My Local Business Online

Jan Kearney - Your Local Business Online Marketing Consultant - call me 07847 554418

Jan Kearney – My Local Business Online

Helping you get your business found online by LOCAL people

  • Home
  • Problems I Solve
    • I need a website that works
    • I need more online visibility for my local business
    • I want to start video marketing
    • My WordPress site baffles me
  • Why I Do It
    • Privacy
  • Toolbox
  • Contact Me
You are here: Home / local business internet marketing / Image Copyright – A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words?

Image Copyright – A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words?

November 29, 2011 by Jan Kearney

Contents

  • Internet Image Copyright Confusion…
  • Pictures From Google Images Are Subject To Image Copyright…
  • If You Can’t Use Google Image Search, Where Do You Get Images For Your Website?
  • Related Posts

Internet Image Copyright Confusion…

image copyright 1000 wordsOver the weekend, I was putting a website up for a client and had a friend popping in and out of Skype keeping me company as it got late (yes, I am that dedicated!)

Every now and then I would ask him to load the site and comment.

One of the pages had a graphic illustration and my friend suggested an alternative. I’m always open to suggestions, although an image replacement would have to be approved by the client. So I asked him to send it over, let’s have a look.

The image was a perfect match to the page…

… until I asked where the image was from!

Pictures From Google Images Are Subject To Image Copyright…

Like many people using the Internet, my friend thought that because an image shows in Google’s image search, it can just be downloaded and used.

This is a big Internet myth!

I’m not any sort of copyright expert or legal eagle, but I do know this…

As soon as you put:

  • pen to paper,
  • brush to canvas,
  • fingers to keyboard,
  • take a picture,
  • basically create anything original…

… you own the copyright. You don’t need to apply for copyright ownership. In fact, you don’t even need to display the copyright symbol.

It doesn’t matter where your work is published either – even if it’s on the Internet.

Another misconception is it’s OK to use if you give credit to the artist.

That’s a myth too.  You do need permission to re-print or re-use the work.

Many people who publish online choose to waive some of their rights and allow reprinting and re-use under a Creative Commons Licence. The terms of the licence may vary, in most cases accreditation is required.

You can’t take this copyright waiver for granted though.

A free picture maybe worth a thousand words but, if you’re not careful that saving may cost you more…

At best, we’re talking about a polite removal request.  Worst case – removal of the offending page(s) from the internet, possible removal of your website by your host or even Court action…

You’re a business, you don’t need that hassle…

Before you use images on your business website or blog, do check the image copyright information. If there are no copyright details, ask the original owner if it is OK to use their work. If in doubt, find another image!

If You Can’t Use Google Image Search, Where Do You Get Images For Your Website?

Every Stock Photo is a great royalty free image directory. It searches images from several sources that publish under the Creative Commons licence.

The alternative is to buy images, I use a few sites depending on my needs. Two I regularly go back to are Fotolia and 123RF.

Of course, you can always create your own images. Taking photos of your business – staff and products in use etc. adds a nice personal touch to your website and blog.

What are your views on image copyright? Do you try to abide by it or just find it confusing?

Image Copyright - A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words? by Jan Kearney
Your Local Search Road Map
Download your FREE report and worksheet now

local search roadmapGrab your guide to local search and learn:

  • What elements are important on your website
  • How to set up your Google My Business Local Page
  • How Google Plus can help you zoom past your competitors
  • Two things you should not neglect if you want to rank in the local search pack
  • How to power past your competitors and dominate your area

Simply add your name and best email address in the box below and I'll whizz your report and worksheet straight over to you.

Don't worry, I hate spam too (probably more than you!)  I'll never trade, share, sell, exchange your email address or any other jiggery pokery.

Related Posts

  • small business website
    Your Small Business Website – Is it REALLY Yours?

    It is important that your small business website is actually yours. Sounds an obvious statement…

  • bing places local business listing
    How To Add Your UK Business To Bing Places [Video]

    Put up the bunting and hold a street party – Bing Places for Business is…

  • 4 steps you need to use Pinterest for Local Business marketing
    How to Use Pinterest for Local Business Marketing

    Can you really use Pinterest for local business marketing? That is the question! Many small…

Filed Under: local business internet marketing Tagged With: blog, image copyright, images, pictures, UK copyright, website, website graphics

About Jan Kearney

I believe that every business, no matter how small or how local can use the power of the web to gain more customers. I offer no bull coaching and mentoring so small business owners can strategically put the web to work for their business. I've been called a "compass" and a "navigator" and probably a few more names that aren't suitable for a profile!
Connect with me on Google+, Facebook, Pinterest

Meet Jan Kearney

I believe that every business, no matter how small or how local can use the power of the web to gain more customers. I offer no bull coaching and mentoring so small business owners can strategically put the web to work for their business. I've been called a "compass" and a "navigator" and probably a few more names that aren't suitable for a profile!
Connect with me on Google+, Facebook, Pinterest or Discover More About My Local Business Online…

Also On The Blog…

7 Useful image optimisation tips for search and social media

7 Useful Image Optimisation Tips For Search And Social Media

A web page without an image is almost naked, missing something, a finishing touch. Basic image optimisation can transform your web pages, product … [Read More...]

50 Fabulously free stock photo sites to bling up your blog

50 Fabulously Free Stock Photo Sites To Bling Your Blog

Not all of us have photographic talent. Creating your own photo images for your website, social updates, blog or presentations is HARD.  When the … [Read More...]

Is your business website Google-worthy in 2016?

Is Your Business Website Google-Worthy In 2016?

Creating your own local business website is never an easy task, especially when the guidelines change regularly. As always online, the only thing you … [Read More...]

Jan Kearney
and My Local Business Online
Helps small business owners get to grips with the web and get found online.
2 Stanley Villas, Greenway Road, Runcorn, Cheshire
Phone: 07847 554418

You need to know

This website uses cookies. By continuing using the site, you are agreeing to the use of cookies. Info on the cookies used can be found in my privacy policy.

Jan Kearney is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk.

More Info

  • Contact Me
  • About
  • Privacy

Copyright © 2022 · My Local Business Online · WordPress · Log in