Keywording… This is probably the least attractive aspect of the microstock process. However if you want to make a buck, you should better strap in and get typing. If you want people to find and buy your images, picking relevant keywords is vital. There is no way I can make this more fun for you, but I will try to make it easier, so read on!

When keywording, always try to describe your images. For instance, an image of a woman eating an apple will provide you with the following base keywords: woman, eating, apple. From there elaborate on what you have. If the apple is green add “green”. If the woman is smiling add “smile”. Is she a blond, brunette or redhead? What is she wearing? Where is she eating the apple? The apple can also stand for “healthy (lifestyle)” etc. I usually try to incorporate about 50 keywords per image.

You should however also try to avoid keyword spam. For example do not say the woman is eating the apple in Paris and add “Paris” as a keyword, unless you have something like the Eiffel Tower in the background of the image which justifies its use. In essence do not add keywords that have nothing to do with the image. Most agencies will be able to pick up on that and as a result might deactivate your account if you try and spam your way into the results.

Keywording is very time consuming and it can be difficult to come up with 50 keywords for each picture, but have no fear! Top microstock photographer Yuri Arcurs has provided us with a powerful aid. His keywording tool will allow you to search for a specific image like any other potential buyer would do. From the results, select the images most resembling your image. Click proceed and voila, a list of keywords you will be able to use for your images.

Copy and paste the keywords into your IPTC “keywords” data field (all the big agencies will be able to read your IPTC data) in Adobe Bridge, add a title and a description and start uploading!