How to Optimize Images for SEO
Images are a critical part of SEO. Google considers page speed as a ranking factor, and images are often the heaviest elements on a page. Here's how to optimize them.
Why Image Optimization Matters for SEO
Google's Core Web Vitals include Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), which often involves a hero image. Slow-loading images directly hurt your rankings. Optimized images also appear in Google Image Search, driving additional organic traffic.
1. Compress Your Images
This is the single most impactful optimization. Use tools like Compresso to reduce file sizes by 50-80% without visible quality loss. Aim for images under 200KB for most web use cases.
2. Use Descriptive File Names
Instead of IMG_4532.jpg, use chocolate-cake-recipe.jpg. Search engines use file names as ranking signals for image search.
3. Write Meaningful Alt Text
Alt text helps search engines understand image content. Be descriptive but concise: "A slice of chocolate cake on a white plate" is better than "cake" or "image1".
4. Choose the Right Dimensions
Don't serve a 3000px image in a 600px container. Resize images to their display dimensions. Use srcset for responsive serving.
5. Use Modern Formats
Convert to WebP for 25-35% smaller files compared to JPEG. Use the <picture> element to serve WebP with JPG fallbacks.
6. Implement Lazy Loading
Add loading="lazy" to below-the-fold images. This improves LCP by prioritizing above-the-fold content.
7. Add Structured Data
Use schema markup for product images, recipes, and articles. This helps Google understand context and can earn rich snippets.
8. Create an Image Sitemap
Include images in your XML sitemap or create a dedicated image sitemap. This helps Google discover and index your images faster.
9. Use a CDN
Serve images from a CDN to reduce latency. Many CDNs offer automatic format conversion and resize-on-the-fly features.
10. Monitor Performance
Use Google PageSpeed Insights and Lighthouse to identify unoptimized images. Set up monitoring to catch regressions.
Start optimizing your images today with Compresso — free, fast, and completely private.