Why Stock Photography May Hurt Your Brand – An Interview With David Meerman Scott
Today, I’m excited to share something special. I had the chance to interview David Meerman Scott, an internationally respected marketing strategist, author, and speaker. You might know him as the creator of the term “newsjacking” and the author of the bestselling book “The New Rules of Marketing & PR.” David’s work has shaped how brands connect with customers in the digital age.
Watch the Interview Here
In this exclusive video interview, David and I dive deep into why using stock photography can actually harm your brand image online. Anyone interested in marketing, branding, or business growth will find solid takeaways here.
The Problem With Stock Photography
Many businesses use stock photos to save time or money. However, David explains that when everyone uses the same generic images, your brand quickly becomes forgettable. Real photos show the real people, settings, and personality behind your business. This builds trust and helps customers make a genuine connection.
He also points out that search engines favour unique, authentic content. Custom imagery helps improve your local SEO and keeps your business looking professional and approachable.
What’s the Alternative?
David and I talk about simple ways to make your brand stand out. Investing in professional photography, such as custom business portraits or virtual tours, sends the message that you value quality. Even behind-the-scenes photos of your team or work environment can have a big impact.
If you want people to remember your business, ditch the stock and go with authentic imagery. Your website visitors will thank you, and you’ll likely see better engagement and more conversions.
Take Action For Your Brand
After speaking with David, I felt even more excited about helping businesses tell their authentic stories online. If you are using stock photos—or thinking you can’t afford a custom shoot—watch our interview for expert insights and practical ideas.
Ready to make the switch to images that set your business apart? Reach out for advice, or explore my portfolio to see how original images help businesses in the real world.
March 12, 2017