Selling AI-Generated Images

How To Beat Competitors in Selling AI-Generated Stock Images?

by Jarmo Piironen

Are you into selling AI-generated stock images? If so, then you know how competitive the market has become.

With masses of new creators out there all pushing out new content, it’s important to find ways to stand out from the crowd and stay ahead of your competitors in order to become successful.

If you’re looking to gain an edge and up your sales game with AI-generated stock images, then this blog post is for you!

Here we’ll discuss some of the key strategies and tactics you can use to beat competitors in selling AI-generated stock images.

And the last tip in the post is the most important so read the article until the very end!

Further Reading:

Emphasize Quality Over Quantity

Most generative AI creators focus on quantity when producing AI-generated stock images and push out as many images as possible in the hope of a quick buck.

However, prioritizing the quality over quantity of your AI-generated images is a better strategy for success.

By producing high-quality, visually appealing images that are flawless, you can attract more buyers and differentiate yourself in the competitive market.

This includes ensuring the anatomical correctness of details, such as hands and eyes in images of people, which adds to the realism and appeal of your images.

Furthermore, by removing any distracting objects and leaving ample copy space, you enhance the usefulness and quality of your images.

This meticulous attention to detail not only ensures the production of better images but also significantly increases their overall saleability, making them a more attractive option for potential buyers.

AI-generated image of a man hands up. The right hand has 6 fingers.
Generative artificial intelligence has a curious talent for giving people a slightly peculiar anatomy. Hands, in particular, can be quite the mesmerizing masterpiece… or not.

Follow Trends And Anticipate Coming Events or Holidays

Keeping up with the latest global trends is super important in the AI-generated image-selling game.

Why? Because it helps you create content that’s in line with what people are currently digging, which means more potential buyers for your stock images.

Staying on top of trends and creating fresh, relevant images gives you an advantage over the competition.

Don’t just pour out stock images without a plan, but instead think strategically 2-4 months ahead.

For instance, if Christmas is approaching, you can create positive images that are relevant to the upcoming holiday season.

By staying ahead of trends and anticipating the needs of potential buyers months in advance, you stand a greater chance of making more money from selling AI-generated stock images.

It’s all about being proactive in this game to keep your success streak going. So, don’t just go with the flow, ride the wave before it even hits!

chart of the popularity of the keyword "christmas" over a year
The keyword “christmas” starts rising in popularity already in September and peaking in December. Source: IStock visual GPS Insights

Master Prompt Engineering To Make Better AI-Generated Stock Images

Take a moment to really dive into the art of crafting prompts. It’s not just about jotting down a quick idea, it’s about mastering the parameters and being precise and thoughtful.

This skill can be a game-changer for you, especially if you’re looking to design stock images that resonate with the buyers and serve their needs better.

Think about it, AI-generated images are flooding stock media websites right now. The downside? A lot of these images are starting to look eerily similar – almost like they were cloned. But here’s where you can turn things in your favor.

By getting better at writing prompts than your competition, you have the power to create images that are truly unique. Your images won’t just be another drop in the ocean of AI-generated visuals, but they’ll stand out, catching the eye of those browsing through.

So, why not take a bit of time, learn prompt engineering from top to bottom, and add a whole new level of creativity to your work?

Trust me, it’s totally worth it!

The Midjoureny AI-Image Generator boasts an impressive array of parameters that allow you to wield complete control over your prompts. Mastering these parameters will give you a distinct advantage over your fellow contributors, setting you apart as a true trailblazer in the field.

Keep Up With The Generative AI Technology

The world of Generative AI is always on the move, constantly growing and changing.

It’s like a never-ending race where new technological advancements pop up every other day.

As an AI stock image contributor, it’s important to keep yourself updated with these developments, especially those related to AI image generation technology.

Just think about it – the better your understanding and mastery of these advancements, the more competitive edge you gain over others.

It’s just like sharpening your tools before a big project. And when it comes to delivering top-notch stock images, this improved skill set can make a world of difference!

So, whether you’re a beginner or a more advanced contributor, remember to keep learning and enhancing your skills.

Staying ahead in the AI game not only sets you apart from the competition but also allows you to deliver superior-quality stock images.

Know Who Are “The Buyers”

To ensure your AI-generated stock images outperform those of your competitors, it’s crucial to comprehend who the buyers are and what they’re seeking.

Are they corporate professionals in need of compelling visuals for their presentations? Or perhaps they’re digital marketers seeking unique imagery to captivate their audience’s attention?

Understanding buyers’ needs is critical for success in the stock image market.

Begin by investigating your target industry to understand the type of images they’re using in their presentations or marketing campaigns.

This will allow you to create images that not only fulfill their requirements but also resonate with them on a deeper level.

Read this post to get to know who the buyers are: Who Buys Stock Photos and Why?

Companies use a lot of stock images in their presentations. This example is from Nokia 2022 Annual report.

Do Keyword Research To Find Opportunities

Keyword research is a key part of getting your AI-generated images on top of the search results.

Not only will it help you discover keywords to add to your images but also reveals valuable insights about what type of AI-generated stock images are not covered.

The best places for keyword research are stock media libraries. By analyzing different search terms in these libraries, you can find areas that don’t have a lot of content, variety or quality is low.

This is where you can come in. By finding these gaps in the market, you can make your AI-generative stock images fit these needs. This gives you a unique edge over others.

You can already find over 700,000 AI-generated stock images for the keyword “Christmas” in Adobe Stock. Just because it’s already packed with images doesn’t mean your Christmas pics can’t sell. But to stand out, make sure your images are better or add a unique touch.

Don’t Overlook The Keywording of Your AI-generated Images

When it comes to managing your AI-generated stock images, It’s super important to thoughtfully and accurately include all the relevant keywords. This is the most

important aspect to make your images easily discoverable by potential buyers.

Imagine the buyer out there looking for the perfect image, but they just can’t seem to find it. That’s where accurate keywords come in! They’re like signposts directing potential buyers straight to your work.

Keywording isn’t something to rush through. If done carelessly, it can unintentionally sabotage your efforts. If you miss important keywords, your images might not reach the audience they deserve.

Making the keywording carefully takes you a step ahead of those who rush through the process.

So, take your time, do your research, and make sure every keyword you use helps your unique creations stand out in the bustling market. Your attention to detail could be the difference between vanishing in or standing out from the crowd.

Rushing through the keywording process could mean that you miss important words and phrases that could be vital to buyers finding your images.

Add Variations On The Titles and Keywords

AI-Generative Images, which share a common theme or concept, should ideally be assigned distinct titles.

Additionally, it’s beneficial to incorporate some variety in the keywords in each image as well.

These tactics can serve to attract a wider range of potential buyers.

When you diversify the titles and keywords for each AI-generated image, you make it easier for interested buyers to discover your work through various search terms.

By ensuring that no two images share the exact same title, you allow for a broader range of search results, thereby increasing the visibility of your stock images.

Also, by lightly mixing keywords that accurately describe each image, you enhance the likelihood of your work appearing in diverse searches. This means that even if a buyer is using different search terms, they are still likely to come across your images.

In summary, giving unique titles and using a variety of keywords for your AI-generated images can help to increase their visibility, making them more accessible to a larger pool of potential buyers.

Take advantage of Adobe Stock’s keyword suggestion, but don’t solely depend on it. It usually misses important keywords and the titles tend to be really bad.

Optimize Post-Processing Workflow

Ensure your post-processing workflow is optimized for maximum efficiency.

This will help you deliver images faster and in larger numbers, which can give you a competitive edge in the market.

Upscaling, sharpening, and some adjustments are required for AI-generated images.

By utilizing the actions in Photoshop you can speed up your post-processing workflow and produce more images.

Forget external upscaling and sharpening tools. You don’t need them. Photoshop does just fine and allows you to automate some of the processes.

Stay Consistent and Be Patient

When it comes to selling stock images in general, the most important tip I can give you is to stay consistent.

Selling AI-generated stock images is no different from selling regular stock images—it takes time and effort to see results.

That means regularly uploading new images and creating a high-quality portfolio with thousands of images.

If you’re just starting out with selling AI-generated images, it might take over a year to see results. But don’t worry! Use this time to keep uploading new images and learn what sells and how the stock image market works.

Most contributors are not consistent or patient enough to get the desired results. Uploading weekly or at least monthly keeps you ahead of those who only upload sporadically.

Eventually, your AI-generated images will become a reliable source of passive income. Keep at it!

Your patience will be awarded eventually

Conclusion

In conclusion, the secret to outperforming your competitors in selling AI-generated stock images is to excel in a few key areas that give you a slight edge. By surpassing other contributors in these aspects, you can gain a step or two ahead.

By prioritizing quality over quantity and ensuring anatomical correctness, removing distractions, and leaving copy space, the images can achieve a realistic and professional look.

Additionally, staying updated with global trends and anticipating upcoming events allows for the creation of relevant and captivating content, positioning oneself ahead of the competition.

Mastering prompt engineering enables the generation of unique and exceptional images while keeping up with generative AI technology ensures a competitive edge in the ever-evolving generative AI landscape.

Understanding the target audience and incorporating relevant keywords maximizes discoverability, while optimizing post-processing workflow boosts efficiency, enabling faster image production and more content in the stock media market.

By following these strategies, one can effectively sell AI-generated stock images and stay a step or two ahead of competitors.

Further Reading: