German entrepreneur Amos Struck has developed a WordPress plugin that allows users of the popular blogging platform to seamlessly search, purchase and insert microstock images into posts without leaving the WordPress interface. The Microstock WordPress Plugin currently works with Fotolia, but Struck told Selling Stock that he is working on deals with other microstock providers.
Heavily involved in information technology—as managing partner of his own B2B trading portal IT Stocklist and head of the HP Renew sales team at H&G Hansen & Gieraths—Bonn-based Struck also runs Fotoskaufen.de. The Web site reviews and compares microstock agencies for German-speaking buyers and provides related information.
The launch version of the Microstock WordPress Plugin was developed based on the open Fotolia API. Though the plugin’s technology is totally independent, Struck still approached Fotolia and secured permission to use its API in this fashion. “We selected Fotolia because of its superb technology. If more agencies concentrated on this kind of Web 2.0 feature, it would definitely help their photos sell better,” said Struck, who plans to pursue iStockphoto next.
WordPress users can download and use the plugin free of charge. A Fotolia account with available credits is needed to log in to the microstock Web site via the plugin and make purchases. Struck stresses that the connection between the two entities and all user information are secure. Detailed English and German-language instructions and screenshots are available online.
If new buyers join Fotolia through the Microstock WordPress Plugin, its makers will receive commissions on purchases. “We don’t get a commission if the user is already a Fotolia member, but we are not planning to make this plugin a paid service—it will remain free, and we will continue working to improve it. It’s our gift back to the microstock community, whose members truly support each other with help, ideas and information,” said Struck.
Modesty aside, if the plugin generates sizable traffic to Fotolia and other future partners, Struck’s earnings can be substantial. But the biggest winners will, of course, be the microstocks.