Tag Archive for: Web Designer Newmarket

stock photo

A picture is worth a thousand words. This saying is very accurate! Using photos is extremely important as people are drawn more to photos rather than text. Using stock photos has become a very popular choice for people as it saves you the time and money of hiring a photographer. Stock photos can be found online and are already created and ready to be downloaded for your use. Before downloading a stock photo, you will need to pay for it in order to hold the license (although some websites do offer free stock photos).

Types of Uses for Stock Photos

There are two most common uses for stock photos: commercial use and editorial use.

Commercial Use:

  • Marketing
  • Social Media
  • Branding
  • Used on Your Website

Editorial Use:

Accompanying text content such as:

  • Blogs
  • Articles
  • Magazines
  • Newspapers

We have done extensive research on various stock photo websites and have come up with our top 3. Best of all, we have included paid and free options.

Pexels (Free)

Pexels is a royalty free, high-resolution photo marketplace. All photos on Pexels are free for commercial and personal use. Pexels offers thousands of photo options all at high resolution, and they even offer free stock videos as well. Unlike many stock photo websites, Pexels does not require you to register for an account – anyone can upload and download photos! Giving credit to the author is not necessary but is definitely appreciated by both Pexels and the author. Just remember, you CANNOT use these photos for resale.

Pixabay (Free)

Pixabay is another free stock photo website that offers photos, videos, vectors, illustrations and more. Currently, there are more than 1 million options to choose from on Pixabay. All contents are released under Creative Commons CC0. This makes them safe to use without asking for permission or giving credit to the author/artist. Like Pexels, Pixabay does not require you to create an account in order to download the photos, although certain features do require registration. You may not use the photos and videos from Pixabay for resale, but you can most definitely use the graphics they offer for personal or commercial use.

123rf (Paid)

123rf is a paid stock photo website that offers millions of options to choose from, however this is our personal favourite here at Rosewood. This stock photo site offers thousands of photos, videos, audio, and vectors. You can choose to either do a monthly subscription plan or pay for credits and top them up as you need them.

Each photo/video is downloaded based on size. You can choose to download small (2 credits), medium (4 credits), large (6 credits), or extra-large (10 credits). Typically for most uses, small will work just fine. However, if you require a higher resolution photo, you may want to purchase medium, large, or extra-large. Like Pexels and Pixabay, the contents offered on 123rf are not allowed for resale, unless you purchase an extended license. One thing that is especially great about 123rf is the customer support they offer. When you create an account, you will be assigned an account manager who can help you with any questions or concerns you may have.

Let’s Recap

After looking into Pexels, Pixabay and 123rf, we can honestly say that all three of the stock photo platforms are great! If you aren’t looking to spend money at this time, Pexels or Pixabay is a great option for you. If you are looking for a little bit of an improved and efficient library to choose from and are willing to pay for it, 123rf is your best option.

Let’s Connect

Rosewood is a digital marketing agency outside Toronto dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small businesses grow their online presence. We work with clients across North America and Europe to identify, strategize and reach their marketing goals!

You can join the conversation online on InstagramFacebook and LinkedIn. Or contact us to chat about your marketing goals for 2020!

Sign up for our Newsletter to keep up with our latest news!

Until next time,

Cassandra

video marketing rosewood va deanna simone

In 1979, Buggles sung “Video killed the radio star” – and no truer words have been made into a pop song. Since video’s conception, we’ve never looked back.

Fast forward to 2019 and video content is king. Social media platforms have prioritized the use of video, audiences demand it, and distributing it has never been easier. Video isn’t new, we’ve all got those dusty VCR tapes sitting in our basement, but there has never been a more powerful and effective marketing tool.

Everyone Loves Videos

Studies have shown that in 2019, 87% of people would like to see more video from brands, with an expected 82% of all internet traffic to be video by 2021. Pretty incredible stats, right?

Video has been known to have an online conversion rate of nearly 80%, influencing buying behaviour and website traffic. Not to mention, search engines LOVE video. Nothing entices more numerous and longer page views quite like a video. Not only that, but YouTube is the second largest search engine behind Google. If you put your video on YouTube as well as your website, your visibility and opportunity to show up in search is greatly increased.

This is the age of viral videos. Did you know 92% of mobile video consumers share videos with others? This is your chance to have some fun and really show what your company is all about.

Ok, have I done enough persuading yet?

Rosewood’s NEW Video and Photography Services!

Enter from stage right: Us!

Here at Rosewood we are excited to announce our new video and photography offerings.

Creating videos on your own can be intimidating. But never fear, we are here to make it easy, and you don’t need expensive equipment or large budgets to get started.

We can handle everything from shooting, editing, talent acquisition, scripting, directing and so much more. Packages can be tailored according to your needs, your goals, and what your audience will respond to best. We do this quickly, efficiently, and with a focus on distributing your content to reach its maximum potential.

I know what you might be thinking, are we ready for this next step? Am I ready to face the world in full 1080 HD quality? The answer is, yes.

Our Tips for Success

We always suggest a few handy tips and tricks that ensure you and your business are ready for this next step.

  1. Shoot where you are comfortable – you don’t need to be hanging off the edge of the CN tower to make a statement. If your office is your safe spot, shoot there.
  2. Have a company representative who is genuinely passionate – nothing comes across camera more than passion and relatability. Put those who WANT to be on camera, in front of the camera. You will find they come across more credible to the audience.
  3. Practice makes perfect – it might sound cliché, but literally practice in front of the mirror after brushing your teeth. It’s a great way to notice facial expressions and gestures.
  4. Know your message – we all like to ramble, hey, some of us get so passionate we just get carried away – but it’s not effective. Knowing your message and what you want to deliver is key.
  5. Wear what makes you feel great – high heels may look great, but they don’t feel great! Wear shoes that provide you the most comfort, wear the suit that is a little looser so you can breathe, you will be surprised how distracting clothing can become once it is a focus.

Contact us today to see how we can take your business to the next level with video marketing.

Questions? Get in Touch!

Until Next Time,

Georgina

Account Manager

Rosewood Inc.

corporate social responsibility rosewood va deanna simone

We already know that the days of operating solely for profit are long gone. Whilst this is still a priority, many businesses like, Rosewood, now care about more than just the bottom line. They now focus largely on corporate social responsibility.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is when a company operates in an ethical and sustainable way and acknowledges and handles its environmental and social impacts. This means careful consideration towards human rights, the community, environment, and society in which the business operates.

5 Ways To Be More Socially Responsible in Business

  1. Support causes close to your heart
  2. Support causes that align with your business
  3. Support your community
  4. Support your friends & family
  5. Collaborate with like-minded people and organizations

Rosewood is a Proud Supporter of Non-Profit Organizations

Here at Rosewood, CSR is undoubtedly one of our top priorities as it actually determines what clients we choose to work with. Whenever we go into business with a new client – one of our first conversations is always about the philanthropic or community work they’re involved in.

Rosewood Participates/Has Participated in:

  • Annual Big Bike for Heart and Stroke (Participant on Vince’s Market Team)
  • Pupchella Pawty for SPCA (Sponsor)
  • Walk It Off’s Annual 5K (Participant)
  • Doane House Hospice
  • Client Events & Fundraisers for Good Causes
    • Covenant House (Rob Barlow of WireIE)
    • Easter Seals Dancing with the Stars (Brian Johns & Maria Ciarlandini of Vince’s Market)

Rosewood is Working/Has Worked With:

We are proud to offer a 10% discount on all projects for qualifying Non-Profits Organizations.

Philanthropic Organizations in York Region:

There are many philanthropic groups which also allow you to network with like-minded individuals. Here are juts a few within York Region that you can attend and contribute to. Expand your network while doing good!

Rosewood founder, Deanna Simone, is currently on the board for Green Connections Networking Group, which promotes environmentally and socially responsible initiatives in York Region.  You can attend the next meeting for free as her personal guest. Email her here.

The Bottom Line

Remember that when corporate social responsibility is integrated into your business model, it can attract positive publicity, work as a marketing strategy to network with like-minded people, help attract and retain top talent, and improve relationships with customers and their communities. The benefits are far reaching, including client retention, improved sales, financial success, and a sense of community. 

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

Questions? Get in Touch!

Until Next Time,

Ananta

Content Coordinator

Rosewood Inc.