This post is part of a series for beginners, today we will be discussing stock images. When you’re building your first website, using stock images on your website might seem like a quick and easy fix. They’re everywhere, often free or low-cost, and available in every theme or template. But while they might look professional, relying too heavily on stock images can actually work against you.
Let’s explore why authenticity matters and what works much better instead for your audience.
Stock images are photos or illustrations created for general use, often available on websites like Unsplash, Pexels, Shutterstock, or Adobe Stock. They’re designed to be used by anyone, for any type of content.
They’re not necessarily bad, but there are important things to consider before filling your website with them.
The Problem with Using Stock Images on Your Website
1. They Can Feel Generic or Inauthentic
Visitors can usually tell when a photo isn’t real. A smiling team around a boardroom table or a perfectly filtered coffee cup might look polished, but they often don’t reflect your actual business.
Authenticity builds trust. If the images on your site don’t match your actual space, product, or personality, people may feel unsure even if they can’t quite explain why.
2. You Might Not Be the Only One Using Them
Stock images are reused by thousands of people across the internet. There’s a chance the same photo on your site also appears on your competitor’s, or even a completely unrelated business.
This can dilute your brand and make your site feel less original the opposite of what most small businesses want to achieve.
3. They Don’t Tell Your Story
Your business is unique and your website should reflect that. Stock images can’t show your team, your process, your products, or your environment. They also can’t capture the personality or tone that makes your brand stand out.
Better Alternatives to Stock Images
If you can, try to include real, custom visuals. Here are a few ideas that don’t require a huge budget:
● Use Photos from Your Phone
Modern smartphones take great pictures. A few natural, well-lit shots of your products, workspace or team go a long way in making your website feel real and approachable.
● Hire a Local Photographer
If you have the budget, investing in a small photoshoot can give you high-quality images that reflect your brand. Even just 5–10 good images can be reused across your site and social media, and will make your site feel much more personal and real to any reader.
● Use Your Own Graphics
Simple diagrams, hand-drawn sketches, or branded graphics (even from Canva) can make your site feel more personal than off-the-shelf imagery.
● Mix Stock with Real Content
If you do use stock photos, choose them carefully ideally stick to picking images from more natural collections (like those on Unsplash) and combine them with your own photos, text, and graphics so they feel part of a whole, not just filler.
When Stock Images Can Work
Not all stock imagery is bad. In some cases, it can be helpful:
For blog posts where an abstract or illustrative image adds visual interest
For background textures, icons, or small design elements
When used sparingly alongside real, original content
The key is to use them with intention, not as a substitute for showing who you really are.
🧠 Final Thought
While stock photos are easy to access, they rarely communicate what makes your business special. Using real images even imperfect ones helps you build trust, connection, and personality.
Remember: people don’t just buy what you do. They buy why you do it, and who they’re buying from. The more genuine your site feels, the stronger those connections will be.