Thanks to the exorbitant costs charged by photographers, stylists and (ahem!) influencers to create new and original content, stock image libraries are regularly frequented by desperate social media marketers in an attempt to add some pizzazz to their posts. The only problem of course, is that we’re all barking up the same tree.

Much like turning up to a party in the same outfit as your sworn nemesis, using duplicate stock imagery can be both embarrassing and damaging to your brand, exposing you as inauthentic and willing to cut corners.

And while there are definite cost saving benefits to using stock imagery in the digital space, the truth is they can be spotted a mile away, their overly shiny, catalogue-ready subjects all too recognisable thanks to their toothy grins and mysteriously shadow-free environments.

So what’s a brand on a budget to do? Here are a few key dos and don’ts to get you started:

Don’t: Post for the sake of it

 Ever heard the saying “less is more”? Well it’s actually a thing, and one that is best put into practice when it comes to your social media planning. Instead of posting useless stock images, rather reduce your posting schedule to allow for fewer, more impactful posts.

Do: Up your photo budget

It may be time to grab the finance guy an extra doughnut to go with his coffee because let’s just be honest, stock photos are really just awful. In fact, eye-tracking studies have shown that consumers spend 10% more time looking at original images and their accompanying text. In contrast, most completely ignore stock photos. You do the maths.

[Source: NNC Group]

Don’t: Forget the demographics of your audience

Far too often social media managers seem to forget that most stock photo images are taken a lot further up north. Their lily-white subjects sit wildly at odds with the reality of a country like South Africa with cultural diversity all but overlooked in the endless catalogues of shiny meals, overly smiley days out and homogenous family gatherings. Remember to use images that your audience can actually relate to, or you may have a PR crisis on your hands. 

Do: Involve your community in creating imagery

User generated content is so not overrated. By engaging your audience, you can gain access to an endless supply of authentic and original images without having to lift a finger! Reward your followers with spot prizes and features on your page. A simple promise of 5 second InstaFame and that’s it – job done. Besides, they’ll love you for it.

Don’t: Forget that most people won’t read your post copy anyway

We all love a cleverly worded caption, but if your pictures fail to draw your users in, you’re done for. Remember that imagery is the gateway to deeper content, and if you’re not able to catch your reader’s eye, your story will be over before it even begins.

It’s easy to get caught up in the specifics of your expertly curated content plan – after all, you’ve probably been through about 414 reverts to get it where it is and ain’t NOBODY messing with that. Nobody. But while your artful prose and agonizingly complex mosaic is worth preserving, it might be time to loosen the reins a little and let your fans take over from time to time.

Don’t worry, your creative ideas are still very much sought after. However, social media should never be a monologue, and by inviting your fans to join the conversation, you can give your brand a significant boost – and the best part is, the hard work is already done for you!

Simply put, today’s consumers have mastered the art of tuning out adverts, scrolling over sponsored posts and waiting the requisite 5 seconds before they can devour that latest cat video on YouTube. So while you might well marvel at the quality of the content you’ve drummed up this month, chances are the picture someone’s friend posted of their lunch is still going to score more likes than you.

The fact of the matter is that, whilst your followers will throw out an occasional appreciative ‘like’, they’re just never going to be as invested in you as the people they know and like. You know, in real life. An artful flatlay or well-comprised OOTD is all well and good, but what relevance does it ultimately have to your audience?

It’s time for marketers to realise that our customers are rapidly becoming our brand’s leading advocates. Now, there’s no need to toss out your content calendar just yet, but it might serve you well to make some space for a new generation of amateur content creators.

Here’s why:

Amplify brand loyalty

There’s no better way to showcase your fans’ appreciation for your brand and your product than by featuring their photos on social media. By encouraging your customers to share their stories with you, you are also encouraging them to use your product more frequently, and in so doing, you’re emphasising the value and purpose of your brand in their daily lives. Sharing user stories with your broader audience can inspire your followers to try new things and create interesting posts of their own. Also, they’ll love you for it.

Retain your audience

Now, in no way are we implying that people are vain (but they really are), but for an ardent Instagrammer, there’s nothing more gratifying than seeing their image being showcased by their favourite brands. Not only will they tell all of their friends about their newfound stardom, immediately prompting them to check out your brand’s social media accounts, but they’ll also be further encouraged to share more content about your brand in the hope of being featured again. So make your UGC work for you – a little regram goes a long way.

Reach more people

Strive to create a culture within your social media community that promotes regular UGC creation. By encouraging your fans to post positive, unique or inspirational content about your brand, you can reach thousands of people that you otherwise wouldn’t have, and boost your brand’s visual ‘word of mouth’. So drop your ego at the door, and let your fans help to earn you those sought-after followers and engagement rates.

Authenticity

Very few of your customers have access to studios with proper lighting and the latest range of Nikon camera attachments. That may not sound like the recipe for a winning shot to you, but the fact that their images are taken in their kitchens, offices, driveways or on their bedroom floors may be in your best interest after all. This is because when you take away all of the special effects, you are left with the real deal. No tricks. No trimmings.

Consumers today are not as easily charmed by gifs and cinemagraphs as they once were. They may slip you a like here and there, but all they really want to know is whether your product really is all that it’s cut out to be. So although UGC is not designed for advertising, it can fast become your most effective form of authentic promotion.