Ups and Downs in Microstock
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In everyday life, ups and downs, highs and lows, are quite common. Just like in any other market, microstock sales can also fluctuate during certain periods. After spending some time in the microstock field, I assume you’ve already noticed some examples of these shifts and the trends of various microstocks in terms of sales.
Those who have been with microstocks since nearly the beginning likely know almost everything about them. In today’s article, I’ll try to help you a bit based on my experience, offering a list of axioms for a microstocker that might encourage and calm you if you’re going through a period of sales decline on a microstock platform and experiencing a creative crisis as a result.
Portfolio Diversification and Size
In the long run, portfolio diversification on stock platforms and increasing its size will, of course, help maintain stable sales at a minimum level.
On microstocks, there are certain authors whose portfolios I admire, and I even find some inspiration in them for my work.
By the way, time can be your friend and helper. Don’t worry if your portfolio is small initially; the main thing is that it exists.
Just focus on what you do best, and over time you’ll achieve the results you desire.
Be proud of what you’re doing!
Seasonal Waves of Market Demand
Seasonal demand can affect microstock sales. For example, it’s currently summer in the U.S. and Europe, where there’s a decent demand for blue skies.
On the other hand, it’s winter in New Zealand and Australia. However, in December, when winter photos are in demand in the U.S. and Europe, flowers are more popular in the southern hemisphere.
The larger and more diverse your portfolio, the higher the level of sales on stock platforms you can generate in any season of the year.
Advertising, Design, and Processing Time
I included this section as a reminder because I have experience working in an advertising agency and also in a marketing department. Most marketing plans and advertising budgets are developed and approved long before the start of the new fiscal year.
Advertising agencies have a clear sense of what might be needed, and some images are bought in advance. As a result, you may see surges in image sales at certain times, followed by gradual declines.
Usually, design and layout decisions are made by creative departments. No matter how beautiful your work is, if it doesn’t fit the layout and concept of a particular project, it won’t be purchased.
For instance, a vertically oriented image may not suit layouts with a horizontal orientation. Try creating different variations of your image for various layout styles so designers can easily find something to buy from your portfolio.
Different media outlets set varying deadlines for layout approvals. For instance, a monthly print magazine’s layout needs to be ready for print a month before its release, or, at the very least, two weeks prior.
That’s why designers from different publications need to have access to interesting images that fit the layout style.
Holidays Coming Up
I think all microstockers have noticed that sales tend to drop during holidays and weekends. Take a break yourself!
Relax, go somewhere, have some fun!
Break the Routine
This advice applies to both photography and illustration and to personal life. If you find yourself repeatedly doing the same thing, like photographing tomatoes, try doing something other than tomatoes.
What about kitchen utensils?
If you take the same route home every day, try finding an alternative way. If you take the bus, consider getting off two stops earlier and going for a walk.
Reorganize your brain, and shake up your thoughts, because when you’re working in a closed loop, your brain cells go into automatic mode, which does little to spark creativity.
Switch Yourself Up During Slow Periods
If you’re going through a “slow period” or sales slump, try to switch gears by engaging in forums, commenting on interesting articles in other blogs, or writing something for your blog or online journal.
You might even come up with something interesting for your readers. This kind of social activity can help revive your creative thinking and spark new ideas.
In general, positive thinking yields positive results.
Experiment
I use my “slow periods” to experiment and learn new post-processing techniques.
Sometimes things don’t go well and result in failures, but my goal was to try something new from the start.
To avoid frequent rejections, I usually upload one of my new experimental photos to microstocks to see if it gets accepted.
If not, I pause for a while, reflect on everything carefully, and then try something else.
Sense of Humor
They say laughter is the best medicine. So don’t lose your sense of humor, even when things are heading downhill.
For a bit of fun, check your spam folder in your email or blog. Some of the ridiculous things that show up make me laugh, and I know I’ll never need them.
That’s all. I once wrote this reminder for myself, and now I decided to share it with you.
I hope it helps you stay upbeat during slow times.
Think positive!
Cheers!
Original article author: Haslinda
Link to the original article: blog.dreamstime.com/2011/06/09/surviving-ups-and-downs-of-microstock-_art35392
