It’s one thing to have interesting content, but another thing to grab a reader’s attention visually.

If your funeral home’s blog posts don’t include visuals, they’re less likely to be viewed. According to marketing influencer Jeff Bullas, blogs with images get 94% more views than those that don’t.

But it doesn’t have to be difficult to find images for your blog. Online subscriptions, software, mobile apps, and other innovative tools make it easier than ever to find photos.

Let’s go over a few options so you can choose what’s best for you and your funeral home.

Stock Photo Subscription

One option is to get a stock photo subscription. These subscriptions include access to photos, illustrations, and sometimes even video and audio clips. You can search for photos, download them, and upload them to your blogs in a matter of seconds.

For example, an iStock photo subscription provides you with an endless variety of images and videos. Plus, there are multiple flexible subscription plans to choose from.

Graphic Design Software

If you want more creative freedom with your images, then a graphic design software may be the right fit. And you don’t have to be a design expert or even have any design background to use these software programs. They’re created to be as easy and efficient as possible so that anyone can use them.

These programs give you the tools to create beautiful, unique graphics with stylized texts, frames, photos, and other design elements. It’s also great for creating informational infographics for your client families, such as how to preplan a funeral. Through tutorial videos and step-by-step instructions, you’ll become a designer before you know it.

Some examples of easy-to-use graphic design software are Canva and Easel.ly, and they’re both free to sign up for.

Creative Commons Images

Another option is to use photos under the Creative Commons license from photo-sharing programs. These programs allow users to upload and share photos with one another for free. However, there are several types of licenses, so you want to make sure you use photos under “public domain.”

Flickr is one example of a photo-sharing program with Creative Commons photos, and it’s free to sign up. Flickr has the option to search for only Creative Commons photos, making it easy to find what you need. Just be sure to read the requirements of each photo you use, as some request that you credit the artist in some way.

Advanced Search Engine Settings

Search engines, like Google, have advanced search settings for finding free photos. Although this method might have fewer options, it’s another way to find free images.

To search for free photos on Google Images, click “Settings” in the bottom right-hand corner and then select “Advanced Search.”

Under the last search option “usage rights,” select “free to use, share or modify, even commercially.” Include what you’re searching for in the top section “Finding images with…” Then, fill in the rest of your search criteria, such as image size, and then click “Advanced Search” when ready.

Take Your Own Photos

Of course, you don’t have to use free images you find online. Your funeral home can choose to take their own photos, as well. Even if you don’t have a camera, you can simply use a smartphone, tablet, or another mobile device with a camera.

There are several camera apps you can download to take higher quality photos. One example is VSCO Cam, which is free to download in the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Hire a Photographer or an Intern

Funeral directors are busy people, so another option is to hire a photographer. It could be a professional photographer, or a less expensive option is hiring an intern. It would provide the intern with photography experience, while your funeral home gets beautiful images to use.