Image optimization is the process of ensuring that images on a website do not slow down the page speed, and that they have the necessary tags, file size, and type. This helps the search engine understand what an image is about. The basic goal of image optimization is to:
• Complement other On-Page Optimization efforts and aid in higher web page ranking.
• Ensuring picture visibility in Google’s vertical image search section.
10 steps for advance image seo optimization you should know
- Image Name
Though Google has made significant advances in machine learning, adding context to our photographs via the file name does help Google. If the image being made is connected to biscuits, for example, it is recommended that the file be named ‘biscuits.jpg’ rather than an auto save file name like ‘img324.jpg’..
- Image Alt Tag
Another element that helps search engines understand the context of an image is image alt text or alternative text. It is used by screen readers to assist those with visual impairments in browsing the web, and it is also displayed when the image rendering fails. This contributes to a better user experience and is one of Google’s ranking considerations.
- Image Title Tag
The image title text is another way to provide relevancy to both the webpage and the image. When the user hovers over the image, this text appears. Image title text, like alt text, can be used to provide more context for an image.
- Compress your Images
One of the most significant SEO image optimization strategies is to compress your photos. It speeds up page loading times and improves user experience. However, you must compress graphics effectively to guarantee that they continue to fulfil their purpose.
- Use High-quality Images
You need high-quality photographs to stand out from the crowd and capture users’ attention. People will not gain from blurry, confusing images. It’s great if your image is under 100 kb in size. Your graphics will be of great quality, yet they will not slow down the loading time of your website.
- Use Unique Images
Using stock pictures is allowed, but it will hurt your Search Engine Optimization. Why? Because users will quickly know you as the photographer. Furthermore, they are likely to have seen the identical photographs on other websites. Take your own product images and add them to the page if feasible. Make sure your images add value to your users and compliment your website’s content. Unique images can help recipients trust you. They demonstrate how your products appear in real life and may influence purchasing decisions.
- Name Your Images Properly
One of the most straightforward lessons from Google’s image best practises guidance is that you should make sure that your picture titles are descriptive.
- Leverage Browser Caching
Google Page Speed Insights frequently recommends that you use browser caching. Browser caching is when a visitor’s browser saves files, allowing assets to load faster the next time they visit the page.
- Use Responsive Images
Make them reactable. Make sure they adjust to the size of the browser window and the screen resolution automatically. You may manually check it by messing around with your browser and looking at a few options. UX is improved by using responsive images. Users are more likely to leave your page if the graphics don’t adapt to their screen, raising your bounce rate.
- Make Your Images Mobile-friendly
More and more people are using mobile devices to access the internet. We enjoy browsing while driving to work, going to school, watching TV, or standing in line. If you want to rank high and attract potential clients, mobile-friendliness is an essential. This also applies to photos.
Taking the time to correctly optimize your photos can increase your site’s traffic from Image Search while also enhancing your users’ experience with faster download times. Not to mention that optimizing picture file names and alt tags helps to add contextual relevance to the rest of your website, which improves the page’s organic visibility.
