Many business owners see custom visuals as a cost, rather than an investment. Custom-branded visuals create a cohesive, professional brand image that improves credibility, builds trust, attracts your ideal audience, and boosts engagement—delivering long-term results for your marketing efforts.


There is evidence suggesting that custom visuals can provide a better return on investment compared to generic stock images in terms of engagement, trust, and brand recognition. Here are some key insights:


Engagement

  • Custom visuals tend to drive higher engagement rates compared to stock images: A case study showed that replacing generic stock photos with custom images resulted in a 161% increase in conversions4. This significant boost demonstrates how custom visuals can more effectively capture audience attention and drive action.
  • Custom illustrations allow brands to communicate ideas and emotions more effectively, potentially leading to stronger campaign results2. By focusing on the core message rather than generic image details, custom visuals can resonate more deeply with the audience.


Trust and Authenticity

  • Custom photography and illustrations contribute to building trust and authenticity: Custom photos provide a unique and genuine representation of a brand, while stock photos can come across as generic if not chosen carefully. This authenticity can lead to higher engagement and trust from the audience.
  • Custom visuals allow for deeper emotional connections with the audience, as they are tailored to represent the brand's specific identity and values1. This emotional resonance can foster stronger relationships with customers.


Brand Recognition

  • Investing in custom visuals can enhance brand recognition: Custom photography gives marketers complete control over the image quality and storytelling elements, allowing for a consistent and recognizable brand image across all platforms3.
  • By creating a unique visual library, brands can differentiate themselves from competitors who may be using the same stock images. This distinctiveness can lead to improved brand recall and recognition.


Long-Term Value

  • While the initial investment in custom visuals may be higher, they often provide better long-term value: Custom photos become timeless assets that can be repurposed across various platforms and campaigns1. This versatility can lead to cost savings over time.
  • The exclusivity and tailored fit of custom visuals to a brand's narrative can potentially lead to higher engagement and trust from the audience in the long run.


While specific ROI metrics may vary depending on the brand and industry, the overall consensus is that custom visuals tend to outperform generic stock images in terms of engagement, trust, and brand recognition. Brands should consider their specific needs, budget, and long-term goals when deciding between stock and custom visuals, potentially using a mix of both to achieve the best results.


Ready to invest in your brand’s future? Let’s create visuals that elevate your marketing and increase ROI! Contact me to learn more!