Watermarking Your Photos

I’m guessing lots of questions are going through your head right now.

Is your first thought, UGH? And, then a flood of other questions. Do I really need to do this to EVERY photo? Then we ask, how the heck do I even do this…. [sigh…]

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What is a Watermark?

A watermark is an identifying image or words on a photo that appears lighter/darker then the photo it’s placed on. Here’s a couple of my photos I’ve done over the years….

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3 Reasons Why You Should Watermark Your Pics

You should try to watermark very photo you post of social media. There’s a handful of reasons why, but here’s 3 key elements of watermarking your photos.

1. No One Can Steal Your photo

This is a common one. Although, I’m here to burst your bubble, there’s lots of dooty-heads out there who will use it anyway! Yep, even with your watermark.

I’m guessing some of you are saying, “so why bother?” Well, even though it’s annoying as all heck, if it has your watermark on it, at least you are still getting your name out there. (Simply reach out and ask them to remove it.)

I shouldn’t have gone all ‘dooty-head” name calling so quick, because some people just simply don’t know it’s wrong. I find that crazy, but some truly don’t know any better.

2. Free Marketing

This is my favorite reason – it’s free marketing for your creative business. It helps build your brand and starts to make (or builds) a name for your business.

My favorite reason is when people see your adorable creations and Google you to find who you are and where they can buy from you.

*Tip: I sometimes brand with just my website. It’s less cluttered and makes it easier to be found.

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3. It says, “this Business is legit!”

That’s right. Adding the watermark adds a level of professionalism to your business.

You very well might be making items on your dining room table, while nursing your newborn and cooking supper, but your business is a REAL business. Just because you work from home doesn’t make it any less of a business. So watermark those pics ladies!

Adding a watermark to your appearance online is one simple step to help grow your brand.

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Tips for Successful Watermarking

Now you know you should watermark your pics, let me share a few things to know for success.

I like to remind creatives that the point of a watermark is simple. To let your customers know about your amazing products. A lot of people cater to the negative and slap the name, logo, or web address across the whole picture that takes away from your product. Makes it look messy and unprofessional. This method is catered to the VERY small few who try to use your photo – “fighting” them doesn’t help you grow.

You will grow faster if you keep it professional. Simply place the watermark in a location that accents your product.

How to Apply a Watermark Easily

There are a lot of ways to technically do this. Lots of apps for your phone and programs for you computer to help you watermark.

I use Photoshop and other Adobe programs. Mostly because this is what I’m using all day long.

On my phone and on-the-go I use the App Canva.

Other programs and apps that you might find helpful:

• Pic Monkey
• Snapseed
• Lightroom from Adobe
• Video: Clips and Ripl are good too

Which one should you use?

There is no right or wrong answer here.

Download a few and play with them. Which one feels easier to you? That’s the one you should use. There’s not a fancy answer here. And if you feel you picked the wrong one, you can easier switch.

Don’t be afraid to pay for he professional app. The Canva one is so much better in the paid version.

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Interested in learning more about helping your business?

Curious about the technical side and some shortcuts to adding your watermark? I have lessons and step-by-step tutorials in my Group along with lots of other tips for running a business.

Be sure to jump on our waitlist for exclusive offers for subscribers! You’ll get a feel of what the Group has to offer so you can see if it would be a good fit.

Time savers are one of the many things we go over in the group. I often call myself the lazy marketer. But really we just don’t have time for all the things as creative business owners.

I have created a little logo I place in my photos. It saves so much time. We talk about some fun ways you can do this for your niche. Here’s a couple of mine.

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How do you watermark your photos? What helps save you time? I would love to hear about below.