There used to be either really inexpensive or really expensive ways to add images to your website. On the expensive end, places like Adobe Stock Photos could cost over a hundred dollars for a small 4×6 photo. On the inexpensive end, you could take your own photos for free.

For most small businesses, spending lots of money on single digital images simply isn’t cost effective. However, taking photos yourself presents its own challenges. If the photos you take aren’t good, they can make sure site look bad.

In the last few years, several low cost stock photography sites have sprung up. These provide viable alternatives, and make your site look professional. One site I use is iStockPhoto. Small web optimized photos can cost as little as $1 to $2 dollars. They even have vector graphics and video to spice up your website.

Use whichever service you want, but do consider adding stock photography to your site. It can really make a difference.