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It’s scary to think that just last year more than half of small businesses in the U.S. did not have a website.
And while I am hopeful that with the help of website templates, themes and all the other tools that even the least computer savvy entrepreneur can utilize, I am still noticing a big problem with many of the websites from these small business owners.
Stock photos…like these.
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In an effort to try to seem sometimes larger than they really are and more professional, many small or start-up entrepreneurs are utilizing stock business images on their website. Please stop this right away. Consumers keen to the fact that you are using stock images. So cut it out.
We are entering into a new era where customers value, follow and support businesses that are honest, transparent and authentic. And using stock images on your business website do none of those things and should be avoided at all costs.
After all, ninety-eight percent of Americans distrust the internet and using stock images makes it that much more difficult to attract new customers online.
So please for the sake of your business and the sanity of customers searching for a business product/service, remove these photos and update your website with images of your own. Original is always better than perfect.
Choose to showcase your business the right way by highlighting your businesses personality through some original imagery on your website. It will go a long way in helping you create a stronger connection with your target audience while building your brand visibility and the trust of new customers.
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Grant Tilus 
