It’s no secret that we live in a digital world! We can connect to the rest of the world at our fingertips. The truth is, if you are not sharing your work online than you are probably not getting noticed. Utilizing social media and other digital platforms to showcase your work is one of the best ways to grow your brand. Unfortunately, nearly everything you post whether it’s a photo, blog, tip etc. can be stolen in a few seconds. So what can you do to protect your work online? We’ve got a few tips!
1. Watermark your photos. Before you post any of your work online, be sure to add a watermark to protect your work. A subtle watermark can prevent misuse or mishandling of your photo. There are a lot of programs out there that allow you to add watermarks. We highly recommend Phonto, a free app that allows you to completely customize and place your watermark on every photo.
2. Add a copyright disclaimer to your website. When showcasing your online portfolio on your website, be sure to add a copyright statement in your terms of service. The most common way to do this is to add it in your website footer using the ever familiar © symbol. Consult an attorney for professional advice on what should and should not be included in your copyright based on your product and services.
3. Practice what you preach! Remember to abide by copyright laws on your accounts. It’s great to support others and share their work…just make sure you do it the right way! Programs like Instagram’s Repost app make it easy for us to share work from others while giving proper attribution. If you aren’t sure, just ask! There might be times when you see a photo of someone’s work that would make a great feature your blog. If you are ever going to use someone else’s work as part of your brand, make sure you have permission. Send a quick email or message asking if you can use the photo and be sure to explain the context.
Even with all the copyright laws in place, it’s important to remember that if you decide to share something online, you can consider it public. Though no one ever has the right to steal your photos or work, if something seems too personal or sensitive, don’t put it online. We live in an age where everything is digital and that’s not going to change anytime soon!
