Have you come across comical photos on business websites?
I have.
Below are six examples of photos I’d never use to market a business:
1. Out of place and low resolution stock photos of people
Don’t get me wrong, this woman’s afro is impressive and that terry towelling outfit is totally wild.
The problem is, I don’t see people who look like her in Australia.
And apart from the fact that she appears to be drug affected, the photo also appears to be a low resolution shot that’s been dragged out of a shoebox from the 70’s somewhere.
If an Australian business used this stock photo to represent a funky hip young customer, they’d seriously just look like dodgy cheapskates who’d purchased cheap American stock photos.
2. Inappropriate photos of the business owners or staff
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to see the owners of a business that I’m paying sitting around drinking coffee at a city café on my hard earned money.
I want to see such people at work in their office, factory, or shed, or in some other environment that is reflective of their brand.
The above photo comes from a real business website that was returned in the search results when I was looking for a particular professional service. As a result, I’ve blocked the faces of the two gentlemen out.
The photograph appeared on the contact page next to the businesses month in review newsletter sign up.
Perhaps they use the month in review newsletter to fill us in on what’s been discussed over their daily coffees, including the office gossip, last weekend’s golf tournament, and how Ron’s house renovations are coming along.
This photo literally caused me to hit the back button on this business website immediately, when I would have otherwise picked up the phone to ask the business for a quote.
3. Stock photos of business owners who are still in high school
When you search for business photos you often get the above type of photo returned as an example of what an entrepreneur or small business owner looks like.
And unfortunately, some businesses do make the mistake of using such photos to represent small business people.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t know many entrepreneurs or business owners who are still wearing nappies.
All the business owners I know are flat strap busy working, and they certainly don’t have time to spend their days sitting around with their mates in an industrial co-working space.
4. Stock photos of skyscrapers just because your business has a city premises
The above type of skyscraper shot is often used by “professional service” businesses who want to impress you with the money they make as qualified experts operating from a premises in the city.
While I’m aware that I’m not their ideal customer at all, many of these businesses do in fact serve the general public.
Those that do serve normal middle class folk really do run the risk of spending that much time stroking their egos while selecting their library of marketing images that they actually end up repelling the people who pay the bills.
Because photos of skyscrapers simply leave a most of us feeling cold and small.
They also leave me wondering where the hell I’m going to find a park if I have to go into the city to visit such a business, and if I do find a park whether I’ll be charged $2,000 an hour for the privilege.
5. Revolting and sickly romantic couple photos
Seriously, where’s the bucket?
You often see photos like the above utilised by businesses that provide services to couples. They’re also used by businesses who provide services to single people looking to get themselves chained/hooked up.
I believe in love, but this type of fluffy fairy floss is way too sugary for me.
Another good example is below.
He’s still smiling through the pain, despite the fact that she’s just given him a permanent back injury. Welcome to the back pain club mate, it’ll give you years of joy.
Yes, the photo makes both of them look happy, but jesus, do couples actually ever frolick about in a paddock doing this?
Maybe they do, but I don’t really care. I don’t want to be part of a couple that does this kind of shit.
I’d rather be doing something more useful with my time.
Anyway, as this article has been largely negative up to this point, I’d like to finish it on a positive note.
The below photo is an absolutely beautiful and natural photo of a real life couple that I’d love to see used on a business website.
I also love her awesome smile and the fact that she’s got bootie, because I have a decent chassis below too.
And I think we need to see more professional photos of real people in business marketing, in contrast to barbie doll stock photos.
© Annemaree Jensen