How to Create Your Own Stock Images

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You're scrolling and scrolling in search for anything half-way decent to post onto your social media platforms because it's said in order to succeed at social media as a business owner you have to post several times a week if not EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

​The problem you're facing is that nothing seems to be good enough on your camera roll to post and you don't want to just pull a quote off of Pinterest (again). You are telling yourself that you just need to make more money to hire a professional photographer to get good content photos. 

But here's the deal...

I'm a professional photographer and I'm saying... it's not necessarily true. *GASP*

Yes, I said it. You can actually get a camera roll of photos ready for your whole month of social media content if you just plan ahead. And before I lose you with the whole "plan ahead"-bit, hear me out first.

I've created this new blog series Marketing Content Series to help you plan your social media content strategy which will have your social media calendar full for a while.

Creating your social media content is the easier than you think. Let me show you.

First thing is understanding your overall message for your brand. Although I'm not going to get into your brand messaging and positioning just yet in this series, I think it's important to address at least briefly.

Understanding your message and overall look and feel of your brand will help you plan your social media content. So, rather than just posting photos just for the sake of posting, think of how you want your audience to feel when they stumble upon your Instagram or Facebook account. Is it warm and inviting? Or is it cool and adventurous? It all comes down to how you want them to feel.

So, what are stock images, anyway?

Stock images are known as images photographed by other photographers and are available for businesses to use either for free or for a price.

A lot of stock images have certain copyrights and can cost you a pretty penny or two to use for your business. That’s why I always highly suggest for you to do it yourself or get a professional photographer to get these brand photos done for you.

Having customized photos done just for your brand can speak volumes about your business and also can speak more about your brand more than a random stock photo you pulled from the internet ever could.

Here's what you'll need:

Hero Item

Your hero item is basically the main focus of your image. Let's say you're a florist and you're trying to lure in brides for weddings onto your social media platforms. The most obvious thing you're going to reach for is a bride's bouquet. The bouquet would be your hero item. 

The hero item does not have to be as obvious for your brand. It could be basically whatever you want your audience to focus on in the image. 

Background 

The background can literally be anything.  It can be as simple as a plain white backdrop OR it could be the coffee table at your local coffee shop. What your background should speak on what the overall look and feel is. So always be aware of your surroundings in the image.

Time Block

I get it you're busy as it is. And you're telling yourself you don't have time to block anymore time out of your busy schedule, but I'm telling you this part is CRUCIAL to your success at planning out your social media calendar.

Clear out at least 2-3 hours (if you’ve got more time, go for it!) a month where you solely focus on your social media calendar. I know it seems like a lot, but you got this.

​My best advice is to gather any items that you plan to photograph and separate them in little clear bins. That way, you can focus on snapping some good social media photos when they're already separated. All you have to do is use that creative brain of yours to lay them out for a flat lay image or if they are props for yourself to use on a nice portrait of yourself.

Social Media Planner

In my business, I collect images that would fit in my brand and add them to what I call my Social Media Pool which lives on my Trello board.

You can also use a Instagram scheduler like Planoly to pre-plan your posts with captions and hashtags ahead of time.


​I can't tell you enough how much time was saved by just planning ahead and getting all my photos, captions and everything lined up.

GAME CHANGER.
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If you liked this post, and you're curious what other apps I use daily in my business... You're in luck. I just wrote another blog post with my Best Apps I Used In My Business over here. Check it out! You won't be disappointed. :)