Module 5: Optimizing Visual Content

Optimizing Visual Content

Understanding the Role of Images in SEO

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of optimization techniques, let's grasp why images matter in SEO. Images not only make your website visually appealing but also play a crucial role in enhancing user experience, which search engines like Google look for. By optimizing your images, you can attract more visitors and improve engagement, which in turn boosts your SEO efforts.

Techniques for Optimizing Image Metadata

Use Descriptive File Names

Give your images names that speak volumes. Instead of generic filenames like "IMG123.jpg". Opt for descriptive ones that tell search engines exactly what they're about to see.

Example: Say goodbye to generic filenames and hello to "newborn-baby-sleeping-blanket.jpg," giving search engines a clear roadmap to the adorable image of a sleeping newborn wrapped snugly in a soft blanket.

Craft Descriptive and Keyword-Rich Alt Text

Alt text, also known as alternative text, is a short description of an image that appears when the image can't load.

  • Example: Alt Text: "Adorable newborn baby wrapped in a soft blanket, peacefully sleeping"

    This alt text captures the essence of the image - a newborn baby captured in a serene moment - while incorporating keywords like "newborn baby," "soft blanket," and "sleeping." It effectively communicates the content of the image to both users and search engines, helping to improve its visibility in search results.

Resize and Compress Images for Faster Loading

Nobody likes waiting, especially for images to load. Resize and compress your images to keep things snappy without sacrificing quality, ensuring that your visitors don't give up and leave your site while waiting for your page to load. Remember, poor user experience = poor SEO ranking.

  • Got a hefty 5 MB image? Shrink it down to a web-friendly size and watch your loading times improve, keeping your audience engaged and happy.

  • ** This can make a huge difference for your viewers loading time!

ACTION STEPS: Go through your images on your website and check for the following…

  1. Change the file names to descriptive names.

  2. Add in descriptive alt texts that include keywords for the page the image is on.

  3. Check your image sizes and if necessary, resize and compress them for faster loading speed.

Web-friendly Image Sizes

It's generally recommended to keep image dimensions within the range of 1200x800 pixels to 2000x1500 pixels for optimal display on most devices while balancing quality and loading speed.

Aim for image file sizes under 100 KB to ensure fast loading times, especially for users with slower internet connections or mobile devices.

Image File Formats

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is often the best choice for images with lots of colors, such as photographs. JPEG files offer good image quality while keeping file sizes relatively small, which contributes to faster loading times on web pages.

PNG is best for sharp edges, transparent backgrounds, and limited colour palettes.

Adding Captions to Boost Your SEO

Captions aren't just for fun—they're your secret weapon for SEO success! Think of them as little stories that bring your images to life and make them irresistible to both humans and search engines.

Note: the search engines don’t count captions toward your word count. However, provides context when they assess relevancy for searches, and they do also make note of keywords in captions. Furthermore, it enhances your viewer experience and while your viewers are taking the time to read them, Google makes note that your viewers are spending longer on your page and having a good experience. And up go your rankings!

Example:

Imagine a heartwarming newborn photography photo of a tiny cherub wrapped snugly in a fluffy blanket, fast asleep and dreaming sweet dreams. Now, pair that adorable image with a caption like "Meet our newest addition, sleeping soundly in a world of dreams." Not only does it warm hearts, but it also tells search engines exactly what's happening in the picture, giving your website a boost in search results!

ACTION STEPS:

  1. Scan through your website and see where it would be aesthetically pleasing to include captions for your images, and go ahead and add them in. Make them descriptive and use your keywords for those specific pages.

*Remember to avoid tacky keyword stuffing. Keep it authentic and engaging.

Plan time into your calendar to work through this, and go in small chunks if you need to.

Just 20 min a day can go a long way!