If you are wondering how to optimize images for SEO and why you should be doing that, then you are in the right place. We will show you the importance of this type of optimization and what are the tips best to do it right.
Images can be used to increase web traffic, generate leads, and improve conversion rates if they are optimized properly. This also reduces page loading times, which can lead to a higher SERP ranking for your website.
To be more precise, the question isn’t ” Why should my images be optimized?” but ” What should I do?”
RESIZE YOUR IMAGES
There are many factors to be aware of when optimizing images for SEO. First, ensure the images match the content of your website. It is also important to use the correct keywords when naming and formatting images. These are just a few of the many elements you need to be aware. We will provide an in-depth explanation of each in this article.
Let’s now learn how to resize images.
Pick the right format
First, decide on the format for your image. The purpose of the image will determine the format. The most popular formats are JPG, GIF and PNG. JPG is best for artwork and photographs, while PNG can be used for logos, flat images and icons.
Compress the images
Blurred images can be caused by overcompressing. You can also have a large file if you don’t compress enough.
It would be ideal if there was a balance in compression. Optimizing your site for Google and users simultaneously is the best SEO strategy.
Photoshop is a software that can optimize your images. You can choose to ‘Save for Web’ which produces optimized images for web pages. You can save the photos as small as possible, without losing quality.
You can also use plugins such as WP Smush if your website is hosted on WordPress. It helps reduce file size and quality.
USE HIGH QUALITY PHOTOS
When it comes to images, the rule of thumb is quality above quantity. Use high-quality images over many poor ones. Google prefers high-quality images over those of low quality to add authenticity to articles.
Good-quality images are essential for any site, even if you don’t consider the SEO of images. Your website’s appearance will be improved by the way you present your photos.
To create unique and original images for their website, most marketers hire a photographer and a graphic designer. This option is valuable, but it can be costly. Not every web designer can afford to do this.
If this is the case, you can purchase stock photos from an established agency. 42% of marketers believe stock photos are the most commonly used visual type. Stock photos can help improve your site’s visual appeal without costing too much. Reliable stock photo sites will not permit you to copyright.
SEO-FRIENDLY ALT TEXT TO IMAGES
Search engines can index pages that are SEO-friendly by using alt-texts. Search engines will display these alt-texts on their results pages, which improves the CTR.
Alt-text is also available when the visual does not load properly on a screen. Alt-text is also useful for visually impaired users, as screen readers can read the text aloud to them.
It is a great idea to optimize images using SEO-friendly alt text.
Here’s how it works:
Include keywords in alt-texts
Keywords in alt text can help search engines quickly identify an image. Images are often indexed using their filename.
Keep it smart but relevant
Your alt text should not be too long. Keep it relevant to your image. Ideal is to use no more than 15 words.
Link to other page
Alt texts can be used to improve the link structure of your site. You can use alt texts to improve your site’s link structure, for example:
<img src=”puppy.jpg” alt=”Golden retriever puppy!”/>
The code above links to the Leads page of the site.
Google also provides information about what an alt text with this image is.
This means that you must ensure that the alt text of each image contains the keywords you are looking for.
If you optimize your website to include the keyword “Christmas decorations tips”, don’t use alt text that reads “image.” Instead, add keyword like “Christmas decorations tips.”
Important to remember that Google will not display images if they can’t recognize them.
MAKE SURE YOUR IMAGES HAVE A PERFECT FILE NAME
A proper file name can improve SEO performance as search engines are able to quickly identify and index images.
If your visitors want to download the image, the file name will help them find it. You should ensure that the file name matches the image to maximize SEO results.
A random file name will be used to download an image file. For example, IMG11111.jpg. However, this file name is difficult to understand by your visitors. Instead of confusing search engines and users, you can use descriptive file names.
For example, if your picture is about “dog breeds,” the file name should be “Dog-breeds.jpg”
Google prefers descriptive file names. This means that you should include words that are related to the image’s contents.
OPTIMIZE WEBSITEMAPS FOR IMAGES
A sitemap, as you might already know is a file that Google uses to understand the pages on your site and how they link together. The media files should follow the same protocol.
You must include an image in your sitemap if you upload a photo to your site. Google will be able to identify the photo and its location on your site by including it in the sitemap.
Let’s say you don’t include images in the sitemap. Google might decide that the page with your photos is missing or has only text.
CONCLUSION
Don’t forget SEO optimization for your images. Make sure the alt tag text is informative. Make sure the image file name is relevant and that it is included in your sitemap. Finally, you can improve the appearance of your site by using high-quality images.
After you’ve followed these tips, go to Google’s pageSpeed Insights tool. This tool will test your images and show you how they perform. Google will rank your site higher in search results if the images load quickly.