When we talk about promoting online for anything or when we take a step ahead in the SEO world, we clearly see how important the role of an image is.
No matter if you own an online store or have a personal portfolio or blog up online, people get attracted to what pleases their eyes. It is a well-known phrase that “Visuals attract more”.
Hence, images play a vital role in SEO…
Now if, we are talking image then let’s get deep into what kind of image?
Why use Image? and How To optimize Images for Search Engine?
Let’s start with the first question arising in mind: WHY TO USE IMAGE FOR SEO?
Well! The answer is simple: To put a little spark to those boring 1000 words, just saying!
Have you ever noticed that whenever you are surfing the internet you tend to click on the stuff whose image is attractive? It is a human tendency to get attracted to stuff that your eye sees and appreciates.
Therefore no matter if you are an SEO Executive, SMO expert or simply using the internet to promote your stuff, Images are what you should go for and trust me you will get huge Traffic.
The best part about using the image is that it will spice up your article a little and people will enjoy reading those 1000 words you want them to read.
NOTE: JUST KEEP IN MIND DO NOT OVERDO IMAGE AND KEEP IT RELEVANT. KEEP READING FOR MORE TIPS.
Next question popping up in your head must be what kind of Images are we talking about here?
The best thing to keep in mind while selecting the image for SEO and Promotion purpose is that the image should be relevant to the context it is posted in for as irrelevant image will definitely make the audience lose their interest.
HOW TO OPTIMIZE THE IMAGE ?
When it comes to promotion no doubt images play a vital role but if the image is not optimized or is not screened and focused on before posting it might attack you back and yield opposite results.
So, Guys! Images are good but good, optimized images are best!
‘
Image Optimization Guide for SEO
You will also find some interesting and helpful SEO Image Optimization Tips mentioned in all steps.
Step 1: FINDING THE ONE PERFECT IMAGE :
When you are using the image for SEO the first thing that you should consider is searching the right image. Finding the image in relation to the content of the article you are posting is one of the basic challenges faced by the individual. The image is the key attraction in any article or Blog that might enhance the article reach.
- Tip 1: Choose the image in context to the article subject.
- Tip 2: Choose a simple Image as it should be easy to understand the image.
Some of my personal favorite Free and Cool Sources of Images:
There are many sources that are presently used for getting good quality images but, my personal choice includes:
- Pixabay
- BigStock
- Twenty20
- Unsplash
Step 2: NAME YOUR IMAGE:
It is a habit of most of the people among us to save the image with the name that camera allows but before you adapt and move forward with this habit I should warn you it is not a good one when it comes to SEO.
For getting your web page rank to come at the top the basic requirement is to use acceptable keywords. So, name your image in accordance with the subject of the article.
- Tip 1: Name Image and include the keyword if possible as search engine also crawls for the keywords in Image along with the text.
- Tip 2: Descriptive names of Images are often loved more by Search engines.
- Tip 3: Avoid “DCMIMAGE10.jpg” this type of names they are not considered optimize.
Step 3: INTELLIGENT ALT TAGS, WORTH IT?
Do you know what Alt tags are?
How can they be used for the Image optimization?
No, let’s keep it under microscope for while:
No matter how intelligent technology becomes it cannot get ahead of human intelligence. The Web Spider is one example, seeing a picture human eye immediately gets clarity on what the picture is describing but, when it comes to web spiders then, they are not as intelligent as us, they need help recognizing the description of an image and that is where Alt Tag enters the picture.
FUN FACT: The best part I find about Alt tag is that they are visible when you hover over the picture.
- Tip 1: Add Alt tags keeping the keyword in mind but, do not stuff the Alt tag with keywords that help in Optimizing Image for SEO.
- Tip 2: Frame the Alt tag as if you are explaining something with visuals. This will really help!
Step 4: Size does matter when it comes to Optimized SEO Image :
Well! Let’s talk size; Size of the Image file that needs to be uploaded should be as less as possible. The more the size of Image the more is the Loading Time of the Webpage, the more the loading time the less the traffic, therefore, to get your web page to be loved and at top minimize the size of Image as much as possible to clearly depict what needs to be shown.
- Tip 1: Do not compromise the quality of the Image while reducing the Size of Image for SEO Optimization.
- Tip 2: Picnik, JPEGmini, PunyPNG and Image Optimizer are great tools that can be used for reducing the size of Image.
FUN FACT: I PERSONALLY USE SLOW TO KNOW IF THE IMAGE IS OPTIMIZED OR NOT.
Hey! Let’s see which extension of Image is shorter:
- JPEG: 30kb
- GIF: 35kb
- PNG-8: 30kb
- PNG-24: 107kb
Step 5: This is one of my favorite steps that are: STRATEGIZING THE IMAGE DIMENSIONS AND ANGLES:
It is for those who are trying to showcase their products online, for them It is important to focus on the image Dimensions and angles they want to display their product. With the recent trend, it is seen that multiple angles of the product are displayed and this is amazing guys! With this, the Image Optimization Techniques has folded on a new chapter.
- Tip 1: show the interior of the product
- Tip 2: showcase the product from all angles.
- Tip 3: Shoot the close-ups
These are the simple Image Optimization techniques that cover the basics of SEO executives. There are many advanced techniques that will be covered in short duration hold on guys….With these simple tips and tricks, you can get a kickstart on optimization of blog image. So, choose wisely and go ahead with SEO.
