{"id":5729,"date":"2025-07-17T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-17T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/?p=5729"},"modified":"2025-06-26T07:53:09","modified_gmt":"2025-06-26T11:53:09","slug":"naming-images-for-seo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/blog\/naming-images-for-seo\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Best Practices for Naming Images for SEO (With Examples)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Still uploading images with names like &#8220;IMG_2947.jpg&#8221; to your website? I hate to break it to you, but <strong>default image filenames do nothing for your SEO.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The reality is, most website owners focus their SEO efforts on keywords and content. Meanwhile, image filenames remain an untapped opportunity for better search visibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And with<a href=\"https:\/\/truelist.co\/blog\/google-search-statistics\/#:~:text=Around%201%20billion%20people%20use,around%2011.5k%20every%20second.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" title=\"Google Search Statistics\"> over 1 billion searches on Google Images every day<\/a>, you could be missing out on some <em>serious<\/em> organic traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The good news?<\/strong> Naming images for SEO is a simple fix that can make a real difference in how search engines understand \u2014 and rank \u2014 your images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In this guide, you'll discover:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Why image filename SEO matters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>6 best practices for naming images for SEO<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Real examples of what works (and what doesn't)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Quick wins to boost your visual search presence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The best part?<\/strong> You can start applying these practices <em>today<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group aioseo-table-of-contents crazy has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>In This Article<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-aioseo-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#aioseo-image-filename-seo-yep-its-a-thing\">Image Filename SEO? Yep, It&#x2019;s a Thing<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#aioseo-where-do-images-appear-in-search-results\">Where Do Images Appear in Search Results?<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#aioseo-rich-snippets-in-traditional-search\">Rich Snippets in Traditional Search<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#aioseo-google-image-pack\">Google Image Pack<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#aioseo-google-images\">Google Images<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#aioseo-6-best-practices-for-naming-images-for-seo\">6 Best Practices for Naming Images for SEO<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#aioseo-1-keep-your-image-filename-relevant\">1. Keep Your Image Filename Relevant<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#aioseo-2-be-descriptive-yet-concise\">2. Be Descriptive Yet Concise<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#aioseo-3-include-your-focus-or-related-keyword\">3. Include Your Focus (or Related) Keyword<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#aioseo-4-dont-keyword-stuff\">4. Don&#x2019;t Keyword Stuff<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#aioseo-5-separate-words-with-hyphens\">5. Separate Words With Hyphens<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#aioseo-6-think-of-the-user\">6. Think of the User<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#aioseo-examples-of-good-bad-image-filenames-for-seo\">Examples of Good &#x26; Bad Image Filenames for SEO<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#aioseo-additional-image-seo-tips\">Additional Image SEO Tips<\/a><ul><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#aioseo-image-filename-seo-faqs-your-questions-answered\">Image Filename SEO FAQs: Your Questions Answered<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#aioseo-what-is-the-best-way-to-name-images-for-seo\">What is the best way to name images for SEO?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#aioseo-do-image-filenames-affect-seo\">Do image filenames affect SEO?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#aioseo-should-seo-image-names-use-hyphens-or-dashes\">Should SEO image names use hyphens or dashes?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#aioseo-how-long-should-image-filenames-be-for-seo\">How long should image filenames be for SEO?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#aioseo-final-thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-image-filename-seo-yep-its-a-thing\">Image Filename SEO? Yep, It\u2019s a Thing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Search engines can't &#8220;see&#8221; images the way humans do. While they're getting better at understanding image content, they still rely heavily on <strong>text-based information<\/strong> \u2013 including image filenames \u2013 to understand what an image shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>That's where image filename SEO comes in.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Think of an image filename as a label. When you use clear, descriptive filenames, you're making it easier for search engines to understand the image's content. This helps them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Index your images accurately<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Show them in relevant search results<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Understand your overall page content better<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It's like helping a friend find a specific photo in your camera roll. &#8220;Red-ceramic-coffee-mug.jpg&#8221; tells them exactly what to look for, while &#8220;IMG_2947.jpg&#8221; tells them nothing at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-where-do-images-appear-in-search-results\">Where Do Images Appear in Search Results?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here's why image SEO matters: <\/strong>images can appear in multiple places across Google's search results. And each ranking is a new opportunity to <strong>attract organic traffic<\/strong> and <strong>increase your visibility<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-rich-snippets-in-traditional-search\">Rich Snippets in Traditional Search<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When Google displays enhanced search results, they often include relevant images as thumbnails. These visual elements can <a href=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/blog\/improve-organic-ctr\/\" title=\"7 Tips to Improve Your Organic Clickthrough Rate (CTR)\">increase organic clickthrough rates<\/a> (CTR) and drive more traffic to your site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"258\" src=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-snippet-example.jpg\" alt=\"Naming image for SEO can help you land a Google image snippet.\" class=\"wp-image-5730\" title=\"Google Image Snippet\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-snippet-example.jpg 900w, https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-snippet-example-300x86.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-snippet-example-768x220.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-aioseo-theme-notice-box\" role=\"alert\">\n<p><strong>Think about it: <\/strong>If you had to pick between a search listing <em>with<\/em> a picture, and one without, which would you choose? Probably the one with an image, <em>especially<\/em> if it confirms that web page has the content you're looking for.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-google-image-pack\">Google Image Pack<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>These images appear within regular search results, typically near the top of the page. Image Packs show up when visual content is particularly helpful \u2014 like recipes, products, or graphs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting your images to appear here can<strong> increase your website's visibility<\/strong> and <strong>boost brand awareness<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/image-pack-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"Google Image Pack results.\" class=\"wp-image-2055\" title=\"Google Image Pack\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/image-pack-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/image-pack-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/image-pack-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/image-pack.jpg 1100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-aioseo-theme-notice-box\" role=\"alert\">\n<p><strong>Did you know?<\/strong> Ranking in the Image Pack means you\u2019re also ranking in Google Images! Talk about a win-win.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-google-images\">Google Images<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With over a billion daily searches, Google Images is a search engine in its own right. When people search specifically for images, properly named files have a better chance of appearing in these results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"351\" src=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/google-images-rankings-1024x351.jpg\" alt=\"Search results in Google Images for the query best rank tracker tools.\" class=\"wp-image-5731\" title=\"Google Images\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/google-images-rankings-1024x351.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/google-images-rankings-300x103.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/google-images-rankings-768x263.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/google-images-rankings.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>With proper image filename SEO, you can increase your chances of appearing in these valuable search positions. Whether it's through rich snippets, Image Packs, or Google Images, each image is an opportunity for users to discover your website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-6-best-practices-for-naming-images-for-seo\">6 Best Practices for Naming Images for SEO<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ready to make your image filenames work harder for your SEO?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow these 6 steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-1-keep-your-image-filename-relevant\">1. Keep Your Image Filename Relevant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The first rule of image filename SEO is simple: <strong>name your image based on what it actually shows<\/strong>. This might seem obvious, but you\u2019d be surprised how often it\u2019s overlooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your filename should <em>accurately<\/em> describe the image's content \u2014 nothing more, nothing less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, if you're uploading a photo of a golden retriever puppy playing with a red ball, name it something like &#8220;golden-retriever-puppy-red-ball.jpg&#8221; instead of the default &#8220;DSC1234.jpg&#8221; or the overly generic &#8220;dog.jpg&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Think about it from a search perspective:<\/strong> if someone was looking for this specific type of image, what would they type into Google? That's often your best starting point for a relevant filename.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-2-be-descriptive-yet-concise\">2. Be Descriptive Yet Concise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to image filenames, think Goldilocks \u2014 not too long, not too short, but just right. While you want to be <strong>descriptive<\/strong>, you also need to keep your filenames <strong>concise<\/strong> and <strong>to the point<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aim for 2\u20135 words that capture the essential elements of your image. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Too vague:<\/strong> &#8220;chair.jpg&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Too long: <\/strong>&#8220;vintage-brown-leather-office-chair-with-wheels-and-armrests-side-view.jpg&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Just right: <\/strong>&#8220;vintage-leather-office-chair.jpg&#8221;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Remember: <\/strong>you're writing for both search engines <em>and<\/em> humans. If your filename looks like a keyword-stuffed mess, you've gone too far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-3-include-your-focus-or-related-keyword\">3. Include Your Focus (or Related) Keyword<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Smart keyword placement in your image filenames can give your SEO an extra boost. But here's the key \u2014<strong> it needs to feel natural<\/strong>, not forced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/blog\/best-seo-keyword-research-tools\/\" title=\"15 Best SEO Keyword Research Tools [Free & Paid]\">keyword research tool<\/a> can help you identify relevant terms that make sense for your images. Look for keywords that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Match what's actually in the image<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Align with your content's topic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Feel natural in the filename<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/\" title=\"LowFruits - Analyze the SERPs Faster, Find Weak Spots\">LowFruits<\/a> makes this process simple by helping you discover <strong>low-competition keywords<\/strong> that are ideal for image optimizations. Just enter your main topic into the <a href=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/docs\/kwfinder\/\" title=\"KWFinder\">KWFinder<\/a>, and click <strong>Search<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/kwfinder-search-blank-1024x240.jpg\" alt=\"KWFinder search settings.\" class=\"wp-image-2744\" title=\"LowFruits KWFinder Tool\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/kwfinder-search-blank-1024x240.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/kwfinder-search-blank-300x70.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/kwfinder-search-blank-768x180.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/kwfinder-search-blank-1536x360.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/kwfinder-search-blank-2048x480.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>LowFruits will generate a user-friendly report with <a href=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/blog\/find-related-keywords\/\" title=\"How to Find Related Keywords to Improve Your Content\u2019s Reach\">related keywords<\/a>, like the one below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"410\" src=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-filename-keywords-seo-1024x410.jpg\" alt=\"List of keywords from a LowFruits report.\" class=\"wp-image-5732\" title=\"Keyword Report\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-filename-keywords-seo-1024x410.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-filename-keywords-seo-300x120.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-filename-keywords-seo-768x307.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-filename-keywords-seo.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s great about LowFruits is that you can <a href=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/blog\/low-competition-keywords\/\" title=\"How to Find Low-Competition Keywords in 5 Easy Steps\">find low-competition keywords<\/a> quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When analyzing your keyword list, pay attention to the following columns:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/blog\/keyword-search-volume\/\" title=\"Keyword Search Volume Explained: Why Higher Isn\u2019t Always Better\"><strong>Keyword Search Volume<\/strong><\/a> (Vol.): <\/strong>This metric represents how many searches there are for a keyword per month.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SERP Difficulty Score (SD): <\/strong>The LowFruits metric for <a href=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/blog\/keyword-difficulty\/\" title=\"Keyword Difficulty: What It Is, Why It Matters, & How to Find It\">keyword difficulty<\/a>. It\u2019s on a scale of 1 to 3, with 1 being the easiest to rank for.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Weak Spots: <\/strong>Each icon represents a low-authority domain ranking in the top 10 search results. These are competitors you can easily outrank.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For <a href=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/blog\/quick-seo-wins\/\" title=\"Top 10 Quick SEO Wins [Less Than 30 Min Per Task]\">quick SEO wins<\/a>, I recommend targeting keywords that have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Decent search volume<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A low SD score (preferably 1)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Multiple Weak Spots<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These are low-hanging fruits, ripe for the taking! And even small or new websites can compete for them with success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use these keywords in your image filenames to <strong>improve your SEO<\/strong> and <strong>rank higher in SERPs<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-4-dont-keyword-stuff\">4. Don\u2019t Keyword Stuff<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you know how to find the right keywords with LowFruits, let's talk about what <em>not<\/em> to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/blog\/how-to-avoid-keyword-stuffing\/\" title=\"How to Avoid Keyword Stuffing for Better SEO [9 Actionable Tips]\">Keyword stuffing<\/a> is the fastest way to turn a good image filename bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Think of it this way:<\/strong> if your filename sounds unnatural when read aloud, you're probably keyword stuffing. Here are some examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Good: <\/strong>&#8220;mediterranean-pasta-salad-recipe.jpg&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bad: <\/strong>&#8220;best-mediterranean-pasta-salad-recipe-popular-mediterranean-pasta-salad.jpg&#8221;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Good: <\/strong>&#8220;white-leather-office-chair.jpg&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bad:<\/strong> &#8220;office-chair-desk-chair-computer-chair-white-leather-chair.jpg&#8221;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Google is smart enough to understand context.<\/strong> You don't need to cram every possible keyword variation into your filename. It creates a poor user experience (UX) and doesn\u2019t improve your chances of ranking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, just don\u2019t do it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-5-separate-words-with-hyphens\">5. Separate Words With Hyphens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Here's a small detail that makes a big difference: use <strong>hyphens<\/strong> (-) to separate words in your image filenames.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why hyphens? <\/strong>Because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Search engines recognize hyphens as space separators.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They're easier to read than underscores or spaces.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They're the industry standard for SEO-friendly URLs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Compare these examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2705 red-leather-boots.jpg<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u274c red_leather_boots.jpg <em>(underscores)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u274c redleatherboots.jpg<em> (no spaces)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u274c red leather boots.jpg <em>(spaces)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Skip spaces, underscores, and special characters. <\/strong>They can cause technical issues and make your filenames harder to read \u2014 for both humans and search engines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-6-think-of-the-user\">6. Think of the User<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>At the end of the day, SEO isn't just about pleasing search engines \u2014 it's about helping real people find what they're looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>When naming images for SEO, ask yourself:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Would this filename make sense to someone searching for this image?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Does it accurately describe what they'll see?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Could someone understand what the image is before clicking?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This user-first approach naturally leads to better SEO because it aligns with what search engines want:<strong> to provide the most relevant results to their users<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-aioseo-theme-notice-box\" role=\"alert\">\n<p><strong>A word of advice?<\/strong> You should apply this people-first approach to all your SEO efforts, not <em>just<\/em> image optimizations. As digital marketers like to say, \u201cpeople first, search engines second.\u201d It\u2019s the most effective way to create high-quality content that users love and search engines want to serve.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-examples-of-good-bad-image-filenames-for-seo\">Examples of Good & Bad Image Filenames for SEO<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let's put everything we've learned into practice with some real-world examples. Here's what good (and not-so-good) image filenames look like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"467\" src=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/lemon-lime-meringue-pie.jpg\" alt=\"A lemon lime meringue pie being used an example of image SEO,\" class=\"wp-image-5733\" title=\"Lemon Lime Meringue Pie - Image SEO Example\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/lemon-lime-meringue-pie.jpg 640w, https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/lemon-lime-meringue-pie-300x219.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2705 lemon-lime-meringue-pie.jpg<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u274c DSCE92749.jpg <em>(not relevant)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u274c pie.jpg<em> (not descriptive)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u274c product photo final version <em>(spaces, not descriptive)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"764\" src=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/vintage-singer-sewing-machine-1024x764.jpg\" alt=\"Vintage Singer sewing machine for an example of naming images for SEO.\" class=\"wp-image-5734\" style=\"width:649px;height:auto\" title=\"Vintage Singer Sewing Machine - Image SEO Example\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/vintage-singer-sewing-machine-1024x764.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/vintage-singer-sewing-machine-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/vintage-singer-sewing-machine-768x573.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/vintage-singer-sewing-machine-1536x1147.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/vintage-singer-sewing-machine-2048x1529.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2705 vintage-singer-sewing-machine.jpg<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u274c vintage-machine.jpg <em>(not descriptive enough)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u274c vintage_sewing_machine.jpg<em> (underscores)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u274c antique-sewing-machine-vintage-sewing-machine-vintage-singer.jpg <em>(keyword stuffing)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-additional-image-seo-tips\">Additional Image SEO Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While proper filename optimization is crucial, it's just one piece of the <a href=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/blog\/image-seo\/\" title=\"How to Optimize Images for SEO [Image SEO Beginner\u2019s Guide]\">image SEO<\/a> puzzle. Here are some complementary practices to boost your visual search performance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-optimize-your-alt-text\">Optimize Your Alt Text<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/blog\/alt-text\/\" title=\"Alt Text: What It Is, Why It Matters, & How to Write It for SEO\">Alt text<\/a> works hand-in-hand with your filename to tell search engines what your image is about. Unlike filenames, alt text can be more descriptive and use natural language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bee-wisteria-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Bulbee resting a purple Chinese wisteria tree.\" class=\"wp-image-2827\" style=\"width:683px;height:auto\" title=\"Image Alt Text Example\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bee-wisteria-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bee-wisteria-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bee-wisteria-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bee-wisteria-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bee-wisteria-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Filename:<\/strong> &#8220;bumblebee-chinese-wisteria.jpg&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Alt text: <\/strong>&#8220;Bumblebee resting on a purple Chinese wisteria tree.&#8221;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-keep-file-sizes-in-check\">Keep File Sizes in Check<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Large image files slow down your page load time, which is an important ranking factor. Before uploading:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Compress your images without losing quality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose the right file format (JPG for photos, PNG for graphics)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-use-descriptive-image-titles\">Use Descriptive Image Titles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While not as important as filenames and alt text, image titles can provide additional context. These tags appear when users hover or click on an image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"950\" height=\"634\" src=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-title-tag-example.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of Chinese wisteria with a title tag that says Chinese Wisteria Image SEO Example.\" class=\"wp-image-5735\" style=\"width:681px;height:auto\" title=\"Image Title Example\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-title-tag-example.jpg 950w, https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-title-tag-example-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-title-tag-example-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here are some tips for optimizing image titles:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Make them reader-friendly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use natural language<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep them consistent with your filename theme<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-consider-image-placement\"><strong>Consider Image Placement<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Place images near relevant text in your content. This helps search engines make connections between your images and your web page\u2019s content. Use appropriate subheadings and include images where they fit most naturally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Remember: <\/strong>These tips work best when used together with proper filename optimization. Think of it as a complete package for image SEO success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-aioseo-theme-notice-box\" role=\"alert\">\n<p><strong>Recommended reading:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/blog\/image-seo\/\" title=\"How to Optimize Images for SEO [Image SEO Beginner\u2019s Guide]\">How to Optimize Images for SEO<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-image-filename-seo-faqs-your-questions-answered\">Image Filename SEO FAQs: Your Questions Answered<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\" id=\"aioseo-what-is-the-best-way-to-name-images-for-seo\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\">What is the best way to name images for SEO?<\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p>The best way to name images for SEO is to be descriptive while staying concise. Use 2\u20135 words that accurately describe what's in the image. Include a relevant keyword when it makes sense, separate words with hyphens, and use lowercase letters. Skip special characters and spaces. Most importantly, make sure your filename reflects what's actually in the image.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\" id=\"aioseo-do-image-filenames-affect-seo\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\">Do image filenames affect SEO?<\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p>While image filenames are not a direct <a href=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/blog\/google-ranking-factors\/\" title=\"7 Most Important Google Ranking Factors in 2025\">Google ranking factor,<\/a> they can <em>indirectly<\/em> affect your SEO. Filenames help search engines understand your images\u2019 content and context. This can impact your rankings in search results for relevant queries. Optimized image filenames can also increase your chances of appearing in rich snippets and Google Images, which drives additional traffic to your site.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\" id=\"aioseo-should-seo-image-names-use-hyphens-or-dashes\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\">Should SEO image names use hyphens or dashes?<\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p>Always use hyphens (-) instead of underscores (_) in your image filenames. Google specifically recommends hyphens because search engines recognize them as word separators. Underscores can also be harder to read since they often get hidden in certain displays.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-schema-only=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-aioseo-faq\" id=\"aioseo-how-long-should-image-filenames-be-for-seo\"><h3 class=\"aioseo-faq-block-question\">How long should image filenames be for SEO?<\/h3><div class=\"aioseo-faq-block-answer\">\n<p>Keep your image filenames between 2\u20135 words. This length usually provides enough detail without becoming difficult to read. For example, &#8220;ergonomic-office-chair.jpg&#8221; is perfect. It's descriptive enough to be useful but not so long that it becomes cumbersome. Avoid single-word names like &#8220;chair.jpg&#8221; (too vague) or extremely long names that try to include every possible descriptor (keyword stuffing).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-final-thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Optimizing your image filenames might seem like a small detail in the grand scheme of SEO, but <strong>it's these details that give you a competitive edge<\/strong>. When done right, image filename SEO can help search engines understand your content better. It also creates more opportunities for your website to appear in search results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember, good image filenames aren't about complex or require technical expertise. It's about being <strong>clear<\/strong>, <strong>consistent<\/strong>, and <strong>thoughtful<\/strong> in how you name your images. That's it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Start using these best practices for naming images for SEO, and you'll be one step closer to your site's organic success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-aioseo-theme-notice-box\" role=\"alert\">\n<p><strong>Additional resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/blog\/common-seo-mistakes-small-businesses-make\/\" title=\"10 Common SEO Mistakes Small Businesses Make\">Common SEO Mistakes Small Businesses Make<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/blog\/diy-seo\/\" title=\"How to Do SEO Yourself: A 5-Step DIY SEO Quickstart Guide\">How to Do SEO Yourself [DIY SEO Guide]<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/blog\/best-seo-tools-for-beginners\/\" title=\"7 Best SEO Tools for Beginners in 2025 + How to Use Them\">7 Best SEO Tools for Beginners in 2025<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/blog\/seo-myths\/\" title=\"Debunking 13 Common SEO Myths & Misconceptions in 2025\">13 Common SEO Myths & Misconceptions Debunked<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Still uploading images with names like &#8220;IMG_2947.jpg&#8221; to your website? I hate to break it to you, but default image filenames do nothing for your SEO. The reality is, most website owners focus their SEO efforts on keywords and content. Meanwhile, image filenames remain an untapped opportunity for better search visibility. And with over 1 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":248,"featured_media":6265,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"am_check_title_format":true,"am_check_permalink_format":true,"am_check_check_categories":true,"am_check_image_links_new_tab":true,"am_check_links_new_tab":true,"am_check_flifdn_i_zdilyghwmc3q":true,"am_check_bw5lhchtaays6phnuxaab":true,"am_check_7xjfkeyllswtlb8m4geli":true,"am_check_mmpyavkpnvqakyoa0pswp":true,"am_check_nwzd0q2luski4upg5xkib":true,"am_check_phrpfzy7iv6_4sb6gtmfe":true,"am_check_dt_uokjr34nmlp5i4mai5":true,"am_check_ck0ix72zhwrmtntdo09mi":true,"am_check_m0uc7nzckg1x33rffydya":true,"am_check_joaqzpt1pujl4bkkyurpx":true,"am_check_wmavsh39a3yxl49ptxfe7":true,"am_check_v_r5yh0urz2icvtljws0m":true,"am_check_00ob2jv86fnniwqec_pzr":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[131],"tags":[245,244],"class_list":["post-5729","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-seo","tag-image-filename-seo","tag-naming-images-for-seo"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5729","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/248"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5729"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5729\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6271,"href":"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5729\/revisions\/6271"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6265"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5729"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5729"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lowfruits.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5729"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}