Get Free Backlinks by Contributing Photos to Stock Image Sites

The Photo Credit Strategy

Stock photo sites like Unsplash and Pexels get millions of downloads monthly. By contributing your photos with specific credit requirements, you can turn these downloads into backlinks for your site.

How to Set This Up

Step 1: Create Quality Photos

Take original photos that businesses might use:

• Office environments
• Technology and workspaces
• People in professional settings
• Abstract backgrounds
• Product mockups

Step 2: Upload with Strategic Descriptions

When uploading to Unsplash or Pexels, write in the description: "Free to use with credit to [yoursite.com]. Commercial use allowed with attribution."

Make the credit requirement clear but reasonable. Don't be overly restrictive or people will skip your photos.

Step 3: Track Your Image Usage

Set up monitoring to find where your photos appear:

• Use Google Images reverse search monthly
• Try TinEye for more comprehensive tracking
• Set up Google Alerts for your photo titles
• Search for your watermark or filename variations

Step 4: Outreach for Missing Credits

When you find uncredited usage:

1. Take a screenshot as proof
2. Find the site owner's contact info
3. Send a friendly email pointing out the missing credit
4. Offer the simple fix: add a link back to your site

Most people will comply quickly since they want to use your photo legally.

Why This Works

Website owners constantly need fresh images. When they find yours on stock sites, they assume it's completely free. A polite reminder about attribution usually gets you a backlink within days.

Pro Tips

• Upload consistently (2-3 photos per week minimum)
• Use descriptive filenames with your brand name
• Focus on evergreen topics that businesses always need
• Be genuinely helpful in your outreach, not demanding

This strategy works because you're providing real value first. The backlinks come naturally as people want to properly credit useful resources.