Vibrant, attention-grabbing images are crucial for any well-designed website. With countless images available online, it might be tempting to download the first image you find. However, there are two vital reasons why you should always verify the source of an image:
- Copyright Laws – Using images without proper licensing can lead to significant legal and financial consequences.
- Respect for Creators – Every image, even those without formal licenses, was created by someone who deserves recognition.
How to Check the Source of an Image?
As a rule, avoid downloading images from other websites unless they are specifically designed as stock photo sources. These sites will always state the conditions under which their images can be used. Some popular options include paid sites like iStock or Shutterstock, which allow you to post images without giving credit, and free sites like Unsplash or Pexels, which require recognition for their artists.
If you’re unsure about an image’s source, you can check its full metadata using an online tool or run a reverse image search on Google. To do this, visit Google Images, click on the camera icon, and upload the image you want to verify.
How to Credit Your Images in WordPress?
Adding a simple line under the image that tells visitors where it came from usually suffices for copyright purposes. Alternatively, you can place this information in your site’s footer, especially if most or all of your images come from the same source. You can also use WordPress plugins that automate this process. For instance, the Image Source Control Lite plugin (opens in a new window) allows you to display credits over or below the image using post metadata.
If you’re hiring a photographer for a photoshoot, discuss with them how they’d like to be credited on your website. Links placed on your site provide social credit and help boost the photographer’s visibility in search results.
Not sure how to properly give credit for the images on your website? Let us know, and we’ll provide you with the tools needed to get the job done correctly.
Image by Bodo Bertuleit from Pixabay