Have you ever wondered how some people seem to make a full-time living selling photos online? It’s no secret that there are many ways to do this, but one of the most popular and effective methods is by using WordPress. Not only is WordPress an extremely popular content management system (CMS), but it’s also free to use. Using WordPress, anyone can set up a website or blog and start selling photos. While there are many different ways to sell images online, here are three tips on how to sell images with WordPress by doing less:
- Use a WordPress gallery plugin: Another great way to showcase and sell your photos is using a WordPress gallery plugin. These plugins will allow you to create image galleries, which can be displayed on your website or blog. Customers can then click on the images to purchase them. Choose FooGallery if you want an easy-to-use and highly customizable gallery plugin. The sort gallery option is also available in FooGallery.
- Choose the perfect gallery template: Not all WordPress themes are created equal. If you want to sell images online, it’s important to choose a theme that includes a gallery template. This will make it easy to insert your images into the website and sell them.
- Use an eCommerce plugin: There are numerous eCommerce plugins available for WordPress, such as WooCommerce and WP eCommerce. These plugins will turn your website or blog into an image gallery website or an online store, making it easy for customers to browse and purchase your photos.
Things to consider before selling images online
There’s no doubt that selling images online is a great way to make money from your photography. But before you start uploading your photos to stock sites, there are a few things you need to consider. So here are several things to think about before selling images online:
- What kind of photos are in demand? Do some research to find out what types of photos sell well on stock sites. Generally speaking, well-composed images with good lighting and interesting subject matter do well.
- What copyright laws apply to your photos? When you sell images online, you’re giving the buyer a license to use the photo a certain way. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that you have the legal right to sell the photo before uploading it for sale.
- Are your photos high-resolution? Most stock sites require photos to be at least 4 megapixels to be accepted for sale. Check the site requirements you’re interested in selling on before submitting your photos.
- Do you have model releases? If your photos contain recognizable people or property, you’ll need to have model releases to sell them legally. But, again, check the requirements of the stock site you’re interested in selling on.
- Have you edited your photos? Many stock sites require that photos be edited before they can be accepted for sale. This usually means adjusting the exposure, contrast, and white balance and removing any blemishes or distractions from the photo. But, again, check the guidelines of the site you’re interested in selling on for specific requirements.
- Have you watermark your images? Watermarking your images is a good way to protect them from being used without your permission. However, many stock sites require that photos be submitted without watermarks. Be sure to check the guidelines of the site you’re interested in selling on before watermarking your images.
- How will you deliver the files? Once a buyer purchases one of your photos, they’ll need a high-resolution version of the file suitable for printing. Most stock sites allow you to upload files directly from your computer, but some also offer FTP access for larger files. Check the guidelines of the site you’re interested in selling on for specific requirements.
- What file format should you use? JPEG is the most common file format for photos sold online, but some stock sites also accept TIFF or RAW files. Again, check the guidelines of the site you’re interested in selling on for specific requirements.
- How much money can you make? Stock sites generally take a percentage of each sale, so how much money you make will depend on the price you set for each photo and the commission structure of the site you’re selling on. Research which site offers the best return for your type of photography.
Considering these things before selling images online ensures that your experience is as positive and profitable as possible.
Conclusion
Selling images online is a great way to make money from your photography. But before you start, there are a few things you need to consider, such as what kind of photos are in demand, what copyright laws apply to your photos, and whether you have model releases. By taking the time to research and prepare before selling your photos, you can increase your chances of success and make the most profit possible.