I haven't watermarked my photos in a while BUT when I did.. I would actually place it horizontally across the picture so it can't just be "cut out".

You could also put it across the middle of the photos as well if you want.

I use to put my phone number so they knew who they needed to call but the email is fine too as mapleaf said.

The others, although may work...

I've actually seen them (scammers) use watermarked photos... they just don't even care... all they need is one to fall for it to make any money.

I use a free software called "Star watermark". you can google it.

I use my company name and my company phone number as the water mark and place it smack dab in the middle of the picture.

I put the email address that is in the ad that they are instructed to use for first contact.

Right across the middle, in a contrasting color, so it's legible.

CDM,

Watermarking is an absolute MUST when online to protect your customers and make sure the app fees, etc flow thru YOU!

If you want them coming to you, gotta wantermark.

I recently posted about photos I forgot to watermark were highjacked by a scammer who was taking $80 apps fees using my name from his ad and phone on FB Marketplace.

I use a free program VisualWatermark.com.

Like jonny and Bonanaza said, put the watermark up in the main part of the photo so it cannot be trimmed off. I use a transparent gray so the photo still shows thru and our name, is obvious and classy but not obnoxious, still easy to read.

Some LLs blast their name across the photo, more important then the room but I don't think that looks professional.

I use our website URL but I'm considering adding our text number. I just don't want a million texts coming in.

Probably going with 'Apply Online at www.GraysonProp.com'.

Even tho my Zillow ads say to apply on our website we still get "hundreds!" of Zillow messages "Please send application" from their automatic button. Maybe my new watermark would help.

I cannot totally stop scammers. They will continually find ways to beat any system, but I DO want interested folks coming to us, not detoured and cheated by scammers.

Our biggest known scam was $1500 deposit money from the Domestic abuse shelter paid to a scammer using MY name on a printed lease from RocketLawyer.com.

Landlord onward!

CDM,

Watermarking is an absolute MUST when online to protect your customers and make sure the app fees, etc flow thru YOU!

If you want them coming to you, gotta wantermark.

I recently posted about photos I forgot to watermark were highjacked by a scammer who was taking $80 apps fees using my name from his ad and phone on FB Marketplace.

I use a free program VisualWatermark.com.

Like jonny and Bonanaza said, put the watermark up in the main part of the photo so it cannot be trimmed off. I use a transparent gray so the photo still shows thru and our name, is obvious and classy but not obnoxious, still easy to read.

Some LLs blast their name across the photo, more important then the room but I don't think that looks professional.

I use our website URL but I'm considering adding our text number. I just don't want a million texts coming in.

Probably going with 'Apply Online at www.GraysonProp.com'.

Even tho my Zillow ads say to apply on our website we still get "hundreds!" of Zillow messages "Please send application" from their automatic button. Maybe my new watermark would help.

I cannot totally stop scammers. They will continually find ways to beat any system, but I DO want interested folks coming to us, not detoured and cheated by scammers.

Our biggest known scam was $1500 deposit money from the Domestic abuse shelter paid to a scammer using MY name on a printed lease from RocketLawyer.com.

Landlord onward!

Thanks for the advice, everybody. I got a Google Voice phone number and watermarked the photos with "Learn more about this property: Text or call (Google voice number) Email (disguised email address)."

I use Visual Watermark, which I already own because I watermark all the photos I post on my quilting blog. Makes it easy to watermark a bunch of photos in a batch.