An update on RPI and $/dl

This an update of my post published last January about the evolution of  RPI and $/dl across my microstock agencies.

In 2008, my cumulative RPI was quite high (0.82) but constantly went down the second half of the year. In addition my $/dl was  flatlining pretty much all year long.

In 2009, RPI went  up again even if  the  average (0.65) it was significantly lower than in 2008. On the other hand , $/dl gradually  increased to reach $0.95 in december. As my sale volume did not change much compared to 2008, my earnings went actually up (+100 % increase between december 2008 and december 2009).

The increase  in $/dl can be explained by the following things:

• Microstock agencies increased their prices.

• A higher ratio of credit to subscription sales (the amount of pictures sold at Shutterstock  went down between 2008 and 2009).
  

• More  distribution channels:  I distribute my pictures to 16 agencies in 2009 compared to only 10 in 2008.

• Having a bigger portfolio (1000+ pictures) increases the odds of extended licence sales especially at Shutterstock.
  

• A higher  number of best selling pictures (especially on Istock).

24 months evolution of cumulative RPI and $/dl

My microstock Do's and Dont's list

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I put up a non exhaustive list, not in a particular order, of few things that came to my mind about microstock that I organized in a Do's and Dont's list. I wrote this list with pictures I mind but it can be applied as well to a large extent to other medias such videos and illustrations.

Do's

• Do keep uploading
• Do spend time on keyworking
• Do aim to simplify your workflow (by using distribution softwares and platforms)
• Do submit to multiples agencies
• Do prefer quality over quantity
• Do submit small batches of pictures
• Do backup your data regularly
• Do find multiple thematic niches
• Do think about shelf life and seasonality of pictures
  
• Do check your pictures at 200% for spots, chromatic aberration and sharpness
• Do adjust contrast and levels
  
• Do shoot horizontal and vertical
• Do shoot what you like and sell but not always
• Do shoot with the designer in mind
  
• Do learn about new processing techniques and softwares
• Do resubmit pictures if you they worth it
• Do learn from rejections
  
• Do participate in forums and read blogs
• Do research
• Do try to make sense of your stats but not too much
• Do promote your work on social networks
• Do invest in new equipment that potentially can add value
• Do  branch into new activities (illustration,audio,footage)
• Do follow microstock business news

Dont's

• Do not spend too much time on forums and Twitter
• Do not check your stats every minute
• Do not use a compact as a main camera
• Do not take rejections personally
• Do not take only objects isolated on white
• Do not think that microstock is a get-rich-quick scheme
• Do not take the same subject over thousand of multiples angles
• Do not necessarily submit to every new agencies