The email copy is done. The CTA is strong. The layout looks epic.

Now all that's missing from your email campaign is the image – the visual cue that stops the scroll and sells the click.

Cue the great stock image safari.

You open your favourite stock image site, type in a keyword, and suddenly you're knee-deep in crystal-clear photos of people laughing at salad. Again.

The Image Trap: Where Time Disappears

Finding the right image can feel like sifting for gold in a beach full of glitter. Every search result is high-res, technically sound, and vaguely on-brand. But close enough isn't always good enough.

Especially when your email has less than 3 seconds to grab attention. 

The Image Is The Hook – Not The Punchline

Think of your image as the billboard on the motorway. It's not the whole message, but it has to work at 70 mph.

It should – 

• Grab attention
• Match your message
• Add context without distraction
• Load fast and scale well
• Support SEO (when captioned properly)

Don't Let The Search Engine Slow You Down

Most stock image platforms are built to be quick – but choosing isn't. That's where the real time goes.

Want a picture of an iceberg floating in the sea? Try searching "tip of the iceberg". Specific language leads to faster, more accurate results. Keyword precision saves minutes, sometimes hours, over time.

Search Smarter, Not Harder

Here are some image search tips on how to speed up your image selection process – 

• Use metaphor-based keywords. Think "tug of war" for tension. "Crossroads" for decision-making. "Lightbulb" for ideas.
• Consider spelling variations. Snow plough vs snow plow – such differences matter depending on the platform.
• Create a shortlist of go-to search terms. Save the ones that consistently deliver the goods.
• Use filters. Orientation, colour, background – the more boxes you tick, the less time you waste.

When "Close Enough" Is Good Enough

For email marketing campaigns, where images are often scanned in seconds, your visual doesn't have to win awards. It just needs to support your message and not steal the spotlight.

But for website imagery – especially above the fold – take your time. That image is doing long-term heavy lifting. It sets the tone, builds trust, and if SEO-optimised, can help bring in traffic. Caption it well, alt-tag it smart, and match it to the mood of your copy.

Your Image Shouldn't Be An Afterthought

A powerful image doesn't just sit there – it earns its place.

It complements your copy, supports your message, and nudges the reader forward.

If your image makes someone stop scrolling and makes the copy around it feel more relevant, you've picked the right one.

And if not? There's always another stock search – just hopefully not another hour spent doing it.