One of the more common mistakes I see in web design these days is the overuse of stock photography.
It is an instant downgrade on what could have been a great bit of design.
You could have fantastic headings, logos, navigation, useability and copy.
And then plonking ‘that’ cheesy businessperson with the big grin, can instantly unravel all the hard work.
When possible, use original artwork. If you have the resources available, get illustrations done or have a photoshoot done.
If the budget, time or situation doesn’t allow for this, and you need to delve into the boring cookie ...