Correct Keywords for Images

Typically, selecting keywords for an image is the final step in the process of uploading images to stock banks. Unfortunately, many microstock contributors tend to push keyword selection to the background.

Choosing Keywords for Microstocks

But the point is that selecting the right keywords is not just as important as capturing the perfect shot or creating a beautiful illustration; it’s even more so. Nowadays, choosing the right keywords is the most critical aspect on the path to the ultimate goal – earning money.

Although the Shutterstock team has repeatedly emphasized this issue in their newsletters, it’s worth reminding once again: never underestimate the importance of choosing the right keywords, which is why we revisit this topic every few months.

The goal of today’s article is to update information on the importance of keywords as a powerful tool in your arsenal for selling the images you’ve worked so hard to create.

You deserve to make money selling your images, and choosing the right keywords is the key (apologies for the pun, but it’s apt) to earn that money.

So please remember:

Avoid Keyword Spamming

We check and double-check keywords frequently, sometimes just to ensure that buyers can find the right image without wading through irrelevant ones.

We understand that you want to reach as wide an audience as possible, but using irrelevant or even closely related words is still considered spamming. For instance, a photo of a bee should not be described with the word “fly.”

This also applies to location descriptions. If you have a photo of Toronto skyscrapers, there’s no need to include “Pittsburgh” in the keyword list. Pay attention to the title and description of the image as well.

For example, if your photo is titled “Toronto Skyscraper,” yet your keywords include Pittsburgh, New York, etc., this is unacceptable.

If you do this, the following could happen:

• You’ll be reviewed;
• You’ll receive a warning.

Additionally, the following may occur:

• Your images could be removed;
• Your account could be closed.

Keyword spamming and misuse of the description field harm not only your sales but also those of your colleagues. How so?

A disappointed buyer who encounters false (inaccurate) results when searching for “Toronto Skyscrapers” might permanently switch to another platform to find what they need.

So please, don’t clutter your keywords. Given the growing popularity of editorial images, this is especially important. Clients want accuracy, which leads us to the next point in today’s article.

Describe the Image Accurately

For example, if you have a photo of a German Shepherd puppy, words like dog, canine, and puppy are suitable for this image.

But even better are “German Shepherd” (as a phrase) and “Alsatian” (another name).

Don’t use poodle, wolf, cat.

See the difference?

Put Yourself in the Buyer’s Shoes

Imagine being a buyer searching for a specific image. Create a long list of keywords that might fit your image. Now, edit it.

Review the entire list and remove keywords that don’t align closely.

Simplicity is key.

While many stock subscribers might use conceptual keywords like nightmare, freedom, and economy, ensure that any conceptual words you use are not arbitrary.

If you have a photo of a man with his mouth wide open, both “yawn” and “shout” are appropriate. But not the word “loud.”

Choosing the right keywords will help you generate more sales. Give this process the same attention as creating the images.

A mail carrier who can collect mail but not deliver it won’t last long.

Plan your keyword selection as thoroughly as you plan image creation, and you can significantly increase your sales.

Link to the original article: buzz.shutterstock.com/keywording/good-keywords-sell-the-importance-of-keywording-properly