Why Original Content is Better Than Stock Photos

The fact is, Google and other search engines rank original content much higher. Why? Because for one thing, original content signals value and trust – which search engines prioritize.

While there’s nothing wrong with sprinkling in a few stock or Ai generated images into your website, is it is probably hurting your business if you rely on them for your most important client facing pages and platforms.

We all know an Ai generated headshot when we see one. Our brains are amazing at identifying details that don’t quite land, and whether we’re conscious of it or not it erodes the trust factor and increases bounce rates. It can look too perfect, or lacking in real details, or have that kind of airbrushed look. Too many of these create a certain inconsistency in your brand.

Another thing to consider is the ever evolving legal standing of Ai created images, and the potential for copyright infringements. There is a lot happening in that area, and we have by no means resolved or even addressed much of the problematic nature of the beast.

I’ve talked about stock imagery before – it has it’s place, and I’m not here to stock-shame anybody, but the truth remains that stock imagery can fall flat, both visually and in search engine rankings.