Adding high quality photos to your website makes your pages more appealing to visitors. To improve your website’s performance and Google rankings, you need to optimize website images for better SEO!
Image optimization is one of those simple SEO tasks that many business owners overlook, but it can make a big difference in how well your website performs in Google search results.
Optimize Website Images for Better SEO
Why should you optimize website images and how does it matter for SEO?
Let’s walk through why image optimization matters and the easy steps you can take to get it right.
1. Faster Page Speeds Help Your Rankings
Big, uncompressed images will slow down your website, especially for mobile users who are relying on a cell network.
When a web page takes too long to load, your visitors often give up and leave. That’s called a bounce, and Google notices your bounce rate.
Since website speed is a ranking factor, faster-loading pages help boost your visibility in search results.
2. Google Does Not “See” Your Images
Search engines are unable to look at your photos the way your human visitor does.
Google relies on your file names, ALT text, and captions to understand what each image is about.
If those details are missing, you will miss out on valuable SEO opportunities.
3. Optimize for Google Image Search
People use Google Images to shop for products, find travel inspiration, and explore local businesses.
If your images are optimized correctly, a potential customer has a better chance of finding you in an image search.
That means more traffic to your website!
4. Accessibility Matters, Too
ALT text isn’t just for SEO.
Your image ALT text helps people who use screen readers understand your content.
So, it’s important to describe your images in a way that makes your website more accessible and inclusive. That’s good for your users and your reputation.
How to Optimize Website Images for Better SEO
Optimizing images doesn’t have to be complicated. Always follow the simple steps shown below before uploading images to your website!
Rename the File Before Uploading
- Do not upload images with non descriptive file names like IMG_1234.jpg
- Instead, use descriptive, keyword-rich names like harbor-springs-michigan-website-design.jpg.
Google can read words in your file name when they’re separated with hyphens.
Always use lowercase letters and include relevant keywords naturally.
Resize Images to Fit Your Layout
Don’t upload a 6000 pixel-wide image! That image would be wider than someone’s computer screen or phone.
Plus, the file size will be HUGE!
Always resize your images to the actual display size. This keeps your pages lean and fast.
Compress Without Sacrificing Quality
Compression tools like TinyPNG or WordPress plugins (Smush, ShortPixel) reduce file size while keeping your image looking sharp.
The goal? Aim for the smallest file size possible without noticeable quality loss.
Always Add Descriptive ALT Text
ALT text should describe the image in plain language and include keywords naturally.
This helps Google understand what’s in your image and people who are visually impaired can read about the image if they can’t see it.
Example:
- Marcie Wolf is a website designer in Harbor Springs, Michigan
This improves SEO and accessibility.
Choose the Right Image File Format
- JPG is best for photos – file size is smaller and photo is still good quality
- PNG is best for graphics like logos and images that need transparency
Use Lazy Loading
Lazy loading makes images load only when a user scrolls down to them. This speeds up initial page loading, especially on mobile.
Modern browsers and WordPress support lazy loading with no special skills required!
Website Images & SEO
Think of your images as mini SEO opportunities. A little prep work before uploading can help your website load faster, rank better, and reach more people through Google Images.
Optimize website images with just a few smart steps. No fancy tools or technical know-how required.
Your website visitors (and Google) will thank you for it!
Contact Marcie Wolf with questions!
