How to optimize website images to improve SEO

Posted on Monday April 22, 2024

Adding images to your website isn't just about improving its aesthetics. By optimizing website images, businesses and content creators can drive better search engine rankings and enhance user engagement. This article explores the untapped opportunities that optimized images provide, from boosting site speed to improving accessibility, all contributing to a formidable search engine optimization (SEO) strategy.

Resize your images

The size of your images directly affects how quickly your website loads. While larger, higher resolution images look impressive, they can also slow down your site and negatively impact user experience. But make the images too small, and the quality may suffer, making them appear pixelated or blurry.

For optimal results, try to keep your website within the following dimensions:

• Homepage banner: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Hero images: 1280 x 720 pixels
• Blog post featured images: 1200 x 630 pixels
• Thumbnail images: 150 x 150 pixels
• Logo: 250 x 100 pixels or 100 x 100 pixels
• Background images: 1920 x 1200 pixels

Choose the best image format

Choose the right file format based on the type of image. For photographs, use JPEG for its compression capabilities while maintaining quality. For graphics and logos, PNG is ideal for its transparency support. Avoid using BMP or TIFF formats, which are large and can affect loading times.

Compress your images without compromising quality

Compressing your images with tools like TinyPNG or JPEGmini can significantly reduce their file size without compromising quality. However, keep in mind that excessive compression can cause the image to look pixelated or blurry, so find a balance between size and quality.

Use better naming conventions

Instead of generic names like "photo_XYZ.jpg," use descriptive filenames that include relevant keywords. Logically naming your images can also make it easier for search engines to understand the context of the image and improve its chances of appearing in relevant search results.

Include alt text and captions

Alt text describes how an image relates to the content on a page and assists visually impaired users in understanding the image's context. Including alt text with relevant keywords can also improve your image's chances of appearing in relevant search results.

In the same vein, captions provide an opportunity to add context and include keywords related to your image. Captions also improve the overall user experience by providing more information about the image, making it a valuable addition to your SEO strategy.

Use unique images as much as possible

Original and unique images not only differentiate your website but also contribute to better SEO. Avoid using stock photos excessively and strive to create or source unique visuals that resonate with your brand and audience.

Have images complement text content

Make sure images align with your text content to create a cohesive and engaging user experience. Use images to illustrate concepts, break up text, and enhance storytelling. When images complement text effectively, it improves readability and encourages longer user engagement.

Test page loading speed

Before publishing your website, run it through tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to check its loading speed. These tools will give you detailed reports on your website's performance and suggestions for improvement regarding image optimization and other on-screen elements.

Remember, each image on your site is an opportunity to boost your rankings, engage your audience, and enhance the overall user experience. If you need more advice regarding SEO, website maintenance, or general IT services, reach out to us today.