Facebook to Provide Free Photos for Businesses to Use in Ads

Having trouble coming up with your next Facebook ad? No worries. Facebook is here to help.

In an attempt to make it easier for businesses to create a Facebook ad, the company announced a deal with Shutterstock on Thursday that will provide free access to millions of images for use in ads. The photos will be available in Facebook's ad creation tool.

"This is important especially for small businesses who may not have resources for sourcing quality images," Facebook noted in a blog post.

In addition, businesses can use multiple images in different ads to test which ones work best and then place their buys accordingly. Ben Pavlovic, founding partner of VineSprout, a Chicago-based PR firm, says adding such functionality will help small businesses. "Before you had to take your own [photos] or find your own free service," he says. "I also think you have companies out there that wouldn't think twice about pulling a Google image." Pavlovic says photos are an integral element. "Just in terms of engagement, finding the right image can make or break your ad," he says. Read more...