Using Images for SEO

Using Images for SEO

Optimizing images for SEO is serious business.

So yes, now we have to optimize our images for SEO too, but it’s not difficult and can even be fun. Google and other search engines use various factors in forming your site SEO ranking. Keywords, load time, domain popularity, backlinks and more all factor into the ‘SEO secret-sauce’.  So kudos to you for optimizing your website’s content and video; now it is time to concentrate on images.

Using images for SEO can further boost your search rankings for targeted keywords and categories. Images are no longer simple enhancements designed to draw people to your content. You take a lot of time agonizing over just the right image to convey your message, so make sure you format and optimize your images for search purposes.  Remember your images are communicating to search engines and your visitors about your content.

Using images for SEO rankings
Use smart images for SEO rankings!

 5 Tips for using images for SEO:

Here are a few things to consider the next time you upload an image:

1. File Name: Image SEO starts with the right file name. Of course you should always include your keywords in the file name. Google and other search engines can’t view your image like a human being, so go ahead and describe to Google what the image is about.

2. Loading time: The faster your website is, the better indexed your page will be. Images can have a huge impact on loading times. Take a moment to adjust file and image size to optimize loading performance.

3. Captions: Everyone has seen the option to add a caption when you upload an image; you may be tempted to ignore it.   People actually use captions to gain insight on your page, not just search engines so next time you upload an image, add a caption (as seen in the image above). Nielsen conducted a report on this exact topic back in 1997: “Elements that enhance scanning include headings, large type, bold text, highlighted text, bulleted lists, graphics, captions, topic sentences, and tables of contents.”

4. Alt text:  The Alt text is used as an image description when an image is unreadable. Do not skip adding Alt text because Google and other search engines are looking for it.

5. The “Total Picture”: Search engines are smart! Google is able to recognize elements within your image. Be sure that your images enhance the user experience as well as the SEO performance  Use relevant images that compliment your subject matter!

SEO technology is evolving every day. Optimizing your site images for SEO will further assist Google and other search engines to understand and improve your rankings.  Stay up to date on SEO trends and so much more.

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Nicole E. Flynn, CMO at cielo24, is deeply interested in exploring and communicating the ways in which Artificial Intelligence (AI) intersects with various aspects of our daily lives. She is passionate about exploring the ways in which AI can be ethically harnessed to improve the quality of life and make our world a better place. Nicole seeks to educate and inform audiences about the potential of AI technology and how it can be used to drive innovation and growth.

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