Looking to give your website a boost? To attract more visitors and impress them with your content? So, hold on tight, because I'm going to reveal a well-kept secret to you: SEO optimization of your images!
Imagine your images as small windows open to your world. They catch the eye, arouse interest and make you want to know more. But for them to fully fulfill their role, they must be pampered, refined, and given every chance to shine. This is where image SEO comes into play!
Why optimize the SEO of your images?
Optimizing the SEO of your images is like giving them a superpower: the power to be seen, admired and shared by thousands of Internet users. It also offers them the possibility of appearing prominently in search results, whether on Google Images or in traditional results pages.
But that's not all ! Good image SEO also helps improve the user experience on your site. Lightweight, well-optimized images load faster, making browsing smoother and more enjoyable. And a positive user experience also means a better conversion rate!
How to optimize the SEO of your images?
So, ready to turn your images into real traffic magnets? Here are the key steps to optimize their SEO:
Choose relevant and descriptive file names
Forget generic file names like “IMG001.jpg”! Instead, opt for names that clearly describe the content of your images, using relevant keywords. For example, instead of “image1.jpg”, choose “panneau-solaire-maison.jpg”.
Use ALT (alternative text) tags
ALT tags are text descriptions of your images, intended for people who cannot see them (for example, the visually impaired) or for search engines who cannot interpret them. They are essential for the SEO of your images. So, take the time to write clear, concise and relevant ALT tags, incorporating your keywords.
Create an image sitemap
An image sitemap is a file that lists all the images on your site and facilitates their indexing by search engines. If you use WordPress, there are plugins that automatically generate an image sitemap.
Compress your images
Images that are too heavy make your site load slower and negatively impact the user experience. Fortunately, there are many tools (free or paid) to compress your images without sacrificing their quality.
Choose the right image format
The most common image format is JPEG, which offers a good compromise between quality and file size. For images with areas of transparency, choose the PNG format. The GIF format is reserved for animations. Finally, if your CMS allows it, opt for the WEBP format which is often lighter than the others, without losing quality.
Use high quality images
Blurry, pixelated or poorly framed images will not make a good impression on your visitors. So, take care of the quality of your images, by using a good camera or by calling a professional.
Mistakes to avoid
To optimize the SEO of your images, there are also some mistakes to avoid:
- Do not use images : Images are essential to make your site attractive and to illustrate your content. So, don’t hesitate to use it, but wisely!
- Using images that are too heavy : As we have seen, images that are too heavy slow down the loading of your site and harm the user experience.
- Do not optimize file names and ALT tags : File names and ALT tags are key elements for the SEO of your images. So, don’t neglect them!
- Using poor quality images : Blurry, pixelated or poorly framed images will not make a good impression on your visitors.
Image referencing: long-term work
Optimizing the SEO of your images is not a one-off task, but a long-term job. You need to regularly update your images, check their quality, optimize their size and format, and write relevant ALT tags.
So, what are you waiting for to get started? Follow these tips, put them into practice and see the results! And if you need a helping hand, don’t hesitate to call on an SEO expert.
Esteban Irschfeld, SEO Consultant at UX-Republic
