The image industry continues to evolve, so what can you expect to change in 2019…
EXPECT ADDED VALUE SERVICES
Without exclusivity, images are repeated on libraries therefore the only thing to use in competition is price. For this reason, relationship building has become more important than ever. Where an e-commerce approach was acceptable, a more personal approach is now necessary. And the best agencies are working to retain clients by means of added value such as research or advice – creating a product out of service, knowledge and expertise, as well as design, copy-writing and production.
At Ingimage, our clients enjoy a dedicated region/language-specific Account Manager and we operate a ‘Request an image’ service for clients working on tight deadlines or niche needs. Our Content Team then works to find or commission themed imagery based on client requirements.
AN EMPOWERED NETWORK OF CONTRIBUTORS
With bigger libraries representing smaller libraries, there is often little control for contributors and their work can be wrongly credited. In an industry where amateur photographers can be taken advantage of, we believe it is important to be transparent and educating when signing up new contributors.
We’re seeing unprecedented demand from markets for images that represent their market and therefore we’re experiencing the value of having contributors on the ground in these areas.
ONCE OFF PURCHASES RIVAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
The a la carte option is becoming increasingly more attractive and available. So, in a world of once-off what’s the benefit of a subscription model? We can only speak for ourselves here but at Ingimage our subscription clients are privy to new insider upgrades, services, collections and information – as with the mention above of our ‘Request an image’ service which remains exclusive to our subscription holders.
BULK OR NICHE, NO IN BETWEEN?
If you’re not a major player working on quantity, namely Getty, Shutterstock or Adobe, then you need to be niche to survive on quality. Those guys have the numbers and the manpower to churn out new and more generic content at an incredible rate. There is little point to try to compete on such a macro level. So, to thrive, microstocks need to operate in and service very specific areas. For example: Africa (PICHA) or signage (SignElements).
Ingimage prides itself on operating in an elite, curated space of brand-ready images that can be picked up for the most creative campaigns.
If you’re here to browse images, head here.
If you’re here to sign up, head here.
If you’re a contributor interested in working with us, let us know here.
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