The Blog

Stock photos for websites aren’t just cheesy — that kind of imagery is quietly damaging your brand. The worst part? It’s everywhere.

To understand why this matters, let’s break down what to avoid and, more importantly, how to do better (without the cost of a full photoshoot).

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Why Bad Stock Images Hurt More Than You Think

1. They scream “template”

Chances are, someone’s seen that same photo 30 times this week — on websites, brochures, LinkedIn ads. The result? Any sense of originality goes out the window. What sticks in people’s minds isn’t your business — it’s that same tired image.

2. They look fake (because they are)

Potential clients might start questioning whether you’re even real. Nothing says “we’re not quite legit” like a random model grinning in an American office that looks nothing like your setup in Wiltshire.

3. They don’t match your tone

Most stock imagery doesn’t reflect the personality of small businesses. It’s often too polished, too corporate, or just plain weird. That disconnect leads to visuals that clash with your brand voice — and that creates confusion for your audience.

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What To Use Instead (No, You Don’t Need a Studio)

Fortunately, good imagery doesn’t mean big-budget photography or awkward team headshots—and you’ve got options. You’ve got options — and they don’t have to look generic.

At ElevateOM, we offer an Image Curation Service that helps you find the right visuals:
✔️ On-brand
✔️ Natural
✔️ Human
✔️ Actually scroll-stopping

We’ll dig through the best image libraries (not just the free ones — and while customers can explore premium sources like Shutterstock themselves, it can get expensive quickly without guidance), help you match visuals to tone of voice, and build a collection that feels authentically you., help you match visuals to tone of voice, and build a collection that feels authentically you. No fake handshakes involved.

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A Few Quick Tips for Better Visuals

• Ditch the cliché – No more lightbulb ideas, target arrows, or office group hugs.
• Look for natural light & real expressions – Even in stock, these exist. You just have to curate carefully.
• Stay consistent – Colour, style, and tone should feel like one brand, not a Pinterest board.
• Mix in your own photos – Even a few behind-the-scenes shots from your team or workspace add huge credibility.

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TL;DR?

In short, your visuals matter just as much as your copy. Low-quality stock photos for business websites are a red flag people do notice — and they’ll hurt your credibility.

If your website, social media, or ads are still relying on tired stock content — we can help fix that.

Ask us about our image curation service or check out how we combine content writing, web design, and online marketing to create a brand that feels like you — not a template.