Website Image Optimization for SEO

2
minutes read
March 4, 2024

TLDR

Image optimization is a critical facet of SEO, primarily because search engines, like Google, prioritize user experience above all. A sluggish page load speed detracts from the ideal user experience, particularly in the era where mobile browsing has surged in popularity. Given that mobile devices inherently possess slower processing speeds compared to desktops, the importance of swift image loading becomes amplified, thereby making image optimization not just beneficial, but essential for fostering a seamless browsing experience on mobile platforms.

5 Tips to improve website image optimization for SEO:

  • Reduce file size. Should be under 70kb if possible.
  • Use the right type. Use png for transparent, svg for icons, all other images should be in jpg or webp.
  • Rename file name to use keywords.
  • Use alt text with keywords.
  • Use original quality images. Do not copy images from other sources. Edit the image if you need to use something existing.

Image Resizer

One of the best image modification resource that we use is Image Resizer.com.

Despite its name, Image Resizer can also compress images to reduce file size and function as an image converter.

Why does website image optimization important for SEO?

Google's SEO algorithm places a premium on user experience, and at the heart of this is the website's loading speed. Optimized images not only ensure faster page load times but also significantly reduce bandwidth and data usage, making the browsing experience smoother, even for users with slow internet connections.

Moreover, image optimization transcends beyond just speed. It plays a crucial role in making the web more accessible. Through the addition of descriptive alt texts and proper file names, it aids visually impaired users, navigating the web through screen readers, in understanding the content better.

Driving Engagement Through Visual Appeal

High-quality and well-optimized images can undeniably elevate the user engagement on a webpage. A visually captivating image, paired with relevant alt texts and captions, can increase the dwell time, possibly leading to higher shares and links, thus sending positive signals to Google's algorithm.

Unlocking the Potential of Image Search

An often overlooked but potent aspect of image optimization is its influence on image search rankings. By meticulously choosing relevant file names and adding structured data, your images can potentially rank higher in image search results, creating an additional avenue to drive traffic to your website.

Conclusion

In conclusion, image optimization is not just a technical requisite but a comprehensive strategy to enhance user experience and accessibility, while also opening up new vistas for traffic through image search rankings. Therefore, to stay ahead in the SEO game, prioritizing image optimization should be an integral part of your strategy, aligning perfectly with Google's emphasis on speed, relevance, and accessibility.

By embracing image optimization, you not only cater to the algorithm's preferences but also forge a path to higher rankings and better engagement, cementing your website's position in the competitive digital space.

let’s work together

start@asolace.com