Stock vector images have become a go-to resource for businesses looking to enhance their visual presence without breaking the bank. Due to their versatility and scalability, you can use them across different marketing materials, from social media designs to billboard posters. However, to use such visuals efficiently, you need to know how to pick them right.

Read further to discover the definition of vector images, their key features, and how to choose the right ones to align with your brand identity, appeal to your audience, and meet your business goals.

Source high-quality, licensed stock vectors from Depositphotos

What exactly are images in vector format?

Stock vector images are pre-designed, scalable graphics that can be downloaded from special platforms and used in a variety of digital or print projects. They are created using special vector-based software like Adobe Illustrator, one of the best professional software with a 2.73% share in the graphic design tools market. 

Format and other key features of stock vector images

Stock vector graphics are:

• Scalable: they can be resized to any dimension without becoming blurry or pixelated;
• Easily editable: you can usually modify colors, shapes, and other elements in vector-editing software, provided the file allows for it;
• Available in various formats: the most common of them including .AI, .EPS, .SVG, and sometimes .PDF (when saved as vector files);
• Versatile: these images are often used in branding, advertisements, website design, presentations, and other creative works.

How to choose images in vector format for your business needs

Visuals are generally important for businesses, small and large alike. In fact, 34.3% of business content contained visuals in 2023, with numbers most likely to increase in the upcoming years. At the same time, creating visuals for business content is a time-consuming and quite costly task, especially if a brand doesn’t have an in-house designer. That’s why startups and small businesses often opt for stock vector visuals—versatile, scalable, and easily adaptable to their brands’ needs.

Here’s how to pick such stock vector photos properly. 

Match visuals with your brand identity

Chosen visuals should reflect the values, tone, and personality of your brand. They should also align with your existing branding elements, such as logo, color palette, and font style for your marketing materials to maintain a cohesive look. 

Keep audience and their preferences in mind

For instance, a tech startup can be supported by sleek, futuristic designs, while a wellness brand will look better with soft, calming visuals. Also, be mindful of cultural differences or trends that can affect the way your images are perceived. Choose vector designs that are either universally relatable or specifically suited to the audience you’re targeting.

Focus on the quality of vectors

The vector images you choose should be of high quality and well-designed. The files should also be compatible with the software you plan to use. Stock platforms offer a range of file formats, including the most common ones, but if you’re working with software that is too specific or outdated, pay special attention to the formats available. 

Make versatility your priority

This is especially true if your business is on a tight budget. In this case, you’ll additionally benefit from picking visuals that are versatile enough to work in different contexts, from logos and icons to social media graphics and print materials. After all, one such visual can be used several times, saving you costs.

Match visuals to your current needs

For instance, if you use a stock vector image as an icon on your website, opt for clean and simple forms. However, if you are making it a part of your marketing materials, consider choosing more elaborate, thematic images that will align with your promotional messages well.

Focus on originality 

Some popular stock images may be used by multiple businesses, including your competitors, making them less unique. Therefore, you should look for more customizable or less commonly used vectors or ensure that you can tailor them to create something original. In the second case, opt for more adaptable designs; for instance, you can easily change their color, add text, or combine certain elements. 

Keep licensing in mind 

First, make sure the stock vector images come with a clear license that permits commercial use. Some images may be free for personal use but still require a paid license for business purposes. Second, ensure that the chosen vectors are royalty-free: in this case, you won’t be restricted from using them in marketing or commercial materials.

Pay attention to SEO

This tip applies only to vectors used digitally. In this case, it’s important to ensure they are optimized for the web: they load quickly, don’t negatively impact website speed, and display well on all devices. Keeping your vectors visually consistent (the same style and colors) will also work well not only for brand recognition but for SEO, too. 

To sum up 

Understanding the features of stock vector images and selecting the right visuals that align with your brand and audience allows you to create and maintain a strong visual identity and designs without tight deadlines and extensive costs. Follow the tips listed in this article to pick visuals that match your brand’s positioning and audience successfully.