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Author Topic: SS - Important notice about contributor payouts  (Read 47460 times)

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Justanotherphotographer

« Reply #225 on: January 28, 2016, 06:00 »
+3
There are ways to optimize metadata for the SS search engine. Proper titles, proper keywording, long tail keywords. Off the top of my head, there are another 3 more ways to improve the visibility of images even more. On top of that, good optimization will lead to higher image results on Bing and Google, which will lead to more sales and overall better search ranking on SS.
OK, Mr Specialist Subject: The Bleedin' Obvious.
Once you've done that, what do you change when "Search algorithms change all the time. Google change their search algorithm all the time."
The only thing I can think of that would make a difference to placement aside from the obvious is downloading your own images via your work account. Which will of course get you banned quicker than anything else. I am guessing this could be one of the mysterious other methods alluded to. Especially given the knowledge of how many downloads it takes to move work onto whatever page.


Justanotherphotographer

« Reply #226 on: January 28, 2016, 06:10 »
+1
Oh, and I've had an EL, top tier and it's below $28. Should we keep track of how many top tier EL downloads are below the old level? I think so far there has only been one reported above $28.

« Reply #227 on: January 28, 2016, 06:33 »
+2
Oh, and I've had an EL, top tier and it's below $28. Should we keep track of how many top tier EL downloads are below the old level? I think so far there has only been one reported above $28.

on the 26th for 25.22$

« Reply #228 on: January 28, 2016, 08:25 »
+4
There are ways to optimize metadata for the SS search engine. Proper titles, proper keywording, long tail keywords. Off the top of my head, there are another 3 more ways to improve the visibility of images even more. On top of that, good optimization will lead to higher image results on Bing and Google, which will lead to more sales and overall better search ranking on SS.
OK, Mr Specialist Subject: The Bleedin' Obvious.
Once you've done that, what do you change when "Search algorithms change all the time. Google change their search algorithm all the time."
The only thing I can think of that would make a difference to placement aside from the obvious is downloading your own images via your work account. Which will of course get you banned quicker than anything else. I am guessing this could be one of the mysterious other methods alluded to. Especially given the knowledge of how many downloads it takes to move work onto whatever page.

At the end of the day the subject and quality of content and the keywords and title are the only things we contributors really have any real control over. I've got a feeling that apart from those methods, any way of getting better placement with any of the agencies is either against the rules, or has minimal or no effect.

ETA, I thought I'd modified the text to get it back to the right size. Anyone know why it does the tiny text thing when you backspace?
« Last Edit: January 28, 2016, 11:22 by Difydave »

Hongover

« Reply #229 on: January 28, 2016, 10:56 »
0
There are ways to optimize metadata for the SS search engine. Proper titles, proper keywording, long tail keywords. Off the top of my head, there are another 3 more ways to improve the visibility of images even more. On top of that, good optimization will lead to higher image results on Bing and Google, which will lead to more sales and overall better search ranking on SS.
OK, Mr Specialist Subject: The Bleedin' Obvious.
Once you've done that, what do you change when "Search algorithms change all the time. Google change their search algorithm all the time."

The Apple App Store changed their algorithm 5 times on me. The Google search algorithm changed last year which favored responsive sites over desktop only ones. When Google announced their change, I did what I had to do, made the site responsive. But with Apple's recent change that put more weight on titles, we made some title changes and kept the keywords the same.

Even if Shutterstock change its search algorithm again, some of your images should already be prepared for it. And those that are not prepared, be ready to adjust the titles and keywords. If you have a portfolio of 1500, you can updated every image in a day or two. Yeah, it's a lot of work, but you can't just ignore it.

I've updated the metadata for 60% of my images at least TWICE now, some 3 times. When I have free time, I update the metadata for images that are not selling. That's what true SEO is about. You find out what doesn't work and fix those mistakes. And I don't use my work account to download my images. I did that for about 2 dozen images as a test, that's it.

People read my posts and think I'm some BS artist, but if you only look at the your "Image Gallery Stats", you'll see that the keywords people used to find your image are not so obvious. Sometimes it's downright shocking, but that's really the beauty of it. To understand how your users think is one of the keys to good metadata. A little while back, someone asked a question about who enjoys creating metadata...I'm one of the guys who do sometimes. If you hate it, you won't put in the effort to create good metadata.

« Last Edit: January 28, 2016, 10:58 by Minscer »

Justanotherphotographer

« Reply #230 on: January 28, 2016, 11:03 »
+2
.... And I don't use my work account to download my images. I did that for about 2 dozen images as a test, that's it.....

Thought so, thanks.

« Reply #231 on: January 28, 2016, 11:05 »
0
There are ways to optimize metadata for the SS search engine. Proper titles, proper keywording, long tail keywords. Off the top of my head, there are another 3 more ways to improve the visibility of images even more. On top of that, good optimization will lead to higher image results on Bing and Google, which will lead to more sales and overall better search ranking on SS.
OK, Mr Specialist Subject: The Bleedin' Obvious.
Once you've done that, what do you change when "Search algorithms change all the time. Google change their search algorithm all the time."

The Apple App Store changed their algorithm 5 times on me. The Google search algorithm changed last year which favored responsive sites over desktop only ones. When Google announced their change, I did what I had to do, made the site responsive. But with Apple's recent change that put more weight on titles, we made some title changes and kept the keywords the same.

Even if Shutterstock change its search algorithm again, some of your images should already be prepared for it. And those that are not prepared, be ready to adjust the titles and keywords. If you have a portfolio of 1500, you can updated every image in a day or two. Yeah, it's a lot of work, but you can't just ignore it.

I've updated the metadata for 60% of my images at least TWICE now, some 3 times. When I have free time, I update the metadata for images that are not selling. That's what true SEO is about. You find out what doesn't work and fix those mistakes. And I don't use my work account to download my images. I did that for about 2 dozen images as a test, that's it.

People read my posts and think I'm some BS artist, but if you only look at the your "Image Gallery Stats", you'll see that the keywords people used to find your image are not so obvious. Sometimes it's downright shocking, but that's really the beauty of it. To understand how your users think is one of the keys to good metadata. A little while back, someone asked a question about who enjoys creating metadata...I'm one of the guys who do sometimes. If you hate it, you won't put in the effort to create good metadata.


And how much sense does it make to spend this amount of time for such a small return on the sale of microstock images? If you were talking a macro port, i would totally agree with you. And also, this is where it got boring for me. I wanted to spend my time shooting. I didnt want to spend my days as an "seo expert".


Everyone has to decide that for themselves. You are ok with doing that...a lot of other people aren't. Doesnt matter how many times you try to tell them that it is something they HAVE to do.

« Reply #232 on: January 28, 2016, 11:06 »
+12
I've updated the metadata for 60% of my images at least TWICE now, some 3 times. When I have free time, I update the metadata for images that are not selling. That's what true SEO is about. You find out what doesn't work and fix those mistakes.

That just means you didn't do it right the first time.  You don't suddenly say "Oh, this image is a dog wearing a hat - why didn't I keyword it with dog?".  That's not SEO, that's just doing it right.

Hongover

« Reply #233 on: January 28, 2016, 11:08 »
0
.... And I don't use my work account to download my images. I did that for about 2 dozen images as a test, that's it.....

Thought so, thanks.

Welcome.

Hongover

« Reply #234 on: January 28, 2016, 11:15 »
+1
I've updated the metadata for 60% of my images at least TWICE now, some 3 times. When I have free time, I update the metadata for images that are not selling. That's what true SEO is about. You find out what doesn't work and fix those mistakes.

That just means you didn't do it right the first time.  You don't suddenly say "Oh, this image is a dog wearing a hat - why didn't I keyword it with dog?".  That's not SEO, that's just doing it right.

Nobody does it right the first time, not even the best. That's the fallacy of many people, to think that we can do it right the first time. What we can do is improve on our first try, like add the words "food" and "gathering" to a turkey image so it becomes even more visible.
« Last Edit: January 28, 2016, 11:18 by Minscer »

« Reply #235 on: January 28, 2016, 11:29 »
+4
I've updated the metadata for 60% of my images at least TWICE now, some 3 times. When I have free time, I update the metadata for images that are not selling. That's what true SEO is about. You find out what doesn't work and fix those mistakes.

That just means you didn't do it right the first time.  You don't suddenly say "Oh, this image is a dog wearing a hat - why didn't I keyword it with dog?".  That's not SEO, that's just doing it right.

Nobody does it right the first time, not even the best. That's the fallacy of many people, to think that we can do it right the first time. What we can do is improve on our first try, like add the words "food" and "gathering" to a turkey image so it becomes even more visible.


But (arguably) not "food" if it a live turkey, and not "gathering" if the turkey isn't part of a gathering. . .
Or Christmas, Thanksgiving etc. unless  the turkey is part of that celebration in the image.
Most of the folks here who have been doing this for years, do get it right first time. Not every time, but most of the time, because they don't want to spend the time going back over images. After all's said and done the main "what you see" keywords are what gets you most of the sales.

« Reply #236 on: January 28, 2016, 11:38 »
+4
You only confirm what normally happens when the search algorithms are changed.
And such changes can happen "OVERNIGHT" and not only "post IPO".

I find perfectly justifiable to constantly fine tune and improve the search algorithm in order to make easier for customers to find what they need. There are patents and PHD thesis dealing with such algorithms.
Do you expect a company like SS to stick forever to some 10 years old dusty algorithm only because it used to work in your favor?

Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

No I don't, however I DO expect and have earned a level playing field and that changed when they introduced the new search.

If you think that you are superior and smarter and that your port will never be downgraded so that shutterstock can earn more money serving content from new contributors you are in for a shock down the line.


« Reply #237 on: January 28, 2016, 11:42 »
+6
Quit the whining and navel gazing take some positive action and opt out of Enhanced Licenses; I have

The microstock community forced Fotolia's hand on Dollar Photo Club which eventually dissappeared so they can do the same with this SS rubbish  >:(

I don't like the wording (calling complaints whining is dismissive and rude) but I think the recommendation is right. I just opted out of ELs. It means less money in the short run, but I'm willing to give it a shot to see if we can halt SS's looting of contributor royalties before it gets too far gone.

https://twitter.com/joannsnover/status/692752694927167488
« Last Edit: January 28, 2016, 11:55 by Jo Ann Snover »

Hongover

« Reply #238 on: January 28, 2016, 11:44 »
0
I've updated the metadata for 60% of my images at least TWICE now, some 3 times. When I have free time, I update the metadata for images that are not selling. That's what true SEO is about. You find out what doesn't work and fix those mistakes.

That just means you didn't do it right the first time.  You don't suddenly say "Oh, this image is a dog wearing a hat - why didn't I keyword it with dog?".  That's not SEO, that's just doing it right.

Nobody does it right the first time, not even the best. That's the fallacy of many people, to think that we can do it right the first time. What we can do is improve on our first try, like add the words "food" and "gathering" to a turkey image so it becomes even more visible.


But (arguably) not "food" if it a live turkey, and not "gathering" if the turkey isn't part of a gathering. . .
Or Christmas, Thanksgiving etc. unless  the turkey is part of that celebration in the image.
Most of the folks here who have been doing this for years, do get it right first time. Not every time, but most of the time, because they don't want to spend the time going back over images. After all's said and done the main "what you see" keywords are what gets you most of the sales.

Well, the image I was referring to did had a family gathering and a cooked turkey. The obvious keywords are incredibly hard to compete for. If you started early and got placed well with an obvious keyword, you don't have to do anything. If you're uploading an image today, and you're placed at the bottom of a 100,000 image heap, what do you do? You absolutely include the obvious keywords, but it must be accompanied by other longtail and unconventional keywords to help it climb up the ranks.

« Reply #239 on: January 28, 2016, 11:57 »
+1
I've updated the metadata for 60% of my images at least TWICE now, some 3 times. When I have free time, I update the metadata for images that are not selling. That's what true SEO is about. You find out what doesn't work and fix those mistakes.

That just means you didn't do it right the first time.  You don't suddenly say "Oh, this image is a dog wearing a hat - why didn't I keyword it with dog?".  That's not SEO, that's just doing it right.

Nobody does it right the first time, not even the best. That's the fallacy of many people, to think that we can do it right the first time. What we can do is improve on our first try, like add the words "food" and "gathering" to a turkey image so it becomes even more visible.


But (arguably) not "food" if it a live turkey, and not "gathering" if the turkey isn't part of a gathering. . .
Or Christmas, Thanksgiving etc. unless  the turkey is part of that celebration in the image.
Most of the folks here who have been doing this for years, do get it right first time. Not every time, but most of the time, because they don't want to spend the time going back over images. After all's said and done the main "what you see" keywords are what gets you most of the sales.

Well, the image I was referring to did had a family gathering and a cooked turkey. The obvious keywords are incredibly hard to compete for. If you started early and got placed well with an obvious keyword, you don't have to do anything. If you're uploading an image today, and you're placed at the bottom of a 100,000 image heap, what do you do? You absolutely include the obvious keywords, but it must be accompanied by other longtail and unconventional keywords to help it climb up the ranks.
No argument there. The "obvious" keywords are going to be hard to compete with. Unfortunately getting too creative with keywords can just end with spamming, which does nobody any good in the long run. At the end of the day it's better to try to find less obvious "niche" subjects if you can.
 

« Reply #240 on: January 28, 2016, 12:07 »
+1
You only confirm what normally happens when the search algorithms are changed.
And such changes can happen "OVERNIGHT" and not only "post IPO".

I find perfectly justifiable to constantly fine tune and improve the search algorithm in order to make easier for customers to find what they need. There are patents and PHD thesis dealing with such algorithms.
Do you expect a company like SS to stick forever to some 10 years old dusty algorithm only because it used to work in your favor?

Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

No I don't, however I DO expect and have earned a level playing field and that changed when they introduced the new search.

If you think that you are superior and smarter and that your port will never be downgraded so that shutterstock can earn more money serving content from new contributors you are in for a shock down the line.

No, I'm neither smarter nor superior. I'm continuously learning and experimenting.
When my revenue will decline, I will look in the mirror to try and understand what is wrong with my work. I'll do my best to fix the problems, instead of going paranoid  blaming IPO conspiracies, etc.

A clear fact is that our competition is getting stronger every day, the abundance of pictures is driving costs down. So, I am aware that this business is in decline. But again, it has nothing to do with IPOs and other speculations.
My goal is to ride this wave as long as possible.

Btw, when is this "veteran penalty" expected to kick in? The day after you reach top tier, as I read some of your fellow conspirationists claim? The month after? The year after? 2 years after? Do I have to get myself ready to be shocked 3 years after? When?
« Last Edit: January 28, 2016, 12:13 by Zero Talent »

« Reply #241 on: January 28, 2016, 12:10 »
+1
Oh, and I've had an EL, top tier and it's below $28. Should we keep track of how many top tier EL downloads are below the old level? I think so far there has only been one reported above $28.

I think we need a poll to report our results long term


« Reply #242 on: January 28, 2016, 12:19 »
+5
You only confirm what normally happens when the search algorithms are changed.
And such changes can happen "OVERNIGHT" and not only "post IPO".

I find perfectly justifiable to constantly fine tune and improve the search algorithm in order to make easier for customers to find what they need. There are patents and PHD thesis dealing with such algorithms.
Do you expect a company like SS to stick forever to some 10 years old dusty algorithm only because it used to work in your favor?

Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

No I don't, however I DO expect and have earned a level playing field and that changed when they introduced the new search.

If you think that you are superior and smarter and that your port will never be downgraded so that shutterstock can earn more money serving content from new contributors you are in for a shock down the line.

No, I'm neither smarter nor superior. I'm continuously learning and experimenting.
When my revenue will decline, I will look in the mirror to try and understand what is wrong with my work. I'll do my best to fix the problems, instead of going paranoid  blaming IPO conspiracies, etc.

A clear fact is that our competition is getting stronger every day, the abundance of pictures is driving costs down. So, I am aware that this business is in decline. But again, it has nothing to do with IPOs and other speculations.
My goal is to ride this wave as long as possible.

Btw, when is this "veteran penalty" expected to kick in? The day after you reach top tier, as I read some of your fellow conspirationists claim? The month after? The year after? 2 years after? Do I have to get myself ready to be shocked 3 years after? When?

Done squabbling with you, again fairly arrogant if you think we have not asked ourselves those questions, including doing what we can on our end to solve the problem.

I can remember talking in person to someone with a similar attitude, who thought it could never happen to him.

Until it did.
« Last Edit: January 28, 2016, 12:31 by gbalex »

ShadySue

  • There is a crack in everything
« Reply #243 on: January 28, 2016, 12:59 »
+1
There are ways to optimize metadata for the SS search engine. Proper titles, proper keywording, long tail keywords. Off the top of my head, there are another 3 more ways to improve the visibility of images even more. On top of that, good optimization will lead to higher image results on Bing and Google, which will lead to more sales and overall better search ranking on SS.
OK, Mr Specialist Subject: The Bleedin' Obvious.
Once you've done that, what do you change when "Search algorithms change all the time. Google change their search algorithm all the time."
Even if Shutterstock change its search algorithm again, some of your images should already be prepared for it. And those that are not prepared, be ready to adjust the titles and keywords. If you have a portfolio of 1500, you can updated every image in a day or two. Yeah, it's a lot of work, but you can't just ignore it.
Makes no sense. If you have a handle on keywording, which we should get long before 1500 images, there should only ever be a very tiny number where you forgot a keyword (normal human error), at least on an non-CV site like SS.

Quote
if you only look at the your "Image Gallery Stats", you'll see that the keywords people used to find your image are not so obvious.
I'll take your word for it, but these are the words you already thought of; what it can't tell you is whether you missed possible sales because of not thinking of a keyword. And there's always the risk of hacking off buyers from the site if too many searches throw up too many files that they weren't expecting because of very loose keywording, far less loose search algorithm, genuine error or deliberate spamming.

Hongover

« Reply #244 on: January 28, 2016, 13:41 »
0
I've updated the metadata for 60% of my images at least TWICE now, some 3 times. When I have free time, I update the metadata for images that are not selling. That's what true SEO is about. You find out what doesn't work and fix those mistakes.

That just means you didn't do it right the first time.  You don't suddenly say "Oh, this image is a dog wearing a hat - why didn't I keyword it with dog?".  That's not SEO, that's just doing it right.

Nobody does it right the first time, not even the best. That's the fallacy of many people, to think that we can do it right the first time. What we can do is improve on our first try, like add the words "food" and "gathering" to a turkey image so it becomes even more visible.


But (arguably) not "food" if it a live turkey, and not "gathering" if the turkey isn't part of a gathering. . .
Or Christmas, Thanksgiving etc. unless  the turkey is part of that celebration in the image.
Most of the folks here who have been doing this for years, do get it right first time. Not every time, but most of the time, because they don't want to spend the time going back over images. After all's said and done the main "what you see" keywords are what gets you most of the sales.

Well, the image I was referring to did had a family gathering and a cooked turkey. The obvious keywords are incredibly hard to compete for. If you started early and got placed well with an obvious keyword, you don't have to do anything. If you're uploading an image today, and you're placed at the bottom of a 100,000 image heap, what do you do? You absolutely include the obvious keywords, but it must be accompanied by other longtail and unconventional keywords to help it climb up the ranks.
No argument there. The "obvious" keywords are going to be hard to compete with. Unfortunately getting too creative with keywords can just end with spamming, which does nobody any good in the long run. At the end of the day it's better to try to find less obvious "niche" subjects if you can.
 

I wouldn't call it spamming. Certain keywords will always be considered spam when taken out of context. Take for instance: Sunglasses. If you have "ultraviolet" and "protection" as keywords, both words would be considered 'spam' when taken out of context. And yet, they are relevant keywords to the image.

And you know you can't just find a 'niche' if you want to be hugely successful. I'm perfectly OK with competing in certain popular categories if I believe I can do better.
« Last Edit: January 28, 2016, 13:54 by Minscer »

« Reply #245 on: January 28, 2016, 14:03 »
+14
for those who don't follow these things regularly. Our 'partner' is now worth $1.03 billion, ($1,030,000,000).
SSTK@ $28.67 (we might just about have been able to buy a common share with an old style ED). 17 million more ED's and you could control the company.

I'd say our 'partner' is doing rather well. 'Partner' in this context being somewhat analagous to a Hump Back Whale being a partner with a krill. Hump Back's like to crowd source their dinners.


« Reply #246 on: January 28, 2016, 14:10 »
+2
for those who don't follow these things regularly. Our 'partner' is now worth $1.03 billion, ($1,030,000,000).
SSTK@ $28.67 (we might just about have been able to buy a common share with an old style ED). 17 million more ED's and you could control the company.

I'd say our 'partner' is doing rather well. 'Partner' in this context being somewhat analagous to a Hump Back Whale being a partner with a krill. Hump Back's like to crowd source their dinners.

propos on many levels

« Reply #247 on: January 28, 2016, 14:13 »
+2
I wouldn't call it spamming. Certain keywords will always be considered spam when taken out of context. Take for instance: Sunglasses. If you have "ultraviolet" and "protection" as keywords, both words would be considered 'spam' when taken out of context. And yet, they are relevant keywords to the image.

And you know you can't just find a 'niche' if you want to be hugely successful. I'm perfectly OK with competing in certain popular categories if I believe I can do better.


If the keywords are stretching what is actually there in the image, then most people consider it to be spam. What you do is of course up to you and the agencies you submit to.
FWIW, I'd say "protection" as applied to sunglasses is pretty marginal, they're more to do with fashion, and "looking cool" IMHO. You have to ask yourself why anyone searching for "Ultraviolet" would want to find sunglasses, they will want shots of UV light effects, or UV lighting equipment.


Good luck with being "hugely successful", and I sincerely mean that. It's a hard path to tread with so many people who are already successful already there at the top. I think you will find that quality of images, models and concepts, and time spent working hard at getting the largest PF possible will far outweigh the dubious benefits of applying every conceivable keyword to every image.


 

farbled

« Reply #248 on: January 28, 2016, 14:21 »
+2

FWIW, I'd say "protection" as applied to sunglasses is pretty marginal, they're more to do with fashion, and "looking cool" IMHO. You have to ask yourself why anyone searching for "Ultraviolet" would want to find sunglasses, they will want shots of UV light effects, or UV lighting equipment.

And that is why keys are subjective. I can think of many, many reasons for sunglasses to be protective and a good selling keyword. Health and safety, eye protection (outside) and the like are actually quite common in industrial settings and by extension, industrial customers. I once used to work building websites for mining companies and I have done searches for similar things when I used to buy image licenses.

« Reply #249 on: January 28, 2016, 14:28 »
+3
Unless you know something I don't Minscer  its very hard to determine what keywords customer actually search for to retrieve our images on.  SS give some info on what is found and Dreamstime on the search used for the most part the terms are blindingly obvious but in some cases on Dreamstime the search words  have nothing to do with the image WHATSOEVER and do not appear in the keywords. Personally I think time is better spent on creating new images than tweaking existing failures but if it works for you then great.


 

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