Stock Images: To use or not to use? That is the question
As a dental website owner, you might be wondering whether to use stock images or invest in professional photography. Both have their pros and cons, and in this blog post, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of using stock images for dental websites.
Advantages of Stock Images
- Affordability: One of the biggest advantages of stock images is affordability. Stock images are often cheaper than hiring a professional photographer. This is particularly useful for smaller dental practices who are working with a limited budget. There are even websites which offer free stock imagery such as Unsplash and Pexels.
- Convenience: Stock images are readily available and can be downloaded instantly. You don’t need to wait for a photographer to schedule a shoot, and you don’t have to worry about rescheduling due to bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
- Wide variety: Stock image libraries offer a wide variety of images to choose from. This is particularly useful for dental websites that need images of specific dental procedures or conditions.
Disadvantages of Stock Images
- Generic look: One of the biggest drawbacks of stock images is that they can look generic. The same images can be used on multiple websites, which can make your dental website look like any other website.
- Lack of authenticity: Stock images may lack the authenticity of real-life photos. They can look staged or artificial, which can be a turn-off for potential patients.
- Licensing restrictions: Stock images come with licensing restrictions that may limit how you can use them. For example, some images may only be licensed for online use, while others may require attribution or payment for extended use.
When to Use Stock Images
Stock images can be a great option for dental websites in certain situations. For example, if you need images for a blog post or a social media campaign, stock images can provide a quick and easy solution. They can also be useful for generic images such as dental equipment or office interiors.
When to Avoid Stock Images
However, there are certain situations where stock images may not be the best choice. If you want to showcase your dental practice’s unique personality and brand, using stock images may not be the best way to achieve that. Similarly, if you want to showcase your dental practice’s real-life results and patient experiences, stock images may not be the most effective way to do so.
Conclusion
In conclusion, stock images can be a convenient and affordable option for dental websites. However, it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages before deciding whether to use them. For best results, it’s recommended to use a combination of stock images and professional photography to create a unique and authentic online presence for your dental practice. An example of a dental website we created which manages this balance well is Windsor Dental. While using stock imagery throughout the site, the owners were sure to provide pictures of their practice, staff and before and afters to showcase their practice’s unique personality.
If you are interested in a new dental website, check out our Prices & Packages page. Fantastic, high quality, relevant stock imagery is included in all our packages (should you need it), so regardless of your situation, your website will look fantastic!
