When working with SEO, most people direct all their energy towards optimizing and linking content and completely ignore image SEO. Most people assume that search engines like Google can see what an image is; that’s not completely true. All search engines are based on algorithms that understand zeros and ones. But for this perception to change, people need to be educated about image optimization techniques.
How do image SEO help users?
Images play a big role in SEO as they are an important part of the user experience. Think about it; no one would like a website that looked like a Word document, with nothing but text on a white background, you would think it isn’t trustworthy and would definitely not want to come back. But what does an ugly website have to do with Search Engine Optimization?
Search engines use algorithms that pay attention to metrics that reflect user behavior, like the bounce rates and the amount of time visitors spend on a web page. You can use image SEO as your advantage to help with SEO.
What are the common ranking factors for images?
- Meaningful file name
- Image sizes
- ALT text
- Relation to the content
It’s not just about being found in Google’s image search. Because for some time now, images have also appeared in the regular search.
Of course, a general image search doesn’t have to be the ultimate goal. If your text contains images that match the topic, these should be appropriately named using an ALT attribute. This ALT attribute should be more in line with the general topic and need not be directly related to the image.
How do I use images strategically?
When it comes to browsers, the most important thing is ranking. To get a good ranking, you need to ensure that the metadata and name of your image are relevant to the user searches.
Here are a few steps to help you optimize your images for website optimization.
Choose the right image.
Not having any images on your website is a very bad idea. Your images should be relevant to your content, so you don’t end up disappointing your visitors. Using blurry or badly cropped images will make your website look unreliable and unprofessional.
Find the right quality-to-size ratio.
Yes, you want to use high-quality images to make your website look good, but you don’t want them to slow down your website. Your website speed is a huge SEO factor, and if visitors have to wait too long for your page to load, it counts as bad user experience.
Specify Your Dimensions
If you’re using AMP or PWAs, you are required to define your image dimensions in the source code.
Nevertheless, if you’re not making use of either, it’s still a good practice to define the width and height. It gives a better customer experience.
And also, it allows the web browsers to size the image prior to the CSS is loaded. This allows web page to stop jumping during loading.
Make Your Images Mobile-Friendly
Oh, mobile SEO. At its worst, it can give you a high bounce rate and also reduced conversions. But, at its best, it can offer you more ranking power as well as far better user engagement.
Problem is, exactly how do you enhance image SEO for the mobile-first index?
You create responsive photos. This implies the picture will scale with the size of the site whether the individual is utilizing desktop or mobile. It adjusts to the dimension of the user’s device.
Include Images to Your Sitemap
Whether you’re adding your images to your sitemap or producing a new sitemap for photos, you want images somewhere in your sitemaps.
Having your images in a sitemap substantially raises the opportunities of online search engine crawling as well as indexing your photos. Therefore, causes even more website traffic.
If you’re utilizing WordPress, Yoast uses a sitemap remedy in their plugin.
Think About the Image File Structure
In 2018, Google upgraded its Image Guidelines. One of the significant updates they exposed was that they make use of the data course as well as documents name to rank photos.
Repeat: The file path and name are a real ranking factor.
For instance, if you’re an eCommerce brand with multiple items, rather than putting all your item images into a generic/ media/ folder, I would recommend structuring your subfolders to a lot more category relevant topics like/ shorts/ or/ denim/.
Be careful of Copyright
No matter the image you select to make use of, make certain there’s no copyright problem.
The Postal Service is paying $3.5 million in an image copyright lawsuit. As well as, Sketchers sued for $2.5 million.
If Getty, Shutterstock, DepositFiles, or a few other online image company possesses an image you use, and also you do not have a permit to utilize it, after that you’re running the risk of an expensive lawsuit.
Under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), you could be issued a notification if you have violated any copyright concerns. If the owner of content sees their material on your site, they can issue a DMCA Takedown which you should abide by.
Create Unique Images
If you load your internet site with stock images, you’ll look unoriginal– like countless various other websites that do not stand out.
Too many internet sites are cluttered with the same common stock images.
While you may have your stock photos perfectly maximized, it will not have the exact same impact or possible SEO advantages as an initial, top-notch image.
The even more original photos you have, the better experience for the user and also the better your odds are of ranking on pertinent searches.
Image compression
Image size
Do you remember very early websites? When you had to wait for a page to build? At that time, of course, all of the technology was still in its infancy. If one or more pictures were still on the website, even if they were so small, it killed the loading time. The technology is now much more advanced so that today you can definitely dare to incorporate a page-wide image. But of course, that also has its limits. How often do I see pictures uploaded with a maximum size of 5000 x 8000 pixels, which can then be several megabytes in weight. It should look pretty. Naturally. But such a screen is not infinitely large either. Please also bear in mind that the page is accessed by many users on their smartphones.
Our tips:
Before uploading, cut your image to the correct format (e.g. 800 x 600 pixels)
Use JPG or PNG as image formats. Both still deliver good image quality even when compressed
Tips for photo editing tools:
Online tools such as TinyPNG or Compressnow for image compression
For WordPress websites: Use plugins like “Smush” , which can reduce the image sizes on the website itself in order to improve loading times and thus the page performance.
Choosing the right image format
In order to save a bit of bandwidth here too, the images should always be integrated in the format required. JPG is used for a full image, i.e. with a background, for transparency PNG is used (GIF is out of date) and SVG for vector graphics, such as the logo.
A “modern format”, the WebP published by Google in 2010, brings even more drastic improvements. This format, an alternative to JPG and PNG, is smaller and beats all other image formats in terms of compression and therefore saves a lot more bandwidth. Back then only supported by Google Chrome and Opera, it’s slowly gaining popularity.
(As of November 29, 2019) WebP is now supported in 80.87% of all browsers, but not in Internet Explorer and Safari.
The general rules for using images:
For simple pictures without transparency: JPG
For images with transparency: PNG
For vectors and icons: SVG – with these, you should always make sure that there are no client-side scripts in the file
Image name
Don’t give your image a random name, go for names that are descriptive, relevant, and contain target keywords. Your visitors will probably never see the name, but it is a good way to give search engines more information about what’s on your page.
Description of the image
Every image on the website has the option of also providing textual information. These, in turn, can be read by search engines and relate to the relevance of your website. These image texts should therefore pick up the keywords under which you want to be found. What text attributes am I talking about here?
Alt tags
The ALT attribute stands for an alternative text. This is important for the enhanced readability of the website.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- The text describes the image if the image contains information in the context.
- The text provides information about the link target if the image is within a link.
- For people who are dependent on screen readers, the reader reads out the ALT texts. The ALT attribute is an absolute must for accessible pages.
- An empty ALT attribute is sufficient for purely decorative images. These offer neither visitors nor search engines any further use and are purely for the purpose of optics.
Example of an ALT attribute:
<img src = “/ wp-content / uploads / 2019/11 / picture-advantages-of-a-blogs-leser.jpg“ alt = “A woman reading a blog” />
Title attribute
This attribute is also saved as “Title” in the source text. Not quite as important as the Alt-Tag, but not negligible either. So that it is not forgotten, just accept the content of the alt tag.
Our tips:
WordPress provides wonderful support in maintaining image attributes. This information can be entered immediately when uploading and including images in pages or posts.
The WordPress plugin YOAST SEO provides additional support for this topic. In addition to several other SEO tools, it also checks the optimal use of images in a post, whether the keyword has been used, whether alt tags have been set – nothing can be forgotten!
Caption
This field shows the text that is shown on the image on the page, as it were as a caption. Here it is often necessary to place the source information when using stock images. But this information is also evaluated by Google, so it should also be provided with keywords.
Host images on your own website
Most people prefer to go with hosting from third-part websites as it saves them space. That isn’t a very good idea, if that website is overloaded, it may result in the images on your site not load and make your website look bad.
Image SEO is a great and simple way to optimize SEO and need a little extra time and effort. If used strategically, you can give your website an extra edge.
SEO Islamabad leading SEO company Pakistan are currently providing it’s incredible proven Search Engine Optimization (SEO) service across the Globe with multiple offices including in but not limited to Pakistan, UK, USA, Norway, Sweden, Canada!
About us and this blog
We are a digital marketing company with a focus on helping our customers achieve great results across several key areas.
Request a free quote
We offer professional SEO services that help websites increase their organic search score drastically in order to compete for the highest rankings even when it comes to highly competitive keywords.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
SEO Services In Lahore: With sustainable and consistent search engine optimization to increase sales
Recent Posts
- Black Hat Seo Techniques in 2022 March 15, 2022
- Digital Marketing Strategy: Be Your Own Marketer in 2022 March 2, 2022
- Top 15 Web Development Tools In 2021 February 21, 2022
Hello there! This post couldn’t be written much better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept talking about this. I most certainly will forward this article to him. Fairly certain he will have a great read. I appreciate you for sharing!
This is a really good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere. Short but very precise information… Appreciate your sharing this one. A must read post!
Very good post. I am facing a few of these issues as well..
This is the perfect blog for anybody who hopes to find out about this topic. You know a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic which has been written about for years. Wonderful stuff, just great.
This is a very good tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere. Brief but very accurate information… Appreciate your sharing this one. A must read post.
Aw, this was an incredibly nice post. Finding the time and actual effort to generate a very good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything done.
There’s definately a lot to know about this subject. I like all the points you have made.
It’s hard to come by experienced people on this subject, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
I absolutely love your site.. Excellent colors & theme. Did you build this web site yourself? Please reply back as I’m trying to create my own blog and would love to find out where you got this from or just what the theme is called. Thanks!
You are so cool! I don’t think I have read through something like this before. So good to find somebody with a few genuine thoughts on this issue. Seriously.. thanks for starting this up. This site is something that is required on the internet, someone with a bit of originality.
You made some decent points there. I checked on the web for additional information about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this web site.
This is a great tip especially to those new to the blogosphere. Short but very precise information… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article.
This is a topic that is near to my heart… Take care! Exactly where can I find the contact details for questions?
Everything is very open with a clear description of the challenges. It was truly informative. Your website is very useful. Thanks for sharing!
This excellent website certainly has all the info I wanted about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
I’m extremely pleased to uncover this web site. I need to to thank you for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely really liked every little bit of it and i also have you bookmarked to check out new stuff on your web site.
Spot on with this write-up, I actually think this website needs a lot more attention. I’ll probably be returning to see more, thanks for the advice!
Everything is very open with a clear clarification of the issues. It was truly informative. Your site is useful. Many thanks for sharing.
After looking over a few of the articles on your website, I honestly like your technique of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back soon. Please visit my website too and tell me how you feel.
bookmarked!!, I like your web site!
You ought to take part in a contest for one of the highest quality blogs on the net. I am going to recommend this site!
Right here is the perfect webpage for anybody who wants to find out about this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a subject which has been discussed for decades. Great stuff, just wonderful.
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this article plus the rest of the website is also very good.
Everyone loves it when people come together and share opinions. Great site, keep it up!
You have made some good points there. I looked on the net for additional information about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this website.
You made some decent points there. I looked on the net for more info about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this website.
An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I do think that you ought to write more about this issue, it may not be a taboo matter but generally people don’t talk about these topics. To the next! All the best.
May I simply say what a relief to discover someone that genuinely understands what they are talking about over the internet. You actually realize how to bring a problem to light and make it important. A lot more people really need to look at this and understand this side of the story. I can’t believe you aren’t more popular since you surely have the gift.
I want to to thank you for this good read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you book marked to look at new things you post…
This is a topic that’s close to my heart… Many thanks! Exactly where can I find the contact details for questions?
I would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this blog. I really hope to check out the same high-grade content from you in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own, personal site now 😉
There’s certainly a lot to learn about this issue. I really like all the points you have made.
Excellent write-up. I definitely love this website. Stick with it!
I couldn’t resist commenting. Very well written.
Hi, I do think this is a great site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will revisit yet again since i have saved as a favorite it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.
I must thank you for the efforts you’ve put in penning this site. I am hoping to see the same high-grade content by you in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my very own site now 😉
You are so awesome! I do not think I have read through anything like this before. So wonderful to discover someone with some original thoughts on this subject. Really.. thanks for starting this up. This site is one thing that’s needed on the web, someone with a little originality.
I could not refrain from commenting. Perfectly written.
You’re so interesting! I don’t suppose I have read through a single thing like that before. So good to find somebody with original thoughts on this subject matter. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This site is something that is required on the internet, someone with a bit of originality.
I’m amazed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and engaging, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The issue is something too few men and women are speaking intelligently about. Now i’m very happy I found this during my search for something regarding this.
I couldn’t resist commenting. Perfectly written!
Spot on with this write-up, I truly believe that this site needs much more attention. I’ll probably be returning to see more, thanks for the advice!
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I am hoping to see the same high-grade content by you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my very own website now 😉
A motivating discussion is worth comment. There’s no doubt that that you need to write more about this subject, it may not be a taboo matter but generally folks don’t speak about these issues. To the next! Cheers!
This page certainly has all of the information I wanted about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
Hi! I could have sworn I’ve visited this website before but after browsing through a few of the articles I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m certainly delighted I stumbled upon it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back frequently.
Hi, I do believe this is an excellent website. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will revisit once again since i have bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.
Very good information. Lucky me I ran across your blog by accident (stumbleupon). I have book-marked it for later!
Spot on with this write-up, I truly believe this amazing site needs a great deal more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the info!
I want to to thank you for this good read!! I certainly enjoyed every bit of it. I’ve got you bookmarked to look at new stuff you post…
Hi there, I do think your blog could be having web browser compatibility issues. Whenever I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in IE, it’s got some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that, wonderful website.
You have made some good points there. I looked on the net for additional information about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this site.
When I originally left a comment I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the same comment. Is there an easy method you can remove me from that service? Many thanks.
Having read this I thought it was extremely enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this content together. I once again find myself personally spending way too much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it.
I like it when individuals get together and share views. Great site, continue the good work!
I used to be able to find good information from your content.
Hi, I do believe your blog may be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in I.E., it has some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Apart from that, fantastic website!
Pretty! This was an incredibly wonderful post. Thank you for supplying these details.
There is certainly a great deal to learn about this issue. I really like all the points you have made.
You’re so awesome! I do not suppose I’ve read through anything like this before. So good to find someone with genuine thoughts on this issue. Seriously.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that’s needed on the web, someone with some originality.
Great site you have here.. It’s difficult to find high-quality writing like yours these days. I seriously appreciate people like you! Take care!!
Everything is very open with a very clear clarification of the challenges. It was truly informative. Your website is extremely helpful. Many thanks for sharing!
This is the perfect webpage for anyone who hopes to understand this topic. You realize so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a fresh spin on a subject which has been written about for many years. Great stuff, just wonderful.
This page truly has all the information and facts I wanted about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
Great article. I will be dealing with a few of these issues as well..
Spot on with this write-up, I honestly believe this amazing site needs far more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read more, thanks for the info.
Very interesting subject, thank you for putting up..
hello there and thank you for your information – I’ve certainly picked up something new from right here.
I did however expertise a few technical issues using this website, since I experienced to reload the web site lots of times previous to I could
get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your
web hosting is OK? Not that I am complaining, but slow
loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and
can damage your high-quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords.
Anyway I’m adding this RSS to my e-mail and could look out for much more
of your respective exciting content. Ensure that you update this again soon..
Escape rooms hub