In This Article<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- What Is Image SEO?<\/a><\/li>
- Where Can Images Appear in Google?<\/a>
- Google Images<\/a><\/li>
- Google Image Pack<\/a><\/li>
- Google Lens<\/a><\/li>
- Rich Snippets in Traditional Search<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Why Are Images Important for the User Experience?<\/a><\/li>
- How to Optimize Images for SEO and Users<\/a>
- 1. Perform Keyword Research<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Find a High-Quality Image<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Choose the Right Image Format<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Compress the Image File Size<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Use a Keyword-Optimized Image File Name<\/a><\/li>
- 6. Write Descriptive Image Alt Text<\/a><\/li>
- 7. Create SEO-Friendly Image Titles<\/a><\/li>
- 8. Include Image Captions When Appropriate<\/a><\/li>
- 9. Optimize Your SEO Title and Meta Description<\/a><\/li>
- 10. Add ImageObject Schema Markup<\/a><\/li>
- 11. Make Images Responsive<\/a><\/li>
- 12. Implement Lazy Loading<\/a><\/li>
- 13. Create an Image Sitemap<\/a><\/li>
- 14. Serve Images Via a CDN<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
What Is Image SEO?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Image SEO is the process of optimizing images on a website to improve their visibility and rankings<\/strong> in search engine result pages (SERPs<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It involves using various techniques to make images more accessible to search engines, allowing them to understand and serve your images for relevant queries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why it\u2019s important: <\/strong>Search engines can\u2019t \u201csee\u201d images like you and me. They rely on textual clues to decipher an image\u2019s content, which is where image SEO comes into play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Image SEO uses text elements to communicate an image\u2019s content to search engines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where Can Images Appear in Google?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Images can appear in various areas of Google.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some of the most common:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Google Images<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Google Images<\/strong> is a popular search engine that allows users to discover visual content relevant to their search queries. Optimizing images for Google Images can drive traffic to your website, considering how there are over 1 billion searches<\/a> on it every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Google](\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/google-images-search-1024x541.jpg\" "\\"Google")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGoogle Image Pack<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Google Image Pack <\/strong>is a collection of images displayed at the top of traditional search results. It provides users with quick access to images related to their query.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Google](\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/google-image-pack-apples-1024x624.jpg\" "\\"Google")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGoogle Lens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Google Lens<\/strong> is a visual search that allows users to search for information using images<\/strong> rather than text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With this tool, you can drag an image, upload a file, or paste an image link.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Google Lens will fetch and serve visually similar images on the right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Google](\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/google-visual-search-1024x644.jpg\" "\\"Google")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRich Snippets in Traditional Search<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Images can also appear as rich snippets<\/strong> in traditional search results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rich snippets are enhanced search results that have additional features beyond standard text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Rich](\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/image-rich-snippets-apple-1024x764.jpg\" "\\"Rich")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nImages can be featured for various types of content, such as recipes<\/strong>, products<\/strong>, and articles<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to SEO statistics<\/a>, rich snippets have significantly higher clickthrough rates<\/strong> than standard listings. This makes them valuable for website owners looking to increase organic traffic<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Are Images Important for the User Experience?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In addition to improving your website's visibility in search engines, images play a vital role in the user experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Images help:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Break up text<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Make content more engaging<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Provide visual context to users<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
In turn, images can boost user signals<\/strong>, which search engines use to assess the quality of your content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If search engines see that users engage with your content (using metrics like time on page and bounce rates), they may reward your site with higher rankings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now that you understand how image SEO works, let\u2019s learn how to do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Optimize Images for SEO and Users<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Perform Keyword Research<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Before adding images to your website, conduct keyword research<\/a> to discover relevant keywords.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This step is critical<\/strong> for making your image optimizations down the line, such as naming the file, writing alt text, and creating title tags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When selecting a keyword research tool<\/a>, look for software that\u2019s user-friendly, helps you find easy keywords, and is within your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
LowFruits<\/a> is the best keyword research and SERP analysis tool for small business owners. It helps you uncover low-competition keywords<\/a> that are easy to rank for<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"LowFruits](\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/lowfruits-homepage-1024x554.jpg\" "\\"LowFruits")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nTo get started, enter a seed keyword into the KWFinder<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"LowFruits](\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/kwfinder-search-blank-1024x240.jpg\" "\\"LowFruits")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFor our example, I\u2019ll use the seed keyword \u201cchinese wisteria.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll get a report that looks like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"LowFruits](\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/chinese-wisteria-keyword-report-1024x505.jpg\" "\\"LowFruits")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\nNote: <\/strong>If the right columns are empty, you\u2019ll need to extract keyword data using the SERP analysis<\/a> function.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s unique about LowFruits keyword reports is that you get the following exclusive metrics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- SERP Difficulty Score (SD):<\/strong> The LowFruits metric for keyword difficulty<\/a>. It\u2019s on a scale of 1 to 3, with 1 being the easiest and 3 the hardest.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Weak Spots:<\/strong> Low-authority domains ranking in the top 10 search results for that keyword. These are competitors that are easy to outrank.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
By paying attention to these metrics and the search volume, you can discover and prioritize easy keywords with high-ranking potential<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This means you\u2019ll focus your content efforts on areas with the most opportunity \u2014 and that you can actually for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve found a focus keyword<\/a> for your web page, keep it in mind for all your image optimizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Find a High-Quality Image<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Now that you have a target keyword, it\u2019s time to find an appropriate image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Opt for high-quality, visually appealing<\/strong> images that are relevant<\/strong> to your content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This article shows you how to find free images for your website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nTip:<\/strong> If you use stock imagery, make sure you have the appropriate permissions. You don\u2019t want to accidentally break copyright laws.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s also important to note that images don\u2019t always have to be photos<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also use the following visuals to break up text:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Screenshots<\/strong> are great for tutorials and examples.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Graphs and charts<\/strong> can showcase data metrics.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Logos<\/strong> establish brand awareness and identity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Graphic designs <\/strong>can illustrate abstract themes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
3. Choose the Right Image Format<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Select the appropriate image format (JPEG, PNG, GIF) based on the type of image and its purpose on the website. Consider factors like image quality, transparency, and file size when choosing the format.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each format has a specific purpose. Some of the most common include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- JPG \/ JPEG:<\/strong> good for graphics with many shades of colors<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- PNG:<\/strong> best when you want high quality and size isn't a concern<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- SVG:<\/strong> good for logos because you can resize without losing quality<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- GIF:<\/strong> animations or moving graphics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
4. Compress the Image File Size<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Page experience<\/strong> is one of the most important Google ranking factors<\/a>. A primary component of a positive page experience is fast loading times<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Large image files can slow down your site. That\u2019s why you should compress images<\/strong> before uploading them<\/strong> to your content management system (CMS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Compressing image files can improve page loading speed and your overall site performance. Use tools like Photoshop<\/strong> or online image compressors<\/strong> to reduce file sizes without compromising image quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Personally, I like Compress JPEG<\/a> because it\u2019s free, easy to use, and allows you to compress PNG, GIF, and PDF files, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Compress](\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/online-image-compressor-1024x657.jpg\" "\\"Compress")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n5. Use a Keyword-Optimized Image File Name<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Now, we\u2019re at the more \u201cclassical\u201d image optimizations. The next few items are what most people think of when they consider how to optimize images for search engines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First up, we have image file names<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Golden Rule #1:<\/strong> You should include your focus keyword in your image file name (assuming it\u2019s relevant).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Golden Rule #2:<\/strong> Make it descriptive yet concise. There\u2019s no need to use a super long file name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s look at an example using our \u201cchinese wisteria\u201d keyword from earlier. We\u2019ll name the following image:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Chinese](\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/chinese-wisteria.jpg\" "\\"Chinese")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGood Image File Name: <\/strong>chinese-wisteria.jpg<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bad Image File Name: <\/strong>IMG0683251.jpg (not descriptive)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s not rocket science, but it does make a difference!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Image file name optimizations are one of the easiest to make \u2014 don\u2019t overlook them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Write Descriptive Image Alt Text<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Next up is image alt text<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alt text<\/a>, or alternative text, describes an image. It resides within a web page's HTML code and helps search engines understand an image\u2019s content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Screen readers also use alt tags to describe an image to visually impaired users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s an example of what it looks like in HTML:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<img src=\u201dchinese-wisteria.jpeg\u201d alt=\u201dChinese wisteria tree in full bloom.\u201d \/><\/em><\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\nHere are a few golden rules for writing image alt text:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Golden Rule #1: <\/strong>Be descriptive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Golden Rule #2: <\/strong>Include your keyword.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Golden Rule #3:<\/strong> Write a complete sentence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I find it most helpful to think of how a visually impaired user would hear<\/em> the alt text. This approach keeps your writing natural, fluid, and concise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It also ensures that you\u2019re putting people first<\/strong>, and search engines second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Create SEO-Friendly Image Titles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Image titles<\/strong> appear when users hover or click on an image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Try it out with the image below. Hover your mouse over the image and see the text that appears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Up-close](\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/chinese-wisteria-flowers-1024x682.jpg\" "\\"Up-close")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nYou should have seen the following: \u201cUp-close Shot of Chinese Wisteria Flowers\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the above example, the image title is somewhat of an accessory (and an image SEO best practice). However, for other images like graphs or charts, image title tags can provide users with additional context that clarifies its purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8. Include Image Captions When Appropriate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Like title tags, captions can offer additional context or information about an image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, unlike titles<\/em>, image captions appear directly below the image<\/strong> and don\u2019t require the user to click or hover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take a look at the image caption below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Bee](\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bee-wisteria-1024x683.jpg\" "\\"Image")
A bee rests on a wisteria blossom.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Not every image needs a caption.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, I wouldn\u2019t recommend using one like in the example above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Image captions are stronger when they provide real, additional value <\/strong>to the user. They\u2019re great for screenshots, tutorials, and how-to steps. These areas can often use more explaining, and image captions give you that opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. Optimize Your SEO Title and Meta Description<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The previous 4 items were the most traditional image optimizations, but it\u2019s important to remember that image SEO doesn't stop at the image alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Confused?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well, image SEO is part of a bigger SEO strategy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You must take a holistic approach to your content to ensure the best results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, on-page SEO<\/strong> is another critical component of your content strategy, specifically SEO titles<\/strong> and meta descriptions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SEO titles, or page titles, are the blue hyperlinks in search results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meta descriptions are the text below your title that summarize your content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"LowFruits](\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/page-title-meta-description-.jpg\" "\\"SEO")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s important to optimize both metadata elements for your target keyword.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This strategy provides search engines additional context around your images and how they fit within the page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SEO titles<\/strong> are also particularly important because they appear in Google Images searches<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Titles appear below your image in Google Images results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Google](\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/google-images-page-title-1024x358.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n10. Add ImageObject Schema Markup<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Technical SEO<\/strong> is another element to consider when optimizing your images, specifically schema markup<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Schema markup provides search engines with details about your web page in a way that\u2019s easy for them to understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ImageObject schema is one type of schema markup that delivers supplementary information about your visuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Search engines can use this information to create rich snippets<\/strong>, which display your image in search results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Google](\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/image-rich-snippet-apple-1024x303.jpg\" "\\"Rich")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAnd here\u2019s an excerpt of the ImageObject schema for this photo:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"ImageObject](\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/imageobject-schema-markup-1024x118.jpg\" "\\"ImageObject")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAs for how to add image schema on your site, here\u2019s a user-friendly tutorial: ImageObject Schema Generator and Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WordPress users can use an SEO plugin like All in One SEO<\/a> (AIOSEO).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It has a Schema Generator<\/strong> that allows you to add images to your schema markup. It\u2019s super easy to use and doesn\u2019t require any coding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"AIOSEO](\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/new-aioseo-schema-generator.jpg\" "\\"AIOSEO")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n11. Make Images Responsive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Responsive images adjust their size depending on the user's screen. This automatic resizing process ensures an optimal user experience across devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, it helps you avoid excessively large images on mobile devices or too small photos on desktops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You make images responsive by using CSS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if you\u2019re a WordPress user, you don\u2019t have to worry about this. WordPress resizes images automatically for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
12. Implement Lazy Loading<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you have a lot of images on your website, lazy loading can make your pages run faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lazy loading delays the loading of non-critical resources, such as images, until they are about to enter the user's view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This means that images below the fold (the part of the page that's not immediately visible) aren't loaded until the user scrolls down to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some benefits of lazy loading include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Improved page load speed<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reduced server load<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lower data usage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
While the implementation of lazy loading can vary depending on the platform, the general approach involves adding a loading=”lazy” attribute to your image tags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s what it looks like in HTML:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<img src=\"image-name.jpg\" alt=\"Image description\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/em><\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n13. Create an Image Sitemap<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
An image sitemap is a type of XML sitemap that helps search engines discover and crawl your images. It provides search engines with metadata about your images, which can lead to improved visibility in SERPs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Google<\/a> recommends formatting your image sitemaps like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Google](\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/google-image-sitemap-1024x658.jpg\" "\\"Example")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nYou can also use sitemap plugins to create them automatically in WordPress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- PNG:<\/strong> best when you want high quality and size isn't a concern<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Graphs and charts<\/strong> can showcase data metrics.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Weak Spots:<\/strong> Low-authority domains ranking in the top 10 search results for that keyword. These are competitors that are easy to outrank.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- SERP Difficulty Score (SD):<\/strong> The LowFruits metric for keyword difficulty<\/a>. It\u2019s on a scale of 1 to 3, with 1 being the easiest and 3 the hardest.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 2. Find a High-Quality Image<\/a><\/li>
- Google Image Pack<\/a><\/li>
- Where Can Images Appear in Google?<\/a>