Inbound marketing is different from standard outbound marketing. While usual...
Brandi Jangula
Brandi Jangula
HubSpot Inbound Services

Inbound Marketing: How to Attract More Customers

Brandi Jangula
Brandi Jangula
Inbound Marketing: How to Attract More Customers
Learn how inbound marketing strategies can grow your business. As a marketer, it's your goal to attract customers to your business… but...
Brandi Jangula
Brandi Jangula
HubSpot Inbound Services

7 Signs You Should Hire an Inbound Marketing Agency

Brandi Jangula
Brandi Jangula
7 Signs You Should Hire an Inbound Marketing Agency
Why You Should Hire an Inbound Marketing Agency Building a website, managing social media and designing beautiful emails all sound like fun...
Brandi Jangula
Brandi Jangula
Sales and Marketing Consultancy

The Top Reasons Why Tech Careers Are Booming

Elizabeth Mackenzie
Elizabeth Mackenzie
The Top Reasons Why Tech Careers Are Booming
Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash Tech Careers will boom over the next 10 years... The Fourth Industrial Revolution is reshaping the...
Elizabeth Mackenzie
Elizabeth Mackenzie
HubSpot Inbound Services

Top 5 Tactics Working in Emails (Right Now)

Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Top 5 Tactics Working in Emails (Right Now)
Improve your open rates today using the top data-backed tactics that are working right now. The last few months have shown us that the old...
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Digital Marketing Strategy

What is Shopify and Why Should I Choose it?

Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
What is Shopify and Why Should I Choose it?
If you've ever purchased from Lindt, The Economist, FitBit, or Allbirds (just to name a few), then you've likely experienced the Shopify...
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
News and Press

Is Your Agency Still Focused on Counting Hours Rather than Results?

DCA Team
DCA Team
Is Your Agency Still Focused on Counting Hours Rather than Results?
Diaz & Cooper Advertising Staff Have Been #ROWE Since 2012 Last year while a global pandemic ushered in an expansive and unexpected...
DCA Team
DCA Team
Sales and Marketing Consultancy

How to Achieve Digital Growth in a Post-Cookies World

Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
How to Achieve Digital Growth in a Post-Cookies World
Google's announcement that it will block third-party cookies across its Chrome browser by 2022 has sent shock waves through the advertising...
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
HubSpot Inbound Services

5 ways to reignite your travel marketing in 2021

Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
5 ways to reignite your travel marketing in 2021
The travel industry is starting to recover from the COVID crisis – and it looks like 2021 could bring a boom. The travel industry has been...
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
HubSpot Inbound Services

Marketing for the travel recovery

Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Marketing for the travel recovery
Now is the time to market for the post-COVID travel recovery. Here's why: It is no secret that the travel and tourism industry took a...
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
News and Press

We've been named Top 40 Outstanding eCommerce Agencies

DCA Team
DCA Team
We've been named Top 40 Outstanding eCommerce Agencies
Diaz & Cooper Advertising is excited to announce that Retail Today has placed us in the exclusive category of 40 Outstanding eCommerce...
DCA Team
DCA Team
HubSpot Inbound Services

How can you help support small businesses?

Todd Cooper – VP, Client-in-Residence
Todd Cooper – VP, Client-in-Residence
How can you help support small businesses?
We, like 2.3 million others, are a small business in Florida. Over the last 19 years, Diaz & Cooper has become known as a growth agency and...
Todd Cooper – VP, Client-in-Residence
Todd Cooper – VP, Client-in-Residence
Digital Marketing Strategy

7 Ways to Optimize Your Homepage & Increase Conversions

DCA Team
DCA Team
7 Ways to Optimize Your Homepage & Increase Conversions
Conversion Rate Optimization (commonly known as CRO) is a method aimed to help you improve your website’s ability to convert passive...
DCA Team
DCA Team
Sales and Marketing Consultancy

How to Market with Compassion During a Crisis

Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
How to Market with Compassion During a Crisis
This guide will help you make the most of your marketing dollars during the crisis. Browse through LinkedIn or any other social channel...
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
HubSpot Inbound Services

How to Optimize your Google Ads Campaigns for Better ROI

Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
How to Optimize your Google Ads Campaigns for Better ROI
During challenging economic times, the temptation to cut back on marketing can be overwhelming. This is particularly true of digital spend...
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
News and Press

Telemark chooses Diaz & Cooper for regional marketing.

DCA Team
DCA Team
Telemark chooses Diaz & Cooper for regional marketing.
Named after the historic inland region of Southern Norway known for its vast forests and as the birthplace of Telemark skiing, Telemark, WI...
DCA Team
DCA Team
HubSpot Inbound Services

Using lead magnets to attract new sales.

Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Using lead magnets to attract new sales.
Is your website producing new leads that you can turn into customers? We know that email marketing is one of the easiest and most...
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
News and Press

Wellbeing Wearables Shopify Launch

DCA Team
DCA Team
Wellbeing Wearables Shopify Launch
Philip Stein Launches New eCommerce Platform for Wellness Diaz & Cooper develops new website for global watch brand Miami, FL: Under the...
DCA Team
DCA Team
Case Study

Case Study: eCommerce on Safari

DCA Team
DCA Team
Case Study: eCommerce on Safari
goal: Increase repeat purchases and reduce cart abandonment.
DCA Team
DCA Team
Business Success

It's Time to Put the Results into Remote

Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
It's Time to Put the Results into Remote
Measuring Goals in Today's Remote and Distributed Work Environments. Let me ask you this: would you rather pay for "service hours" or for...
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
HubSpot Inbound Services

How Google Maps Is Changing Booking Options

Victoria H – Growth Strategist
How Google Maps Is Changing Booking Options
As the battle for direct bookings becomes ever more competitive for hotels, Google is increasing its dominance to reach customers for...
Victoria H – Growth Strategist
Digital Marketing Strategy

Should You Worry About Your Website Being ADA Compliant?

Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Should You Worry About Your Website Being ADA Compliant?
The Essential Website Accessibility Guide What do Beyonce, Domino’s Pizza and the Avanti Hotel have in common? They have all recently been...
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker
Omi Diaz-Cooper – CEO, Speaker