Before uploading any image to your website, follow my 5-step image upload checklist so your media is the right size and readable for ADA Compliance.
Photos make your website more interesting and help customers understand your business.
But uploading images the right way is important for:
- Website speed
- Search engine visibility (SEO)
- Accessibility (ADA-friendly websites)
A Simple Website Image Guide for Small Business Owners
Photos help make your website more engaging.
However, you need to take the time to resize, rename, and describe!
I’ve created a simple image guide on how to name images and how to upload them the right way to your website.
Step 1: Resize the Image Before Upload
Photos taken with phones or cameras are often very large files. They can be up to three times wider than the average computer screen!
- Large images = large file size.
- Large images = slow loading pages.
Before uploading an image to your site:
✔ Resize the image width to no more than 2000 pixels
✔ Save the image as a JPG file which is best for photos
Example of sizes for your website:
❌ Camera image size: 6000px wide
✔ Better website size: 1600px wide
Smaller images will help your pages load faster, especially for visitors on mobile phones.
Step 2: Rename Your Website Image File
Before uploading the image to your website, you need to rename the file for two reasons:
- So Google understands what your image shows.
- To be ADA Compliant, a requirement for all websites.
Do not upload images with camera file names.
❌ IMG_4821.jpg
❌ DSC_3499.jpg
Instead, change the file name to something descriptive and web-friendly.
✔ petoskey-michigan-website-designer.jpg
✔ harbor-springs-marina-view-boats.jpg
✔ social-media-training-class-petoskey.jpg
✔ lake-michigan-fishing-charter-boat.jpg
Tips for good file names for website:
✔ Always use lowercase letters (no special characters)
✔ Separate words with hyphens (do not leave white spaces)
✔ Use descriptive words relevant to the page content
✔ Include a location when it’s appropriate
This helps search engines understand your content and makes your file names ADA-friendly.
Step 3: Upload the Image to Your WordPress Website
Once your image has been resized and your file name is web-friendly, you are ready to upload the image.
- Open the web page or blogpost you are editing
- Click Add Media to add to text or create an image block with your editor
- Upload the image from your computer
New images uploaded to WordPress websites are stored in the Media Library.
Step 4: Always Add ALT Text for Accessibility
Not only does ALT text describe an image for search engines, ALT text is necessary for people who use screen readers.
ALT text is required for ADA Compliance, a requirement for all business websites.
- Good Image File Name: sunset-lake-michigan-harbor-springs.jpg
- Good ALT text: Sunset over Lake Michigan near Harbor Springs
ALT text should:
✔ Describe the image
✔ Be short and clear
✔ Help someone understand the image if they cannot see it
Step 5: Check Image Display on Website Page
After uploading and adding your image to your website:
✔ Preview the page before publishing
✔ Make sure it fits well on the page
✔ Check that it is aligned properly
New images added to website pages should always look clean and professional.
Easy Website Image Checklist
Before uploading any photo to your website, remember:
✔ Resize the image
✔ Rename the file
✔ Upload to WordPress
✔ Add ALT text every time
✔ Preview the display on the page
Following these simple steps helps your website:
✔ Load faster
✔ Rank better in search engines
✔ Stay organized
✔ Be accessible for all users
One Small Habit Makes a Big Website Difference
Taking a minute or two to resize and rename an image before uploading will improve your website’s performance.
Proper file naming and ALT text is a requirement to be ADA Compliant.
So, don’t skip these steps!
Not only will your site be optimized for search engines, it will be readable by visitors who require screen-reader technology to navigate.
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