The best free stock image sources
Where to get stock images for real estate
FINDING STOCK PHOTOS ISN'T EASY
but there's good news
Let’s be honest. Finding a stock photo isn’t as easy as it sounds. Good news, though. Gone are the days of paying a fortune for a single stock photo. There are more sources now than there used to be, and the quality of the images is constantly improving.
Quality stock photos are an integral part of real estate marketing. I use them every day for social templates, website layouts, brochures… you name it.
Humans register images much more quickly than text. 60,000 times faster. It’s worth it to take the time to find stock photos that fit your brand, that tell a story, and that speak to your audience.
humans register images 60,000 times faster than text
fast company
where to find real estate stock images
These are my go-to sources for stock images.
unsplash
Unsplash.com is the free stock photo site that I send more clients to than any other. The photos are simply stunning. In real estate, though, it can be a challenge to find home photos or location-specific images. It’s amazing, though, for gorgeous interiors, people, work, or pets. It’s also where I save my archetype style examples for clients and for my email list.
canva
Canva has become the default design app for millions, so it makes sense to start here. High-quality stock images are available on Canva, even with a free account. If you’re on paid, even better.
Pixabay
Pixabay is similar to Unsplash, but I generally find it easier to find lifestyle and home images. It’s a terrific resource for concept images, too.
Pexels
Pexels is right in there with Pixabay and Unsplash. Gorgeous images, and tons of interior photos, but it can be a little bit tricky to find things that are specific to real estate.
stocksnap
Stocksnap.io is one that’s a little bit less well known. I find it a bit easier here to find real estate or business related images.
adobe stock
Adobe Stock is the other paid stock image resource that I use frequently. If I can’t find something specific on Twenty20, Adobe is my next stop. Unlike Twenty20, there’s a limited number of downloads each month on a subscription so I use it sparingly. It’s 29.99 a month for 10 images (vs 16.50 for unlimited on Twenty20), but they do have more business/corporate specific images and a larger selection when it comes to luxury homes or high end interiors.
A few last words
Finding the right stock photo for your marketing gets a little bit easier when you know where to look. It gets even clearer when you know which image style is right for your brand. Because we have a faster emotional reaction to images than text, choosing photos that send the right message is essential.
A couple of final tips:
If you’ve seen a similar image (ala the hand with the keys) a hundred times, choose something else. Your goal is to make your brand stand out, not to look the same as everyone else’s.
Find photos that work with your brand’s mood and color scheme and that send the right message.
I’m not a fan of using exterior home photos unless I need to. I prefer interior shots. There are two reasons for this. First, it’s much easier to find an interior picture that appeals to the audience I’m targeting than an exterior, especially when it’s location specific. Second, because we don’t live outside our homes. We live inside them. People have much stronger emotional reactions to photos that show a lifestyle they can relate to.
Great stock images can make a huge difference in your real estate marketing. Try the resources above to find the right ones for you.
