14/09/2021 - Get better website visibility with original photos
Did you know that using stock images on your company website hurts your SEO? It can
really affect your website visibility, making it harder for people to find you when they search online.
You really don't want that. So, here's a guide to how to boost your website visibility with original photos... and boost search engine optimization (SEO).
How do stock images affect SEO?
First up, it's important to understand how stock images affect SEO. Put simply, Google hates duplicate content. Because stock images are largely free of charge to use (making them initially appealing to many businesses), they are found everywhere online.
Google knows this and, because everyone else is using them, it makes it harder for you to use them to your advantage. In fact, using stock images increases your chances of being penalized by Google.
What images should I use instead?
Stock images aren't unique, authentic and they don't really reflect your brand personality either. But original photos can and do.
When you use images that no other business has on your website, you're giving Google original content, and that's valuable. Check out our blogpost on 3 good reasons to stop using stock images. But to get the most out of them you'll need to optimize them.
How do I optimize my original photos?
Optimize for speed
Original images use a lot of space on your website, because they're good quality. Compress your images before you upload them to your site and use JPEG or PNG formats. You can also use tools like PageSpeed Insights to discover anything that's affecting your site speed. When you reduce image size you increase site speed, improving site ranking.
Include the right text
Google needs to read page content to understand what a picture shows. So make sure that you write alt text to help people determine what it's about and its relevancy to Google. For example, if you want to add an image of an employee with a car, say so on your filename, title and alt text. Your image is them more likely to appear higher for relevant search queries.
Add structured data
Structured data helps Google display your images as rich results, giving people relevant information, attracting high-quality traffic. Visit Google Structured Data Markup Helper
Author: Ed Sykes
Northedge Photography specialises in commercial, PR and sports photography- with an edge. We capture those moments, angles and parts of your brand story and people that make you unique, so that you get images and videos that really help you to stand out.
Northedge Photography specialises in commercial, PR and sports photography.
We capture everything you'd expect from the best professional commercial photographers and, while we're doing this, we also find your 'edge'.
You know - those magnificent and subtle moments, angles and parts of your story that make you unique - so that you get images and videos that really help you to stand out and shine.
We aim to create powerful and striking images and videos that help you grab your audiences' attention and really wow them.
With 30 years' combined experience, we serve clients across the UK and further afield. Images are used for advertising, PR, on company websites, in portfolios, and in books, magazines, presentations, and newspapers around the world. And we cover a wide range of events from conferences to FIFA World Cups, Olympic Games and The Ryder Cup.
Katie started working for Northedge Photography in October 2018. Her previous work was in theatre where she enjoyed creating beautiful imagery through storytelling. Katie now assists in developing the business side of Northedge Photography.
Get in touch with our directors Craig and Ed for a friendly chat about how we can help you.
Photographs help you and your business sell your hard work, your story, your journey.
"Stunning. Unparalleled customer service, quick, efficient and beautiful. We contacted Northedge Photography with an idea for a music album cover. Within 24 hours there was a portfolio for us to look at, choose from and give feedback. I was amazed at the choice produced, on such a short time, and with every picture adhering to our brief. We went ahead and have received lots of positive comments on our album cover!"
Musicians' Cristina Crespo and Dr Ana Fontecha (www.thefluteconnection.com)
"Northedge have worked on several projects for our design agency. They are easy to work with, offer creative options and think outside the box when it comes to locations and shot setup. The range of images we get back always exceeds our expectations and we invariably have a ton of options to work with. Their fees are genuine value for money compared to other photographers we have used. "
Lyndon Nicholson, Founder and CEO (futurepresent.agency)
"I hired Northern Photography for a session in my house. I wanted pics in different settings and lights such as my indoor piano studio and my garden. They were just amazing. They made me feel very comfortable, had great ideas for different styles, and found unexpected beautiful spots and positions. The resulted pictures are astonishing and I use them for my professional online profiles. They are experienced, punctual, reliable and creative, and I would truly recommend them to anyone. "
Dr Ana Fontecha, Composer and Pianist (www.anafontecha.com)
"Northedge captured rehearsal room and production shots for my shows Grandad's Island and The Storm Whale. Craig and Ed made everyone in the room feel completely at ease. This helped to not only produce some magnificent photographs that theatres across the country used to help sell tickets, but also ensured that the process for each show was visually documented in a vibrant and eye catching way. I couldn't recommend them highly enough."
Matt Aston, Theatre Director / Artistic Director (www.theproductionexchange.com)
"When I was having my website updated, I approached Northedge Photography for some simple but effective photography that I could use for my social media and website. They captured the idea of stillness and meditation in motion very well. They are true professionals & easy to work with, especially when you are camera shy like me. I have since received many positive comments from visitors to the website. I feel they were able to read me between the lines and provide me with some eye-catching and unique shots. Highly recommended! "
Daniela Pala, Reiki Teacher, Dru Yoga & Meditation Teacher (www.mystillpoint.co.uk)
07/10/2020 - Why it's time for businesses to stop using stock images
Stock images are easy to find and use. They're
also affordable for most businesses.
But using stock images won't help you stand out from the crowd, because so many businesses use them. And it's fair to say that, for this reason and because they're so generic, most people tend to gloss over stock images. But photos of real people, products and services in real settings get much more attention. READ MORE >>>
14/10/2020 - Get better website visibility with original photos
Did you know that using stock images on your company website hurts your SEO? It can really affect your website visibility, making it harder for people to find you when they search online. READ MORE >>>