Author Topic: I quit microstock and you can too! (Read 26826 times)

stockmarketer · « **Reply #25 on:** October 18, 2015, 07:29 »

My earnings are down 20% this year. And my port is about 20% larger than it was last year. VERY discouraging, so the OP's feelings are dead on with me.

I've been thinking about this a lot lately. What's the future of microstock if every contributor starts seeing 20% reductions year after year, despite pouring many hours every day into this?

Not only will experienced microstockers give up, but why would a newbie even start? If new uploads don't sell anywhere, a newbie must see no reason to put time into this if there's no ROI.

Which leaves the hobbyists, those who are just happy to put their pictures online, and if they make a sale, it's gravy. These can't be the contributors the agencies want. They certainly won't attract buyers. (I'm sure there are talented hobbyists out there, just like the odd singer on karaoke night surprises you with genuine talent, but they are the exception.)

I used to see microstock through rose-colored glasses and I couldn't envision a future where it would all go down in flames, but my glasses are now shattered and I feel blind. I can't see the future anymore, and I can't see a reason to do this much longer. Like the OP, I may need to rub my eyes, face a different direction and find something more rewarding to do with my time.

anathaya · « **Reply #26 on:** October 18, 2015, 07:54 »

Quote from: stockmarketer on October 18, 2015, 07:29

...find something more rewarding to do with my time.

I have the same feelings. Forget about the production cost, this cannot even compensate your time now. So it is definitely the time to find something more rewarding to do with our time.

Mantis · « **Reply #27 on:** October 18, 2015, 08:23 »

Quote from: anathaya on October 18, 2015, 07:54

Quote from: stockmarketer on October 18, 2015, 07:29
...find something more rewarding to do with my time.

I have the same feelings. Forget about the production cost, this cannot even compensate your time now. So it is definitely the time to find something more rewarding to do with our time.

Most of my time has been with video in the last year. I haven't shot a still production in at least a year except when I am in the midst of a video shoot and I snap a still "just to have it" to upload. I upload my travel pics and that's about it. But I have stopped buying props, setting up weekend still production shoots, researching still concepts, current affairs, etc. But the crowdsourcing is so vast across all micros that I don't think it will really matter what I do. For every one of me there will be 50 others willing to take my place for a penny download.

PaulieWalnuts · « **Reply #28 on:** October 18, 2015, 08:39 »

I've mostly quit microstock. I still have a few hundred images left down from a couple thousand and haven't submitted anything new for a couple years.

I remember not long after I first started micro in 2007 how I used to check several times an hour and would get so excited watching the sales downloads and earnings go up. I thought at that time there was huge potential and that I could retire on this at some point. Today I really don't even bother to check the micro earnings anymore.

I believe there's still potential in micro for the image factories who can pump out images by the tens of thousands. I only have time to create a handful of images a day and the return isn't there anymore so it no longer make sense for me. I also believe there's still opportunity in macro for the right images with the right agencies.

I've been focusing on my own website and am excited again. I'm no longer concerned with ambiguous royalties. I get 100%. I set my own pricing of dozens or hundreds of dollars instead of a few dollars or a few cents. I have control over my copyright and where my images are used instead of unclear or even unannounced partnering deals. I get renewal revenue for when the license the customer purchased expires instead of perpetual no limits usage.

I'm thankful to micro for giving me the opportunity to learn the business. But time to move on.

lionheart · « **Reply #29 on:** October 18, 2015, 09:20 »

Perfectly worded, Paulie.

Shelma1 · « **Reply #30 on:** October 18, 2015, 10:00 »

Quote from: PaulieWalnuts on October 18, 2015, 08:39

I've mostly quit microstock. I still have a few hundred images left down from a couple thousand and haven't submitted anything new for a couple years.

I remember not long after I first started micro in 2007 how I used to check several times an hour and would get so excited watching the sales downloads and earnings go up. I thought at that time there was huge potential and that I could retire on this at some point. Today I really don't even bother to check the micro earnings anymore.

I believe there's still potential in micro for the image factories who can pump out images by the tens of thousands. I only have time to create a handful of images a day and the return isn't there anymore so it no longer make sense for me. I also believe there's still opportunity in macro for the right images with the right agencies.

I've been focusing on my own website and am excited again. I'm no longer concerned with ambiguous royalties. I get 100%. I set my own pricing of dozens or hundreds of dollars instead of a few dollars or a few cents. I have control over my copyright and where my images are used instead of unclear or even unannounced partnering deals. I get renewal revenue for when the license the customer purchased expires instead of perpetual no limits usage.

I'm thankful to micro for giving me the opportunity to learn the business. But time to move on.

I raised my prices three weeks ago and have already made more in those 3 weeks than I did in any month previously with my own site. By a factor of 4-5 times as much.

I think you have the right idea. I'll be raising my prices further. They're clearly not high enough yet.

Ariene · « **Reply #31 on:** October 18, 2015, 10:12 »

I removed my work from micros last year finally (slow process started in 2013 and even late 2012), some useless files left on SS.
Now I upload only to macro agencies, self pricing agencies, my own website (direct sales) and POD sites and I set up my pricing up to $300. Do I regret? Have no reason as I doubled my income in the first 6 months after the change! I sell less, but I'm more happy with results...

As Paulie said, micro was good to learn the base elements.

gridengine · « **Reply #32 on:** October 18, 2015, 10:14 »

Quote from: Microstockphoto on October 18, 2015, 02:23

Did anyone read all 18 comments of the OP and consider he might be pulling your leg?

+1

Shelma1 · « **Reply #33 on:** October 18, 2015, 10:33 »

Quote from: Ariene on October 18, 2015, 10:12

I removed my work from micros last year finally (slow process started in 2013 and even late 2012), some useless files left on SS.
Now I upload only to macro agencies, self pricing agencies, my own website (direct sales) and POD sites and I set up my pricing up to $300. Do I regret? Have no reason as I doubled my income in the first 6 months after the change! I sell less, but I'm more happy with results...

As Paulie said, micro was good to learn the base elements.

That is fantastic news.

tickstock · « **Reply #34 on:** October 18, 2015, 10:39 »

Quote from: gridengine on October 18, 2015, 10:14

Quote from: Microstockphoto on October 18, 2015, 02:23
Did anyone read all 18 comments of the OP and consider he might be pulling your leg?

+1

Of course he's lying, that's what he does.

Microstockphoto · « **Reply #35 on:** October 18, 2015, 12:09 »

Shelma1 you need to check your meta tag description for your site

It still says 9.99 etc

Shelma1 · « **Reply #36 on:** October 18, 2015, 12:14 »

Quote from: Microstockphoto on October 18, 2015, 12:09

Shelma1 you need to check your meta tag description for your site

It still says 9.99 etc

Ok, great. Thanks for the heads up. None of the buyers noticed, I guess.

Microstockphoto · « **Reply #37 on:** October 18, 2015, 13:10 »

No problem

PaulieWalnuts · « **Reply #38 on:** October 18, 2015, 14:27 »

Quote from: tickstock on October 18, 2015, 10:39

Quote from: gridengine on October 18, 2015, 10:14
Quote from: Microstockphoto on October 18, 2015, 02:23
Did anyone read all 18 comments of the OP and consider he might be pulling your leg?

+1
Of course he's lying, that's what he does.

Even if it's a joke it's a great topic.

People complain constantly around here about micro revenue falling, bad agency deals, and on and on. There are plenty of opportunities out there. If micro doesn't bring money or happiness, do something else that does.

I believe having your own site can have a huge amount of opportunity if you have even a simple business plan. If you have no plan or the plan is "upload all of my images to my site and expect sales" it's the wrong plan.

PaulieWalnuts · « **Reply #39 on:** October 18, 2015, 14:37 »

Quote from: Shelma1 on October 18, 2015, 10:00

Quote from: PaulieWalnuts on October 18, 2015, 08:39
I've mostly quit microstock. I still have a few hundred images left down from a couple thousand and haven't submitted anything new for a couple years.

I remember not long after I first started micro in 2007 how I used to check several times an hour and would get so excited watching the sales downloads and earnings go up. I thought at that time there was huge potential and that I could retire on this at some point. Today I really don't even bother to check the micro earnings anymore.

I believe there's still potential in micro for the image factories who can pump out images by the tens of thousands. I only have time to create a handful of images a day and the return isn't there anymore so it no longer make sense for me. I also believe there's still opportunity in macro for the right images with the right agencies.

I've been focusing on my own website and am excited again. I'm no longer concerned with ambiguous royalties. I get 100%. I set my own pricing of dozens or hundreds of dollars instead of a few dollars or a few cents. I have control over my copyright and where my images are used instead of unclear or even unannounced partnering deals. I get renewal revenue for when the license the customer purchased expires instead of perpetual no limits usage.

I'm thankful to micro for giving me the opportunity to learn the business. But time to move on.

I raised my prices three weeks ago and have already made more in those 3 weeks than I did in any month previously with my own site. By a factor of 4-5 times as much.

I think you have the right idea. I'll be raising my prices further. They're clearly not high enough yet.

That's great to hear and I think is a good example that buyers are willing to pay more for the right image. Or right personalized service. Or easier buying experience. Or whatever the reason was. Buyers will pay more if you add value and give them a reason to. Everyone will have different limits for what a buyer is willing to pay for their work.

I keep on increasing my prices and my sales volume and overall revenue continues to go up. I haven't hit the ceiling yet. And prices need to keep going up to justify the massive costs it takes me to create the images.

Shelma1 · « **Reply #40 on:** October 18, 2015, 14:50 »

Quote from: PaulieWalnuts on October 18, 2015, 14:37

Quote from: Shelma1 on October 18, 2015, 10:00
Quote from: PaulieWalnuts on October 18, 2015, 08:39
I've mostly quit microstock. I still have a few hundred images left down from a couple thousand and haven't submitted anything new for a couple years.

I remember not long after I first started micro in 2007 how I used to check several times an hour and would get so excited watching the sales downloads and earnings go up. I thought at that time there was huge potential and that I could retire on this at some point. Today I really don't even bother to check the micro earnings anymore.

I believe there's still potential in micro for the image factories who can pump out images by the tens of thousands. I only have time to create a handful of images a day and the return isn't there anymore so it no longer make sense for me. I also believe there's still opportunity in macro for the right images with the right agencies.

I've been focusing on my own website and am excited again. I'm no longer concerned with ambiguous royalties. I get 100%. I set my own pricing of dozens or hundreds of dollars instead of a few dollars or a few cents. I have control over my copyright and where my images are used instead of unclear or even unannounced partnering deals. I get renewal revenue for when the license the customer purchased expires instead of perpetual no limits usage.

I'm thankful to micro for giving me the opportunity to learn the business. But time to move on.

I raised my prices three weeks ago and have already made more in those 3 weeks than I did in any month previously with my own site. By a factor of 4-5 times as much.

I think you have the right idea. I'll be raising my prices further. They're clearly not high enough yet.

That's great to hear and I think is a good example that buyers are willing to pay more for the right image. Or right personalized service. Or easier buying experience. Or whatever the reason was. Buyers will pay more if you add value and give them a reason to. Everyone will have different limits for what a buyer is willing to pay for their work.

I keep on increasing my prices and my sales volume and overall revenue continues to go up. I haven't hit the ceiling yet. And prices need to keep going up to justify the massive costs it takes me to create the images.

I was thinking I had to compete with micro prices. But now I see I should really be competing with macro prices. Some people are willing to pay $500 for my vectors on Shutterstock. I think that's the direction to go in. Thanks for your advice here.

PaulieWalnuts · « **Reply #41 on:** October 18, 2015, 15:18 »

Quote from: Shelma1 on October 18, 2015, 14:50

Quote from: PaulieWalnuts on October 18, 2015, 14:37
Quote from: Shelma1 on October 18, 2015, 10:00
Quote from: PaulieWalnuts on October 18, 2015, 08:39
I've mostly quit microstock. I still have a few hundred images left down from a couple thousand and haven't submitted anything new for a couple years.

I remember not long after I first started micro in 2007 how I used to check several times an hour and would get so excited watching the sales downloads and earnings go up. I thought at that time there was huge potential and that I could retire on this at some point. Today I really don't even bother to check the micro earnings anymore.

I believe there's still potential in micro for the image factories who can pump out images by the tens of thousands. I only have time to create a handful of images a day and the return isn't there anymore so it no longer make sense for me. I also believe there's still opportunity in macro for the right images with the right agencies.

I've been focusing on my own website and am excited again. I'm no longer concerned with ambiguous royalties. I get 100%. I set my own pricing of dozens or hundreds of dollars instead of a few dollars or a few cents. I have control over my copyright and where my images are used instead of unclear or even unannounced partnering deals. I get renewal revenue for when the license the customer purchased expires instead of perpetual no limits usage.

I'm thankful to micro for giving me the opportunity to learn the business. But time to move on.

I raised my prices three weeks ago and have already made more in those 3 weeks than I did in any month previously with my own site. By a factor of 4-5 times as much.

I think you have the right idea. I'll be raising my prices further. They're clearly not high enough yet.

That's great to hear and I think is a good example that buyers are willing to pay more for the right image. Or right personalized service. Or easier buying experience. Or whatever the reason was. Buyers will pay more if you add value and give them a reason to. Everyone will have different limits for what a buyer is willing to pay for their work.

I keep on increasing my prices and my sales volume and overall revenue continues to go up. I haven't hit the ceiling yet. And prices need to keep going up to justify the massive costs it takes me to create the images.

I was thinking I had to compete with micro prices. But now I see I should really be competing with macro prices. Some people are willing to pay $500 for my vectors on Shutterstock. I think that's the direction to go in. Thanks for your advice here.

You have some really nice work.

For illustrators you folks have the opportunity to create whatever you can come up with and make it as unique as you want. The more unique the more of a reason a buyer would buy from you. And if you create your own brand and only make your images available through you then you have full control of your prices. Some buyers are willing to pay for the right image. I have better chances of selling one image for $500 than 500 images for $1.

Elenathewise · « **Reply #42 on:** October 18, 2015, 21:35 »

Quote from: Shelma1 on October 18, 2015, 14:50

I was thinking I had to compete with micro prices. But now I see I should really be competing with macro prices. Some people are willing to pay $500 for my vectors on Shutterstock. I think that's the direction to go in. Thanks for your advice here.

That's exactly how I felt before, too! And then I realized what amount of unimaginable crap micro agencies are still accepting every day, and also raised prices on my own website. And seriously, regardless if OP's post is truthful or not, pulling my port from many places where my stuff is sold for subscription pennies alongside someone's phone snaps did cross my mind. One thing for sure, I will be extremely selective to where I submit my new content.

wds · « **Reply #43 on:** October 18, 2015, 21:51 »

Quote from: PaulieWalnuts on October 18, 2015, 08:39

I've mostly quit microstock. I still have a few hundred images left down from a couple thousand and haven't submitted anything new for a couple years.

I remember not long after I first started micro in 2007 how I used to check several times an hour and would get so excited watching the sales downloads and earnings go up. I thought at that time there was huge potential and that I could retire on this at some point. Today I really don't even bother to check the micro earnings anymore.

I believe there's still potential in micro for the image factories who can pump out images by the tens of thousands. I only have time to create a handful of images a day and the return isn't there anymore so it no longer make sense for me. I also believe there's still opportunity in macro for the right images with the right agencies.

I've been focusing on my own website and am excited again. I'm no longer concerned with ambiguous royalties. I get 100%. I set my own pricing of dozens or hundreds of dollars instead of a few dollars or a few cents. I have control over my copyright and where my images are used instead of unclear or even unannounced partnering deals. I get renewal revenue for when the license the customer purchased expires instead of perpetual no limits usage.

I'm thankful to micro for giving me the opportunity to learn the business. But time to move on.

How do you market your site? Is that a big expense for you?

PaulieWalnuts · « **Reply #44 on:** October 19, 2015, 05:19 »

Quote from: wds on October 18, 2015, 21:51

Quote from: PaulieWalnuts on October 18, 2015, 08:39
I've mostly quit microstock. I still have a few hundred images left down from a couple thousand and haven't submitted anything new for a couple years.

I remember not long after I first started micro in 2007 how I used to check several times an hour and would get so excited watching the sales downloads and earnings go up. I thought at that time there was huge potential and that I could retire on this at some point. Today I really don't even bother to check the micro earnings anymore.

I believe there's still potential in micro for the image factories who can pump out images by the tens of thousands. I only have time to create a handful of images a day and the return isn't there anymore so it no longer make sense for me. I also believe there's still opportunity in macro for the right images with the right agencies.

I've been focusing on my own website and am excited again. I'm no longer concerned with ambiguous royalties. I get 100%. I set my own pricing of dozens or hundreds of dollars instead of a few dollars or a few cents. I have control over my copyright and where my images are used instead of unclear or even unannounced partnering deals. I get renewal revenue for when the license the customer purchased expires instead of perpetual no limits usage.

I'm thankful to micro for giving me the opportunity to learn the business. But time to move on.

How do you market your site? Is that a big expense for you?

Marketing hasn't cost me anything. I've spent most of my time on search engine optimization and in the past month I started to promote it through social media. I'm planning to test paid search with Google, Facebook and maybe Twitter starting in the next couple weeks.

weathernewsonline · « **Reply #45 on:** October 19, 2015, 05:28 »

Quote from: wds on October 18, 2015, 21:51

Quote from: PaulieWalnuts on October 18, 2015, 08:39
I've mostly quit microstock. I still have a few hundred images left down from a couple thousand and haven't submitted anything new for a couple years.

I remember not long after I first started micro in 2007 how I used to check several times an hour and would get so excited watching the sales downloads and earnings go up. I thought at that time there was huge potential and that I could retire on this at some point. Today I really don't even bother to check the micro earnings anymore.

I believe there's still potential in micro for the image factories who can pump out images by the tens of thousands. I only have time to create a handful of images a day and the return isn't there anymore so it no longer make sense for me. I also believe there's still opportunity in macro for the right images with the right agencies.

I've been focusing on my own website and am excited again. I'm no longer concerned with ambiguous royalties. I get 100%. I set my own pricing of dozens or hundreds of dollars instead of a few dollars or a few cents. I have control over my copyright and where my images are used instead of unclear or even unannounced partnering deals. I get renewal revenue for when the license the customer purchased expires instead of perpetual no limits usage.

I'm thankful to micro for giving me the opportunity to learn the business. But time to move on.

How do you market your site? Is that a big expense for you?

I'd also like to ask how you get your site discovered by buyers when they are Google searching, assuming a lot of expert SEO but a lot of this takes a long time to learn, I can't write code and don't have the time available to learn. The idea is you want to come up on the front page of Google when a buyer searches for stock footage or stock video of....whatever you have for sale and beyond. That's my problem right now, have nearly 30,000 clips on P5, building up on SS and VB and have a website up which links customers to all three sites my content is on but it needs to get under the nose of every buyer, this is the world wide web, this is a large customer base but how to get my content under their noses so they can at least have a look at it.? Starting to think that maybe SEO should be my priority instead of filming new content, I already have a fully stocked store.

weathernewsonline · « **Reply #46 on:** October 19, 2015, 05:44 »

Quote from: stockmarketer on October 18, 2015, 07:29

My earnings are down 20% this year. And my port is about 20% larger than it was last year. VERY discouraging, so the OP's feelings are dead on with me.

I've been thinking about this a lot lately. What's the future of microstock if every contributor starts seeing 20% reductions year after year, despite pouring many hours every day into this?

Not only will experienced microstockers give up, but why would a newbie even start? If new uploads don't sell anywhere, a newbie must see no reason to put time into this if there's no ROI.

Which leaves the hobbyists, those who are just happy to put their pictures online, and if they make a sale, it's gravy. These can't be the contributors the agencies want. They certainly won't attract buyers. (I'm sure there are talented hobbyists out there, just like the odd singer on karaoke night surprises you with genuine talent, but they are the exception.)

I used to see microstock through rose-colored glasses and I couldn't envision a future where it would all go down in flames, but my glasses are now shattered and I feel blind. I can't see the future anymore, and I can't see a reason to do this much longer. Like the OP, I may need to rub my eyes, face a different direction and find something more rewarding to do with my time.

Newbies will start and some will do well because they are thinking and shooting stuff we are not thinking to do, it's like any other startup, it's called disruption. I do agree on the point about the hobbyists, in TV news their home videos shot on cell phones is not considered broadcast quality and hundreds of TV cameraman have been laid off because of it, it's free content and broadcasters no longer have standards.

Heck, the stock agencies will not allow any of my shots that have camera movement, had a nice one rejected the other day, ice storm vis nice moving shot starting on the end of a broken tree and up and along the area of destruction, a 30 second walking shot and it was rejected and I was told to.....use a tripod.

I wanted to reply back and remind them it's 2015 and styles have changed, yes we need stuff shot properly but also different styles as well, someone is gonna make a mint one day by starting up a stock agency that allows for stuff like that.

For the record I generally prefer to be locked off on tripod and shoot "properly" but it's what our customers want that matters most.

PaulieWalnuts · « **Reply #47 on:** October 19, 2015, 06:02 »

Quote from: weathernewsonline.com on October 19, 2015, 05:28

Quote from: wds on October 18, 2015, 21:51
Quote from: PaulieWalnuts on October 18, 2015, 08:39
I've mostly quit microstock. I still have a few hundred images left down from a couple thousand and haven't submitted anything new for a couple years.

I remember not long after I first started micro in 2007 how I used to check several times an hour and would get so excited watching the sales downloads and earnings go up. I thought at that time there was huge potential and that I could retire on this at some point. Today I really don't even bother to check the micro earnings anymore.

I believe there's still potential in micro for the image factories who can pump out images by the tens of thousands. I only have time to create a handful of images a day and the return isn't there anymore so it no longer make sense for me. I also believe there's still opportunity in macro for the right images with the right agencies.

I've been focusing on my own website and am excited again. I'm no longer concerned with ambiguous royalties. I get 100%. I set my own pricing of dozens or hundreds of dollars instead of a few dollars or a few cents. I have control over my copyright and where my images are used instead of unclear or even unannounced partnering deals. I get renewal revenue for when the license the customer purchased expires instead of perpetual no limits usage.

I'm thankful to micro for giving me the opportunity to learn the business. But time to move on.

How do you market your site? Is that a big expense for you?

I'd also like to ask how you get your site discovered by buyers when they are Google searching, assuming a lot of expert SEO but a lot of this takes a long time to learn, I can't write code and don't have the time available to learn. The idea is you want to come up on the front page of Google when a buyer searches for stock footage or stock video of....whatever you have for sale and beyond. That's my problem right now, have nearly 30,000 clips on P5, building up on SS and VB and have a website up which links customers to all three sites my content is on but it needs to get under the nose of every buyer, this is the world wide web, this is a large customer base but how to get my content under their noses so they can at least have a look at it.? Starting to think that maybe SEO should be my priority instead of filming new content, I already have a fully stocked store.

Yes, the idea is the higher you show up in Google search for relevant terms, the more traffic, the more buyers. People usually only look on the first page or two of search results and then will refine their search if they're not finding what they need.

Also, are you trying to drive traffic to your site? If so you have the linking idea backwards. You should be using other sites to link to your site. Backlinks are one of the more important things Google looks at to determine the relevance of your site. Linking to other sites from yours is promoting them, not really you. When they get to that site they now can wander off and possibly find someone else's video they like better than yours.

Yes, SEO is extremely time consuming to learn and implement as a strategy. But without it chances are nobody will find your site or files. I've been studying it for around fifteen years.

50% · « **Reply #48 on:** October 19, 2015, 08:07 »

the problem with microstock is that high-cost-productions and highly creative unique work shouldn't be there. People should think twice what to upload there and what not that would be enough.

angelawaye · « **Reply #49 on:** October 19, 2015, 08:21 »

stockmarketer, I feel the same way as you. It is very frustrating to spend lots of time and money on new work and making even less. Right now, I have decided I will only upload to SS. I am not going to upload new content to 123 or Dreamstime anymore. Every month it gets worse and worse even after adding new content every month. Last October 2014 was fantastic but I will make less than half this October 2015.

I can't sleep at night because of the stress of microstock and the decreased sales. Very frustrating. I really don't want a 9-5 job though so I will have to hang on to SS earning for as long as I can...

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Author Topic: I quit microstock and you can too! (Read 26826 times)

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