Neglected for a long time, the optimization of images for SEO is something that count enormously nowadays! Indeed, since 2007, the optimization of images is fully integrated into any SEO strategy for one obvious reason: Google's universal search has immediately meant that images and photos could be found in web searches’ results. But how to optimize images for SEO?
5 tips to optimize images
By following some simple tips, you can significantly improve the visibility and rankings of your images in the search engine results. Here are 5 tips selected by our team of experts.
1. Choose carefully the name of your images
Google does not know how to read an image. As a result, you must help it by explaining what is on the picture and you must do that using words, keywords, and more. Forget the titles that do not mean anything like IMG502336.jpg! It will be easier for Google to position your image with relevance if its title is ‘restaurant-strasbourg.jpg’ for example!
2. Fill in the ALT attribute
Alternative text, also called ALT attribute, is important for SEO because it is a text that is read by the search engines. This is the place to insert keywords that search engines can interpret. In addition, in the case where for one reason or another the image cannot be displayed on a page, it will be replaced by the ALT tag.
3. Use the correct format
Like everyone else, search engines have their own preferences. It is best to use JPG, GIF and PNG formats for your images. Be sure to use a size that is neither too big nor too small. An image that is too large will be drastically heavier, which will result in excessively long loading times for your web pages.
4. Write a legend
The legend of an image is the area below the image where text can be written. While it does not bring any sort of added value in terms of SEO, it remains useful and even pleasant for user experience. Think about it!
5. Write a long description
A long description, even if not read by Google, is useful if you ever decide to link your image to an attachment page. Indeed, the long description can be a real plus if you have a site that is a portfolio or is dedicated to photography.