As businesses struggle to survive during the current pandemic, one thing became clearer than ever: everything is interconnected. If a small retail store fails, its suppliers will also be hit. This is why unity and support are more important than ever.
And large companies are stepping up to keep the global economy running by supporting small businesses. For instance, well known stock images and digital design brands offer free content and tools to help local brands communicate with their clients and create blog and social media content.
How Stock Images Help Businesses Thrive in Difficult Times
After the first shockwave of the pandemic, a lot of business owners had to work feverishly to find ways to keep their business running and retain as many of their employees as they can afford. This means changing short and medium term strategies, finding new suppliers and markets and other core business activities.
It is obvious that there is no time to focus on every aspect of the business, such as social media marketing and content marketing. Yet, these aspects are extremely important, because clients need to be informed and be assured that they can still safely buy the company’s products. Or, if applicable, they need to know that the company is suspending its activity for a while, but will be back as soon as possible.
All these communications require visuals to attract readers’ attention. This is why many stock images and digital editing websites now offer free access to their content and tools to an extent to small businesses.
1. Shutterstock
One of the best known stock images providers has created an entire section dedicated to COVID-19 resources. This section contains, among others:
- Curated collections to help you find relevant images related to COVID-19 visual support, social distancing, working from home and infographics;
- Free stock images, video and audio content to support client communications;
- Tips and insights to help small businesses and freelancers continue their work during this period.
2. iStock by Getty Images
One of the most reputable stock images websites offers nearly 70 free images that cover the most in-demand themes during the Coronavirus crisis, from hygiene habits to social distancing and working from home.
You can opt to download the entire bundle of images or browse them and download only those that you need.
In addition, iStock also offers 33 free backgrounds for video conferencing on the Zoom platform.
3. PantherMedia Emergency Marketing Aid
If you need more support than just free stock images, PantherMedia has the solution for you. The company prepared an Emergency Marketing Aid, which includes, among others:
- 5 free images (with the possibility to raise the number);
- 12 monthly installments with 0% financing for larger orders;
- Free enterprise account for teams;
- Extended Licenses on demand;
- Free image research.
To access this relief package, you need to fill in an online form. You will receive the answer by email.
4. Adobe Creative Cloud
If you already use Adobe Creative Cloud, you can now enjoy 2 months of free access. This offer is available only for existing customers and is not actively advertised by Adobe. This Twitter video will show you the step by step process of accessing your free subscription.
Last, but not least, Adobe Connect offers a 3-month free trial for their video conference platform. This free offer allows you to host a conference with up to 25 participants, sufficient for any small and medium sized business.
As you can see, your small business is not alone in fighting to survive these difficult times. Apart from these free stock images and digital services, other major companies have stepped up to offer support, even financial aid, to struggling small businesses. We will keep you informed of all relevant free resources you may access in the future.