Image Optimization
How Optimizing Images Impacts Conversion
Over the years we’ve done many consultations and website rebuilds, and a reoccurring issue we've noticed is always image optimization or lack thereof. So we’re going to discuss images and how to properly use them on your website.
They have a major impact on the optimization of your website, and the results you get in search engines, like Google. Using them effectively really makes a difference.
These are the main things you need to keep in mind when you are using images on your website:
Size
The size needs to be small. If you put a four megabyte picture on your website, that's way too big. It's going to slow down load time & it's going to be a bad experience for your visitors, and Google doesn't like that at all. So whenever possible, size those images down a little bit before putting them on. And of course, keep in mind that they need to be clear.
File Name
Name your files descriptively. Remember this, Google reads, and it doesn't know what 704326.jpg means. It has no idea what that image is about. But if your image is dog-training-Houston, it understands what that image is probably about. So name your file names descriptively so Google understands what they are.
Alt & Title Tag
In the same vane, make sure you use alt and title tags effectively. When you put an image onto your website, you're going to have a place to put in the alt and the title text. Use those sections descriptively. A lot of people try to sort of game the system and trick Google by just putting a bunch of keywords, and Google doesn't really like that. Be sure to just describe the picture, use concise and descriptive text.
Responsive
Finally, make sure your images are responsive. In today's world, typically around 50% of visitors to a website are going to be coming from mobile devices. So a website that's responsive, adjusts in size to accommodate any device screen. Your images need to work along with that. And if you have images that are not responsive, then they may stay really big, or they may get really, really small. Or in general, they just won't work well with the content and they'll move to an odd places or not be visible at all. Make sure they're responsive.
The best way to do that is once is built, just look at your website on your phone or tablet, and make sure it makes sense and works properly for how you intend.
Image optimization is super important for SEO and for the overall visitor experience. Overall, it improves conversions, getting people to actually contact you. So check your own website for these things. Size, file name, alt & title tags, and make sure it's responsive, just like the rest of your website should be.
For more information on how to further optimize your website and generate more leads, contact us today!