If you want to keep things on the up-and-up and avoid any legal drama, let’s explore the basics of image licensing.

The Risks of Using Unlicensed Images

Here’s the deal—every image on the internet doesn’t automatically belong to the public. Just because you can right-click and save doesn’t mean you can actually use that image. When you use an image without the proper license or permission, you’re essentially using an unlicensed image. That’s where the trouble starts.

Now, I get it. Maybe you think, “Who’s going to notice? I’m just a small business. No one’s going to come after me.” That’s where you’d be wrong. Content creators, stock image companies, and copyright holders have systems in place that can detect unauthorized use. They’re not always looking for the “big fish” either—small businesses are fair game, too.

Using an unlicensed image could lead to a copyright infringement claim, and trust me, no one wants that. It’s not just about being sued (though that could happen)—it’s also about protecting your money, since you might be asked to pay a fine in addition to image’s licensing cost. It can be a nightmare, but it’s completely avoidable.

The best thing you can do is make sure any image you use is licensed correctly. I don’t personally think it’s worth the gamble.

Fair Use vs. Commercial Use: What You Need to Know

You might have heard the term “fair use” thrown around and assumed it protects you. But here’s the deal: fair use doesn’t apply to small businesses in most cases. 

Fair use is a legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission, mainly for things like commentary, criticism, or educational purposes. But if you’re using an image to promote your business or your products (i.e., for commercial gain), fair use is out the window. You need a license for that image, no exceptions.

When you’re using images for anything remotely tied to making money—whether it’s your website, social media, or ads—you need to either buy the image, use a free image from a reputable site that grants commercial use rights, or make sure you’re following the correct guidelines.

The Meme Trap

Memes are everywhere, and it’s super tempting to hop on a viral trend for your business. Who doesn’t want more engagement, likes, and shares? Memes can be gold for that, and we’re all chasing those sweet, sweet views Mosseri told us we need now. But here’s the kicker—if you’re using an unlicensed image in a meme, you could be setting yourself up for a legal trouble. It might seem harmless, but remember, you’re using that image to promote your business. 

Let’s say the meme you want to use features a stock photo or someone’s copyrighted material. Unless you’ve licensed (paid for) that image, you’re risking a copyright infringement notice. Sure, you could roll the dice and hope no one notices, but is that a risk you really want to take?

The Moo Deng Dilemma

Speaking of trends, let’s talk about Moo Deng—the adorable pygmy hippo that stole our hearts. I was all set to create a meme about her for a post, but then I remembered: I’d need to license her photo. I can’t just grab any old picture of her and call it a day.

As a small business, you have to play by the same rules as the big guys. The moment you use an image for commercial purposes, the fair use rule flies out the window.

When I went to see how much money I’d have to fork over for a Moo Deng image as someone with fewer than 1M followers, I was shocked to learn how much it cost.

Don’t Forget Your Website

Unfortunately, your website is in the same boat. Every image you use on your site must be properly licensed. This brings me to a common misconception with stock image licensing sites like Death to Stock. While they offer stunning photos, there’s a catch: if you cancel your subscription, you lose the right to use the images. That’s right. Once your membership ends, those beautiful photos could get you in trouble if you don’t swap them out. And I hate that.

Top 3 Affordable Image Licensing Sites

Now that I’ve scared you a little, let’s talk about where to find image licensing options that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. There are tons of options out there, but here are my top three picks for affordable stock imagery:

• Pexels: Pexels is a great option for small businesses on a budget. It’s free, offers high-quality images, and everything is submitted by photographers around the world. This is my go-to stock imagery site.
• Unsplash: Another (mostly) free favorite. Unsplash is pretty similar to Pexels, offering a massive library of crowd-sourced photos. 
• Canva Pro: If you’re already using Canva for your design work (and who isn’t these days?), their Pro plan includes access to a huge library of stock images. It’s a paid option, but you get design tools and imagery in one neat package.

Why Getty Images Isn’t Always Ideal

What about the big names, like Getty Images? We’ve all heard of them, but—Getty’s pricing on image licensing can be a little intense for small businesses. When I looked into licensing a photo of Moo Deng through Getty, the cost was way out of reach for someone with fewer than a million followers. It’s an option if you’re a larger business with a big budget, but for most small businesses, affordable alternatives like Pexels and Unsplash are the way to go.

A Note on Crediting Photographers

If you’re seeking (free) image licensing from sites like Pexels or Unsplash, it’s always a nice gesture to credit the photographer. Sure, it’s not required, but it’s a good practice that supports the photography community. Consider adding a small credit at the bottom of your post or in the caption. It’s an easy way to show appreciation, and who knows—it might even increase your credibility with your audience.

In Conclusion

It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to potential legal issues, and thankfully, there are plenty of affordable ways to access high-quality, licensed images without risking a lawsuit.

Until next time! Me and Moo Deng love you <3

—Lauren Crow

P.S., Want to learn how Considerate Support can help you source brand-aligned stock photography for your brand? Get in touch.

P.S.S., Instead of licensing a photo of Moo Deng, I went the homemade illustration direction.

The post Image Licensing Explained: How to Use Photos Legally in Your Marketing appeared first on Considerate Support Strategy Studio.

1. Content Creation in Sync with Your Life

Creating content doesn’t have to be a chore. You shouldn’t have to halt your life for several hours whenever you create a single post for social media. Instead, your content can be an organic extension of your life. A great way to avoid spending a ton of time creating content is to batch it, we recommend 3-4 months at a time.

Platforms like TikTok are great for this, since you can record short, genuine, and engaging videos almost anywhere, anytime. It’s an easy way to connect, especially for those starting their content creation journey. TikTok is a very popular way online users are connecting with content, so it’s a win-win if you choose to create on this platform.  

If you’re interested in using Instagram, think of it as your digital business card. Whenever someone looks you up, your feed is a quick way for someone to get a feel for your and your brand. Instagram’s primary weakness is that it’s difficult to discover new creators to follow, so treating it like a portfolio and keeping it up to date regularly throughout the month is all you really need to do. Even posting once a week is great.

YouTube, while it offers great opportunities for creating income, requires a higher level of production and may not be the best place to begin your rhythm. Once you find the content creation cadence that works best for you, we recommend considering whether creating YouTube videos could be a good fit for your content creation journey. 

2. Practice Makes Perfect

The rhythm of content creation is something that takes time to establish. At first, you might struggle to find the beat that feels good to you, but don’t let the process deter you. The more you practice, the easier it becomes. You’ll gain experience, confidence, and it’ll get easier the more you post.

Start simple. The goal isn’t to create complex videos or lengthy posts but just to start. This is your opportunity to get comfortable talking on camera, which simply takes practice. Keep showing up and you’ll keep getting better.

3. Align with Your Vision

Your content creation process should be in sync with your life rhythm and also aligned with your broader vision.  If you want more clarity about your vision, consider creating a mood board. They can be powerful visual tools that can help define what you aspire to achieve or how you want to feel. Platforms like Pinterest make it easy to collect images that inspire you, whether they represent an actual goal (like building a retreat center) or convey a desired feeling (like expansiveness, joy, or abundance). Seeing your vision personified in images can fuel your motivation and naturally shape your visual and written content.

4. Embrace Life As It Is Now—Challenges Included

It’s crucial to acknowledge that it’s okay not to be okay all the time, or even most of the time. If you’re a neurodiverse entrepreneur, I’m sure you’re particularly familiar with this experience. When life feels particularly overwhelming, the best thing you can often do is take a step back.

Remember that every inhale has an exhale. The exhale is a period of rest, a pause, a chance to just be. It’s not a setback, even if it feels like it. Rather, it’s a critical part of the cycle of your life. If you’re worried about stepping back and losing momentum or income, understand that it’s a natural fear, but it will pass.

Challenging times can be fertile ground where profound creations are born. Sharing your challenges and how you’re navigating them can be a powerful testament to what it’s like to be a human being in business. It’s a stark contrast to the ‘highlight reel’ mentality that social media often perpetuates and serves as a reminder that content creation should be a natural part of your life, not something you should force.

Remember, we were never meant to produce 24/7, 365 days a year. For 95% of human history, people worked around 15 hours per week. Now ask yourself: Can I let myself off the hook a bit? What are some ways I can build a truly sustainable workload that works with my natural rhythm? (And millions of years of human evolution?)

Embracing the rhythm of content creation can be achieved by syncing your digital endeavors with your life, your passions, and your vision. It’s about practicing, keeping it simple, and aligning your work with a vision that’s meaningful to you. Above all, it’s vital to acknowledge the ebb and flow of life and allow your content to reflect a fuller spectrum of your human experience. Remember that you and your life comes before all of this—prioritize your wellbeing, and your business will be better off.

The post Flow with Life’s Rhythm: 4 Steps for Seamless Content Creation appeared first on Considerate Support Strategy Studio.

As a business owner, you know that your words matter. They have the power to engage, delight, and ultimately convert casual viewers into loyal clients. But who wields the power of the pen? Enter the professional copywriter, someone who combines the art of storytelling with the science of consumer psychology and SEO copywriting to enchant your audience. Here’s why your business needs the magic touch of a professional copywriter.

Writing and Reading Skills are a Spectrum

I’ve heard before, “I can write well. Why can’t I just handle my own business writing?” This is a common thought. Writing ability exists on a spectrum, and while most people can write well, not everyone can write effectively in a business context. What’s more, a Gallup study from 2020 indicates that 54% of Americans possess reading comprehension below a 6th-grade level. This doesn’t mean your audience can’t comprehend complex ideas, but it does emphasize the need for clear, accessible writing—a skill professional copywriters devote themselves to mastering. To learn more about making your website more accessible to everyone that visits, read our article on the importance of accessible web fonts.

Copywriters and Persuasion: The Art of Gentle Influence

A professional copywriter understands the intricacies of language, style, tone, and grammar, and utilizes this knowledge to craft compelling brand messaging in your unique voice. They’re not just writers—they’re persuaders. Their goal isn’t merely to inform, but to gently influence. They craft words that inspire action, whether it’s subscribing to a newsletter, buying a product, or reaching out for a consultation.

The Value of an Outside Perspective in Business Writing

An outside perspective is invaluable if you’re interested in sharing high-quality writing with your audience. If you’re writing copy all by yourself, you may struggle to see your products or services objectively, or know how to talk about them in a way your ideal client will resonate with. A professional copywriter, however, can distill your brand’s uniqueness into clear, compelling web copy. They can spot your best selling points and highlight them to your audience. Self-editing is challenging and time-consuming. A professional copywriter will streamline your writing process, saving you time and energy for other core business tasks.

SEO: Your Offering to The Algorithm Gods

In today’s digital world, SEO is a vital part of any content strategy. SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is the technique used to improve your website’s visibility on search engines like Google. A strong SEO strategy helps your website rank higher in search results, increasing its visibility and thereby drawing more traffic. Essentially, it makes it easier for potential customers to find you online. This is why keeping up with changing algorithms and the latest best practices in SEO copywriting is so crucial.

How Copywriters Demystify SEO for Your Business

However, navigating the intricacies of SEO can be daunting. A professional copywriter stays up-to-date with the latest SEO recommendations and knows how to optimize your content for search engines. They strike the delicate balance of strategically incorporating keywords without compromising readability or the essence of your message. This skill ensures that your web copy serves its dual purpose—appealing to both your human audience and the search engine algorithm gods.

Beyond Grammar: The Role of Professionalism in Writing

Professionalism in writing is more than just correct grammar or polished prose. It’s about crafting a message that’s coherent, concise, and specially tailored to your audience. Professionalism requires a consistent, and well-spoken brand voice across all platforms. A professional copywriter embodies this standard, elevating your brand with high-quality copy is really difficult to accomplish by yourself.

The Struggles of Writing for Your Business and How a Copywriter Can Help

At the end of the day, writing about your own work is really hard (don’t ask us how long it took us to write our website copy. We’ll be a little embarrassed to answer. Just know it’s normal when it’s yours). If you’ve been putting off writing content or web copy, you’re not alone. Many business owners just like you are in the same boat. A professional copywriter can alleviate the stress of writer’s block or lack of confidence in your writing. They can dive into your industry, understand your audience, and craft copy that speaks directly to them.

Our Approach: A Highly Personal, Collaborative Process

What sets apart our copywriting and copy editing services is our highly personal approach. We believe that your business’s essence is contained in your words. We take the time to understand who you are, what you offer, and what you care about. Our mission is to translate this understanding into copy that resonates with your audience.

Client Involvement: A Writing Partnership

Hiring a professional copywriter doesn’t mean you’re excluded from the writing process. Quite the contrary! We believe that the best results come from a collaborative approach. Our process is a partnership where your ideas, insights, and even your roughest drafts are the starting point of our work together. As our client, you’re actively involved in shaping the narrative. It’s your expertise, your passion, and your unique understanding of your business that sets the foundation of our copywriting. What we bring is the polish, precision, and the talent for turning a rough stone brimming with potential into a very shiny diamond. It’s very much a team effort: We combine your insider knowledge with our writing expertise to create something truly special and effective.

The Role and Value of a Professional Copywriter

In conclusion, the role of a professional copywriter in a business extends far beyond just getting information online. They bring objectivity, SEO expertise, professionalism, and a unique perspective to your brand. Whether it’s communicating your brand message on social media, crafting an SEO-optimized blog post, or developing a compelling sales page, a professional copywriter can help you cut through the noise and connect with your audience in a truly meaningful way.

A Message from Us: We’re Here to Help You use Your Powerful Voice

At the end of the day, copywriting isn’t just about stringing words together—it’s about telling your story in a way that resonates with your audience and inspires action. By trusting this task to a professional copywriter, you ensure your business is portrayed in the best light, and that your copy serves as a powerful tool in your marketing arsenal.

We’re all just talking to each other. That’s all marketing is. We’d love to help you find and use your powerful voice. The world needs your message.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to elevate your brand with professional copywriting, we’re here to help. If you’re ready to co-create compelling narratives that truly reflect the soul of your business, book a discovery call with us.

In Essence: Why You Should Invest In Professional Copywriting

Words matter, and strategic copywriting makes all the difference, especially at the professional level. The value of a professional copywriter lies in their ability to find and use the right words, at the right time, for the right audience. They help your business communicate effectively, professionally, and authentically—and we believe that’s an investment worth making.

If you’ve been hesitant to hire a professional copywriter, consider the many benefits we’ve outlined here. Your brand deserves a strong, clear voice in the world. And remember: it’s not just about creating and posting content for the sake of it. It’s about sharing a message that works for you, powerfully connecting your audience with the core of your brand, and sharing your unique vision with the world.

The post Why Your Business Needs the Magic of a Professional Copywriter appeared first on Considerate Support Strategy Studio.

Your ideal clients are already looking for you. They just need to be able to recognize you when they find you. Great marketing shares who you already are, so that you ideal clients know that you’re who they’ve been searching for.

This is the beauty of authentic marketing. When you share the core of who you are and what you offer in your client-facing material, great potential clients can actually see you. Those that need you will be able to recognize you.

When you pretend to be someone you’re not, projecting a good-looking image that you think will be liked, you will inevitably fail to fulfill the expectations of the clients you attract. Do you expect happy results on either side of a collaboration built on a lie?

This includes lowering the cost of your work to convince clients to hire you. When you accept work that isn’t an equal exchange for your time and energy, nobody wins. You either cut corners to make up the difference, or end up giving away much more than you receive. The first situation sets your client up to feel taken advantage of, and the second sets you up the feel the same. Either way, you cannot offer your best work.

Clients that needed convincing need to work with someone else. There is someone else out there that is a better fit to support them. You do everyone a disservice avoiding this reality.

How To Actually Help.

If you’re in a conversation with a potential client and you find yourself trying to persuade them to work with you, STOP! As soon as you recognize it, take a step back, breathe, and get back to center. At the end of the day, it’s your client’s right to determine for themselves if they want to hire you. It’s not your responsibility, nor is it appropriate for you to decide for them.

The reaching you’re doing doesn’t feel good to be on the receiving end of. It reveals your desperation and lack of confidence. It’s manipulation that fulfills your own needs. You think that if you don’t get this client, you won’t be okay. And that’s not true.

The reason I’m sharing this so plainly is because I know that helping others is deeply important to you. You’re a genuinely loving person with skills that you know are supportive to many. You may even be as passionate about accessibility as I am.

I’m here to tell you that if you see yourself in what I’ve shared, you are out of alignment with what caring and supporting actually looks like. This is tricky to identify because lowering your rates or working with clients that aren’t a good fit for you is easily mistaken for kindness or humility.

Here’s The Alternative.

Be honest about who you are and what it costs to live a life in which you offer your best work.

There are a ton of ways to increase accessibility to your work that don’t lead to bad-fit projects and lowballed quotes. Affordable or free teaching in courses, on social media, or in newsletters is highly accessible. If you want a mission field, start there.

The world needs your growth and success. That’s how you can change the world; by directing the capital you earn toward people and causes that matter to you.

When you work with clients that are more than happy to pay top dollar for your work, you’re able to do the same, and you become a model for how business can nourish its contributors and the causes those contributors care about.

Stop hiding, beautiful one! And let go of your shame. Your offering, your pricing, and your vision are wonderful and deserve support. There are tens of thousands of people looking for exactly what you have to share and how you share it. Claim it. Great marketing shares exactly who you are, as you are. Share from that place. Watch how your life transforms.

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