Images are more than just visual elements on a webpage—they’re powerful tools that can enhance SEO and contribute to higher search rankings when optimized effectively. Image SEO focuses on the details, from file names and alt text to load times, all of which play a role in how search engines understand and rank your content. By implementing a few best practices, you can make your images work harder for you, boosting visibility and engaging your audience more effectively.

Let’s explore how optimized images can make a difference in SEO and some key techniques to get started.

Use the Optimal File Type and Keep File Sizes Manageable

Choosing the best file type for each image is foundational to good image SEO. For modern web performance, WebP files are often the preferred choice, offering high-quality visuals at smaller file sizes, which speeds up loading times. However, some website builders don’t yet support WebP, so JPEGs are a reliable alternative when WebP isn’t an option.

When using JPEG files, it’s critical to compress them for SEO-friendly load times. Aim to keep JPEG files at or below 100 KB without sacrificing visible quality. For transparency, PNG files work well but are larger, so only use them when necessary. Compression tools like TinyPNG and ImageOptim can reduce file sizes significantly without compromising image quality, allowing pages to load faster and improving your site’s SEO performance.

Write Effective Alt Text for Accessibility and SEO

Alt text is essential for both SEO and accessibility, providing search engines and screen readers with a clear description of the image. To ensure readability, keep alt text to 144 characters or fewer, as most screen readers will not interpret longer text.

When creating alt text, aim for a natural, descriptive sentence that includes relevant keywords but avoids keyword stuffing. A phrase like “Bright red sneakers on a gray pavement” is concise and descriptive, offering clear context. For more tips, refer to our guide on writing amazing alt text for best practices that enhance both search visibility and user experience.

Ensure Images Are Mobile-Friendly

With more users browsing on mobile, it’s essential that images display well across all devices. Responsive images adapt to various screen sizes, improving load times and user experience on mobile, which also positively impacts SEO.

To make images mobile-friendly, use a mix of image resizing and responsive design techniques. Many website builders automatically adjust image dimensions for mobile screens, but double-check that images look sharp without slowing down page load. Testing your site on different devices can help ensure your images display clearly and support a smooth, SEO-friendly experience across all platforms.

Surround Images with Relevant Content

Having relevant content surrounding your images helps search engines understand the image’s purpose and context, supporting better SEO performance. When an image is placed alongside well-written, descriptive content, search engines can make a clearer connection between the image and the topic, enhancing its relevance in search results.

To implement this, place images within sections of text that directly relate to the visual. For example, if you’re featuring an image of a sunset in Bali on a travel blog, include details about the location or the experience in the nearby text. This approach not only improves user engagement but also signals to search engines that the image and content are cohesive, boosting your chances of ranking higher for related queries.

Optimizing images for SEO can significantly improve your website’s performance in search results, bringing more visibility and engagement to your content. By following best practices—choosing the right file type, compressing images, crafting descriptive alt text, ensuring mobile-friendliness, and surrounding images with relevant content—you create a more efficient, accessible, and SEO-friendly website.

Integrating these techniques doesn’t require advanced technical knowledge, just attention to detail and consistency. Start applying these image SEO practices to each new image, and over time, you’ll likely see improved rankings and user experience.