How to optimize your images for web and SEO

Re-name the image

For the SEO benefits always re-name your image before uploading it on a website. Usually images right out of a camera have undescriptive names such as IMG0012031 which are not great for the SEO. In a new name always include keywords. That way browsers will have additional pointer on what this image is about. 

Re-size the image

Now a days even smartphones are taking images in a big resolution. The resolution of most smartphones is 4032 x 3024 px and other cameras are taking pictures in even higher resolution. 

For the most photos on a website (hero image excluded) you don’t need the width of the photo to exceed 1000px. So why uploading an image with a width of 4000px? Such a big images will only slow your website down.

Before uploading an image to a website size it correctly to your website design.

Save the image in the right format (.webP)

Don’t upload images in a .jpg formats use new .webP format that is created for images that will be used on a web. 97% of the people won’t notice the difference in the color range.

And the gain you will get in an image file size out-weights that small difference in the color range.

In the tutorial I managed to get the image (.jpg) from 5,4MB (5400KB) down to only 37KB (.webP) when I saved it in a .webP format.

Compress images

Use tools such a TinyPNG to additionally compress your images. The process is super simple and you can see how it works in the video.

Use ALT text

For accessibility reasons and for the SEO reasons always use alt text with your images. 

You can change the alt text in the code of your website:

<img src=”img_girl.jpg” alt=”Girl in a jacket” width=”500″ height=”600″>

Or if you use CMS such as WordPress go to your Media Library > click on an image > fill out the window with alt text. (Check the video).

Conclusion

Optimizing images for your website is a very important step and can bring you a lot benefits.

Stick to the simple steps in this guide and your website will be a lot faster and it will provide a better experience for your visitors.