How to Write Keywords That Sell Stock Photos

The Science Behind Stock Photo Keywords

Keywords are the bridge between your images and buyers. Understanding how to choose the right keywords can dramatically increase your download rates and revenue.

Understanding Keyword Types

1. Descriptive Keywords

These describe what's literally in the image:

• Objects (laptop, coffee, notebook)
• People (businessman, child, elderly woman)
• Settings (office, home, outdoor)
• Actions (typing, smiling, running)

2. Conceptual Keywords

These describe the mood, theme, or idea:

• Emotions (happy, stressed, peaceful)
• Concepts (success, teamwork, innovation)
• Occasions (celebration, meeting, vacation)

3. Technical Keywords

These describe image characteristics:

• Orientation (horizontal, vertical, square)
• Style (minimalist, vibrant, monochrome)
• Composition (close-up, wide-angle, aerial)

Research High-Demand Keywords

Use Stock Platform Search

• Go to Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or iStock
• Type keywords related to your image
• Note the autocomplete suggestions - these show popular searches
• Check the number of results for each keyword

Analyze Top-Selling Images

• Find top-selling images similar to yours
• Study their keywords
• Identify patterns and commonly used terms

Use Google Trends

Track seasonal and trending topics that might affect keyword demand.

Keyword Placement Strategy

First 10 keywords: Most important, highest-traffic terms

Keywords 11-30: Related terms, variations, and synonyms

Keywords 31-50: Long-tail keywords and niche terms

Common Keyword Mistakes

❌ Using irrelevant trending keywords

❌ Copying keywords from unrelated images

❌ Ignoring conceptual keywords

❌ Using only generic terms

❌ Forgetting technical descriptors

Pro Tips for Higher Sales

• Update keywords regularly - Trends change, so revisit your portfolio
• Track performance - Note which keywords lead to sales
• Consider buyer intent - Think about the end use (marketing, blog, print)
• Include industry-specific terms - Healthcare, finance, technology, etc.

Automate Your Keyword Research

Manual keyword research for hundreds of images is time-consuming. Use AI-powered tools like CSVGen to:

• Generate relevant keywords automatically
• Ensure consistent quality across your portfolio
• Export to any stock platform format

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