How to Use Internet Photos and Not Get Sued

Want to avoid an angry face like this?

Then follow these steps to ensure your internet strategies are legal and non-offensive.

 First, people have a short attention span. Wait — did I lose you? I’ll say it again.

**PEOPLE HAVE A SHORT ATTENTION SPAN!**

So if your writing a blog, know that your attempt to engage someone  is competing with THOUSANDS of other things — at the exact same time. This includes Facebook updates, tweets, text messages, email notifications, phone calls, the list goes on.

One of the best ways to break up the monotony and keep someone engaged is by adding pictures– like this…

By using images that are relevant and catchy, you are more likely to keep a reader interested.

Oh- that’s simple! So all I have to do is find images that are related to my subject, and insert them into my blog? Hello — Google Images!

Wait- lets stop there! Far too often people go on Google Images, find pictures they like and use them for their own purposes. The biggest problem with this common practice?

**IT IS ILLEGAL AND YOU COULD GET SUED!**

General rule of thumb– unless it says otherwise, assume every photo you find on the internet is copyrighted. So either you would have to get permission from the owner to use the photo, or purchase available photos online.

Sound like a pain? Yes, it is! But wait — there is hope!

There are sites that make it easy for you to use photos, while avoiding legal lawsuits! Here are the names:

MorgueFile.com– Type in a keyword and search their inventory of free photos available for use.

Creative Commons– You can use the photos as long as you follow the specific guidelines of the photographer.

Unsplash– Enter your email address and they send you 10 free hi-resolution photos every 10 days.

These are three possibilities that make blogging easy, and could save your professional life– literally!

In close, whenever you share a photo, blog, or engage with people online, have fun, be creative and above all — stay legal!

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Charde' Henderson

Born and raised In the San Francisco Bay Area, Charde' Henderson developed an appreciation for the real estate industry at an early age. Her father, a real estate investor, would take her around every Sunday to visit homesin luxury home markets such as Blackhawk, Danville, Alamo and Diablo. It was there her understanding of the housing industry began. After high school, Charde' studied real estate, and later on received a Bachelors Degree in Comparative Literature from UC Berkeley. She has worked with some of the leading pioneers in social media marketing, and uses her educational and professional training to act as HomeFolio Media's Content Strategist& S.E.O Manager. Charde' currently resides in Pleasanton, CA.

Latest posts by Charde' Henderson (see all)

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