Yes, Image Optimization is essential for better SEO results. And you need to apply the best effective techniques for this.
By optimizing the images, you can help search engines understand more about what’s there on your site. Furthermore, if the techniques are rightly applied, you can also achieve a good position in image search results. Though the processes are a little hazardous, don’t worry; we’re here with the 10 best image optimization practices to help you.
So, let’s know everything about image optimization for SEO – why it’s important and the best practices.
What is Image Optimization?
Image optimization means creating and posting relevant images in the ideal form and picture quality to engage users. This process also includes labeling images with accurate data to help search engines understand the content inside.
This process involves resizing image size, writing keyword-related captions, and using alt tags and mobile-friendly images. Adding structured data and a site map for the image are other essential parts of this technique.
Why Image Optimization Is Important For SEO
- The main reason is that images are a big part of user experience. Hence, they make the content more readable and engaging.
- Pictures help to understand the information faster and make the content more engaging.
- Optimized images best fit in search engine algorithms to hold a good rank.
- They also need less storage and time to get uploaded.
- Ultimately, when you use relevant images, visitors spend a reasonable amount of time understanding the page, which results in a good SEO score.
Image optimization is quite crucial for better SEO results. So, if you need any help regarding image optimization or digital marketing, contact us anytime. We at Digi Marketing Tech offer services based on the client’s requirements at a very reasonable price.
10 Best Image Optimization Practices for SEO
Let’s know all the best methods to optimize images for SEO and make your site reach the top without missing anything-
1. Use Up-To-The-Mark Images
To improve search engine results, use unique images up to the mark. Using stock images is not a problem, but they only help a little to increase search engine rankings.
Also, while making your website responsive, use responsive images for excellent results. And to make an image responsive, you only need to use the HTML code “srcset” while uploading the image.
This way, your site will automatically generate a screen-friendly page layout for the user’s device. And for WordPress developers, the software handles it.
2. Make The Image Ideal In Every Way
To make the image fit in every way, you must apply it correctly. In addition, you should resize the images considering the storage space, not the file size, as high-quality images slow down the page loading time.
But you must remember that the picture quality doesn’t get poor. So, it would be best to choose the correct compression rate which will work best.
After optimizing the image, don’t forget to check whether the webpage speed is okay. If you are unhappy with the result, consider re-editing the image accordingly. And check the load times often for frequent content changes.
3. Go For The Right File Format
As you know, you can use several image formats on a webpage, but you must know which one to use. You should understand the differences and apply the right type according to the requirement.
JPG
JPG is the most used image type because of its accessible file size and vibrance. But the image quality is often unsatisfying. It also doesn’t provide transparent backgrounds, which is a significant cause of why we use PNGs. For simple photographs, use the JPG format.
PNG
PNG is a demanding image format that offers a high-quality resolution and room for text description. However, it has a downside – it requires large space for high-quality files. Nevertheless, PNG is suitable for high-quality designed graphics. And the text descriptions supported by PNGs are good for SEO.
GIF
GIFs are mainly used for moving graphics. But they don’t support a wide variety of colors. On the other hand, .gif is good at supporting small file sizes and transparent backgrounds. So for simpler images, GIF is a good choice.
WEPG
The .wepg format is an excellent choice for compressed images and animation. Even though it takes much smaller space, it can produce high color depths. However, the main drawback here is that it doesn’t work on all browsers except the popular ones.
4. Optimize The File Names
Optimizing the pictures is not enough; you must also optimize the file names. And for that, you need to use relevant, descriptive keywords for the best SEO results. Therefore, write the file name in an illustrative way targeting some keywords.
Apply the target keywords at the start of the file name, and while you need to add space, use hyphens only. This is because search engines don’t recognize underscores or check the words separately.
But keep in mind that the file names should be relevant for search intent. For example, suppose the image is about Darjeeling and its beauty; then the file name should be something like Darjeeling-the-best-hill-station-in-westbengal.jpg. Though most users don’t care about the file name, search engines do.
5. Optimize Image Title
The image title of an image is required to explain the picture. However, image titles are less important in the context of SEO but helpful for alt texts.
Image titles are helpful to engage users as you can add CTAs to promote your service or products. So, optimize image titles in the best way as much as you can.
Content Management Softwares like WordPress usually use the file name as the image title. But still, if the title seems inappropriate, you can change it by writing the suitable one.
6. Write A Caption For The Image
Image captions are descriptions of the images which are visible to users. Hence, you must write image captions carefully considering the users. However, captions don’t directly impact SEO but can help improve the user experience.
Captions are an excellent way to add a realistic touch to the information and increase engagement metrics. But don’t force a caption when it’s not necessary. Instead, if needed, write the caption wisely, adding keywords.
7. Make Use Of The Alt Tags
Alt or alternative texts are another part of the webpage essential for better search engine results. They are not for visitors but for search engine crawlers to understand more about what’s on the webpage.
Search engines find it difficult to index the content image without an alt text. Hence, an alt tag is always helpful; even when a browser faces trouble loading the image, the text shows up to help the visitor.
For the best effect, apply an alt tag for every image you upload to your page. A good alt text is suitable for your SEO cause it helps search engines get inside your webpage. So write it as helpful as possible.
8. Make The Images Mobile Friendly
Making the images mobile-friendly is necessary nowadays since the internet has the most mobile users. Plus, search engines look for mobile-friendly webpages for indexing, so crawlers index the mobile version of a site first.
Some websites can resize their layout automatically; you need to decide the image size considering the devices. And to add this function to your site, apply custom CSS code and relax without worrying much about the layout.
9. Add Structured Data For Images
Including structured data for images makes search engines show your images as rich results. The good news is that Google Images supports structured data for images. It also adds a mark on the image when it knows the text and then categorizes the images according to the type.
Structured data mark the content considering its type to help search engines deliver better visual results. Search engines generally skip the algorithm and instead use structured data to provide the correct result.
10. Add Images To The Site Map
A site map is a file where you can list the web pages of your site to make search engines understand your content and your business. Hence to optimize images for SEO, you should include every image on this site map or separately.
For every image and video, include a title, description, caption, URLs, and license information for search engines to notice quickly.
If you use WordPress software, it can automatically create a site map within a few steps. You can also do it by yourself, following the process of creating a sitemap on WordPress.
Conclusion
Since image optimization is a matter of concern, apply the given techniques carefully. They will not only improve your SEO results but also help you earn likability from users. So, let’s hope to see a great improvement in your site ranking.
