AtoZChallenge, the letter I is for Images

For today’s AtoZChallenge, the letter I is for Images

Adding images to your post or social media updates will increase visibility and engage your customers. Opinions vary, but clicking on an image makes your posts more clickable by 38%-300%. Whatever the figure, we can all use more visibility.

But Cheryl, I can’t afford 3-5 images for each blog post or Tweet. What am I to do?

Don’t use an image you did not create or have permission to use.

Don’t use an image you find on Google

As tempting as it is, don’t copy and paste an image you’ve found on Google. Using one you did not create or have permission for will put you in legal deep water. You can be sued. For lots and lots of money. Commercial photographers employ programs that can find their photos online. They’ll send you a letter to cease and desist. Or their lawyer will. Is your Tweet photo worth it? Besides, it’s stealing, not to mention lazy.

Where can I find free images?

Oh, I’m so glad you asked. I have two or three favorites, but I’ve scoured the internet to find a list of sites that provide free images for your use. Please read their guidelines on whether attribution is required or not.

• Unsplash.com
• Pixabay.com
• PicJumbo.com
• Pexels.com
• Freeimages.com
• Gratisography.com
• Stocksnap.io
• Morguefile.com
• Negativespace.co
• Goodfreephotos.com
• Libreshot.com
• Freelyphotos.com
• DeathToTheStockPhoto.com
• FreeRangeStock.com
• GettyImages.in
• Goodstock.photos

Quote image made at quozio.com

Any tips?

Of course. As the saying goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” I couldn’t end this post without a few tips.

• Use one of the following image making sites to add text to your image:
  • Canva (I blogged about the joys of Canva here)
  • Quozio.com
  • QuotesCover
  • BeHappy.me
  • Pinstamatic.com
  • LivLuvCreate
  • ReciteThis
  • Quote4Fun.com
  • QuoteCover.com
• See that text below the image? It’s known as titling (not tilting, as I first read it). Be sure to add a caption to your text. Do not use IMG_0953.JPG or whatever your phone camera assigns to the photo. Search engines (such as Google) want to find your blog and images. They want to rank it and display it on searches. They value your words and images, but not if you hide them.
• When uploading an image to your blog, have you wondered what ALT Text is? It’s the title or text you’ll find under the image when it’s displayed on social media, such as Pinterest. Doesn’t it make sense to add your blog title, a description and your URL? You are pinning your blog posts, aren’t you?

Nothing will add pizazz to your blogs more than an image. Use the above tips to find and use them on all your social media platforms.

Tuesday’s #AtoZChallenge* will focus on the letter “J”.

#AtoZChallenge is a blogging challenge that takes place in the month of April.

Blessings until then,

Cheryl

If you’d like to continue reading my entries in the AtoZChallenge* and to receive my blog posts, please use the entry form to the right. Also sign up for my newsletter, and you’ll receive a FREE copy of my short story, Mr. Right, Mr. Wrong, Mr. Alien.

If you know of someone who would enjoy learning where to find free images, use the buttons on the left to share this post. Thank you.

*#AtoZChallenge is a blogging challenge that takes place in April (except on Sundays). Participants blog every day around a theme of their choosing, in alphabetical order. Throughout the month of April, I’ll share tips, links, and insights I’ve learned in my writing career.

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