Photos are a must when it comes to senior living blog posts. They add visual interest, while also breaking up big blocks of copy. That’s important so visitors don’t feel overwhelmed when they first see an article on your blog, especially those that look long and detailed.
When it comes to senior living blogs, older adults and their families might be reading your articles in an effort to self-educate. You want to make sure your posts don’t make them feel any more overwhelmed than they already do.
Like many of you, however, we’ve noticed how painfully high some of the top photo aggregator websites have gotten.
While these kinds of photo sites tend to have lots of great quality, unique images for you to use, we know that price matters. Even if you only want to include a photo or two in each blog post, the price can quickly add up.
So, we’ve pulled together a few of our favorite free photos websites for you to explore before you turn to a paid site.
Free Photo Options for Your Senior Living Blog
Each of the following three websites has a wide range of photos you can use at no cost:
We did want to take some time to remind you NOT to assume any photo you see online is yours for the taking.
We’ve seen folks run in to trouble from not respecting copyright laws or from not making attributions some freebie sites require.
If you aren’t familiar with the terminology surrounding photo rights, here’s a crash course in some of the language.
When Free Isn’t Really Free
Before you download any photos for your website, make sure you are following all of the rules regarding usage. If you aren’t familiar with the terminology, here are a few of the most common ones you’ll encounter.
- Creative Commons: This nonprofit organization enables the sharing and use of creativity and knowledge through free legal tools. There are different types of creative commons licenses. They range from being allowed to use a photo with no restrictions or attributions of any kind to only for specific uses with no changes. Their website is a good resource to help you learn more so you avoid running in to any trouble.
- Public Domain: Photos in the public domain are those whose copyrights have expired, have been forfeited, or don’t apply. Again, finding a photo through a Google search on the internet does NOT mean it is in the public domain.
- Royalty-Free: Royalty-free doesn’t necessarily mean a photo is free. Most of the time, royalty free images will require you to pay a one-time fee to obtain the rights to use the image. Once you do, you can use it as many times as you want.
Sites With Quality Senior Living Photos
There will be occasions when the free sites just won’t have what you need. Ours is a niche industry and finding photos that tell the story can be a challenge.
We also know there are lots of pitfalls to avoid when it comes to images you put out there.
For example, most of us picture ourselves looking younger than we are as we age. That’s why it’s usually best to avoid using photos with people who look really old.
And, unless it directly applies to what you are writing about, it’s usually not a good idea to play to stereotypes in photos.
So, skip the photos that depict seniors in wheelchairs or using canes and walkers if it’s not relevant to what you are writing about.
A couple of paid websites that usually have good photo options for the key words you encounter most in our industry are:
Of these three, Depositphotos is our favorite.
Senior Living Blogs Are a Must
If you STILL haven’t launched a blog on your website, there’s no time like the present.
Not having a senior living blog is hindering your SEO. There’s no doubt about it.
Check out Why You Still Need a Senior Living Blog to learn more…