What is Image SEO?

Image SEO means optimizing your images so they help rather than hurt your search rankings. Done right, images can drive traffic from Google Image Search and improve your overall page experience.

The basics include using descriptive filenames, adding alt text, compressing file sizes, and using the right image formats. These steps help search engines understand your images and keep your page loading fast.

Why image seo matters

Images affect page speed, which is a ranking factor. Large, unoptimized images slow down your site, hurting your rankings and user experience.

Google Image Search is also a significant traffic source. A well-optimized image can rank in image search results and drive visitors to your blog post. This is especially valuable for visual content like infographics, tutorials, or product photos.

Key Techniques

Always add descriptive alt text that explains what's in the image. This helps visually impaired readers and gives Google context about your image content.

Compress your images before uploading. Use modern formats like WebP when possible. Aim for images under 200KB for photos and much smaller for icons or graphics.

Use descriptive filenames like blog-post-writing-process.jpg instead of IMG_1234.jpg. Include your keyword in the filename when it makes sense naturally.

Add relevant images throughout your content, not just a single header image. Multiple high-quality images improve engagement and give you more opportunities to rank in image search.