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Every post about how to create killer content for Steemit (or other platforms) will tell you how important it is to add good and relevant photos to your text. Easy for those who are photographers and designers ofcourse, but what about the rest? How do you find good photos and other visual content to add to your steemit posts when creating visuals is not your strong suit?

Step-by-step plan to determine what you need in terms of visuals

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Step 1: Write the post

First things first, I think it’s best to start thinking about pictures when the post is written. So you know exactly what the article is about and what you could add to make it better.

Step 2: Brainstorm about what you could add in terms of visual content

Reading the article, what images or graphics would add value to the post? From what would the reader benefit most? Are these photos, graphic designs, charts maybe?
For a moment, don’t think about how you’ll get them, think about what would be perfect. This makes you aim higher.

Step 3: Dive into the archive

Now that we know what we want, let’s search our own archives first. Is there any data from previous post you could use? Maybe from other platforms or from something you made a long time ago? Are there any pictures in your personal archive that could be used to add value maybe?

Step 4: Gather the missing parts

Once you’ve gone through all these steps, you’ll know exactly what you’ll need to supplement your Steemit post and you can start gathering those things. How? And where? Let me give you some options!

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Where to find photos, graphics and more for your Steemit posts.

Option 1: Create what’s missing

Ofcourse, if you are used to create your own visual content this will come easy to you. But also for the ones that are new to this: why don’t you just try it. There are lot of articles, even here on steem on how to make better photographs for example. Use your smartphone, simple compact camera of DSLR: the best camera is the one you have on you. Work with what you have. Do some (simple) editing on them and voila - you’ve made your own photos.

Some interesting posts here on Steemit about photography:

Editing apps on your phone or computer:

Creating graphics and charts can also be done by yourself. These will, just like photography, take some practice for newbies but it’s a skill you can then use for many purposes. Programs / apps I would recommend are:

Excel or numbers (look at the templates inside the program or search for them online)
Canva - check it out, this cloud based design software is free to start with and could change your life.
Ofcourse Indesign or Illustrator, but these are more difficult to use and quite expensive to get your hands on. I would only recommend to use these if you plan to make a career out of designing, creating content or something like that.

https://steemitimages.com/DQmS5frmTuoBTGYi1bUGo7GxBABaeYVcSCmfZrCwNUVTqKa/26231945_2095622773798556_8955602552192584493_o.jpg Photo: VSCO Mobile

Option 2: Dive into stock photography and designs

Stock photography and designs are not what they used to be. They’re better. Nowadays there are a lot of sites with modern, unique images for prices that are not that high. Above of it all, there are actually a lot of stock sites that offer FREE high quality images to their users. If you’re making good money on Steemit, or are planning to, Stock photos could make a good investment.

Some good options for FREE Stock photos:

And my favorite sites for PAID Stock photos or designs:

Stocksy
Twenty20 (get 40 dollars to spend there through this link)
Istock
SC stockshop
Creative Market
Etsy

*If you’re only using them in articles on Steemit or your website for example, you’re making editorial use of a photo. Some sites offer different licenses and editorial is usually the cheaper option. Always read into these kind of things before buying from a site or photographer / artist.

Option 3: Hire a professional

Ofcourse there’s always the opportunity to hire someone to make the visual content for you. Maybe through Steemit even. Upside: your content will be more unique than if you would buy at stock sites for example. Downside: it would probably be more expensive.

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Option 4: ‘Lend’ images from visual content creators

I think this is a VERY interesting option that is not that common here on Steemit. You could ask visual content creators wether you can use their content in exchange for exposure.I’m well aware that not everyone will agree with me on this one. But for me, as a professional photographer, these kind of collaborations seem natural and usually pay off.

It goes a little something like this: you search for images that can be used within your article and ask the creator of it if you can use them in your post, with of course credits and a link to their site or social media account. For example the photographer gives you a photo to use, and you provide them with exposure in return. Especially if you’re articles are well written and read, there will probably be lots of photographers or designers who would be open to collaborate.

So how do you find these photographers or other visual content creators? On the platform itself ofcourse: the Steemit photography section, but you can also search on Instagram or Flickr. Especially on the last two platforms, exchanges like these are way more common. You could even set up a more long term partnership with someone if you’re both happy about the results. Speaking for myself: I would be more than happy to ‘lend’ my pictures in return for exposure, so if you like my style: feel free to contact me by commenting below.

To conclude

There are lots of ways to make sure your articles are supplemented by strong visual content. You could create it yourself, use stock sites, pay a professional to make unique content just for you, or set up a partnership with a visual content creator from which you’ll both benefit.

I am excited to hear what you think about these options, wether I missed something and if you found it valuable. If so, please upvote and leave a comment!