What Is Image SEO & Why Is It Important?
In 2024, it’s never been more important to drive more traffic to your website. You need SEO (Search Engine Optimisation). But have you ever wondered about Image SEO? How can you get your images to show up in Google searches? It might sound a bit technical, but don't worry, I'm here to break it down for you in a fun and easy-to-understand way. So, let's explore the world of Image SEO and why it's important for your website.
In this update, we will be exploring:
What is image SEO?
Why does image SEO matter?
How do you optimise your images?
Tips for good image SEO practices
What Is Image SEO?
Image SEO is the practice of optimising images on your website to help them rank better in search engine results, especially on Google Images. Just like regular SEO focuses on your content and metadata, Image SEO is for making sure that your images are searchable and indexed correctly by search engines.
Images can appear in Google Image searches, as well as influence the SEO health of the page they are on, boosting the overall ranking position of your website.
Why Does Image SEO Matter?
Okay, now that we know what image SEO is, let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons why it matters for your website:
Increased Visibility For Your Website
By optimising your images, you increase the chances of your content appearing in Google Image search results. This can drive additional traffic to your website from users specifically searching for images related to your content.
Images Sell
People love visuals. Think about the last time you were browsing online, wasn't it the eye-catching images that grabbed your attention first? Good quality images help keep people engaged with your website.
Better Accessibility
Image SEO involves using descriptive alt text, which helps visually impaired users understand the content of your images. This is not only good for user experience but also for complying with web accessibility standards, which are becoming more and more important for search engines.
Key Components of Image SEO
If you want to improve your image SEO, there are a few different steps to look at. Here is how you can work on your site’s image SEO:
1. Create A File Name
Before uploading an image, give it a descriptive file name that includes relevant keywords. Instead of "IMG1234.jpg," use something like "sunshine-coast-sunset.jpg." This helps search engines understand what the image is about. You can also use keywords, so for this blog an image file name could be “What-is-image-seo.jpg”.
2. Image Alt Text is Crucial
Alt text (alternative text) is crucial for Image SEO. It describes the content of the image for search engines and visually impaired users. Make sure your alt text is concise, descriptive, and includes relevant keywords. For example, “Pink and Red Earrings | Australian Hoop Earrings”.
3. Image Size and Format
Large images can slow down your website, affecting user experience and SEO. Compress your images to reduce file size without compromising quality. Tools like TinyPNG are great for this. Also, use appropriate formats like JPEG for photographs and PNG for images with transparent backgrounds.
We would recommend using Webp as your most used file format. This is quick and lossless, which means your images still look great while loading fast.
4. Unique Images
Avoid stock images where possible. Take your own photos with great lighting and use variations. Using unique images will keep your images engaging for website visitors.
Image alt text is a form of code that communicates directly with Search engine bots like Googlebot.
Benefits of Image SEO
By taking a few extra minutes to optimise the images on your website for SEO, you can get a whole range of benefits, from better ranking positions to more traffic.
Better Ranking Positions
Optimised images contribute to better overall website SEO, helping your pages rank higher in search results. Google considers various factors, including image optimisation, when determining the relevance and quality of a page.
If your images are optimised, your site has a better chance of showing up higher in ranking positions.
Humans Love Images
A picture says a thousand words. If I see something I love, I’m more likely to buy it if I see it!
Increased Organic Traffic
According to Search Engine Journal, images can drive significant organic traffic. People often search for images related to their interests, and if your images are well-optimised, they can attract new visitors to your site.
Tips for Effective Image SEO
Here are some extra tips to get the most out of your image SEO.
Use Descriptive Captions
Captions can provide additional context for your images and help search engines understand their relevance. Include keywords naturally in your captions to boost SEO.
Structured Data (Technical SEO)
Implement structured data (schema markup) for your images. This provides search engines with more information about your images and can enhance your search visibility with rich snippets.
This is like a direct line to Google telling her via code what the image is about. Code is her favourite language.
Regular Audits
Perform regular audits of your images to ensure they are still optimised and relevant. Update alt text, file names, and other elements as needed to keep up with SEO best practices.
Monitor Performance
Use tools like Google Search Console and Google Analytics to monitor the performance of your images. Track metrics like impressions, clicks, and traffic to understand how your images are contributing to your overall SEO strategy.
Learn More About Image SEO
Image SEO might seem like a small part of your overall SEO strategy, but it can have a big impact. By optimising your images, you not only improve your website's visibility and user experience but also drive more organic traffic and enhance your brand's online presence.
So, if you’re looking to get the most out of your SEO efforts, don't overlook the power of image optimisation. And if you need a bit of help or want to dive deeper into the world of SEO, feel free to reach out or join one of my SEO workshops. You will learn everything you need to know about unlocking the power of image SEO for your website.
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Did you like this blog? We hope this helps you to understand EEAT and why it is important for SEO. While you are here, why not check out some of our other blogs for SEO tips and tricks:
Author - Tanya Northey, Sunshine Coast SEO Coach