Text tends to be emphasized in SEO, but if you use images effectively on your website, you can not only attract more customers but also improve usability.
When using images, it’s important to make good choices and understand search engine behavior patterns.
In this article, we will thoroughly explain how to optimize your image files.
Relationship between SEO and image files
Are image files important for SEO?
Search engines can determine the content of an article from text, but on the other hand, it is said that it is difficult to understand the content of images such as “.jpg” and “.png”.
The general consensus is that the content of images does not directly improve SEO.
Unlike text, images allow you to simply convey the content with diagrams and illustrations, which has the effect of increasing usability.
Images are also useful when determining the impression of your site, which is important for gaining fans.
Images can also be expected to improve quantitative numbers such as improving withdrawal rates and increasing repeat rates, so it can be said that effective use of images is also effective for SEO.
How to handle image files to increase SEO effectiveness
Effective images increase user convenience and have the indirect effect of attracting customers by reducing the bounce rate and increasing the number of repeat visits.
Search engines cannot understand the contents of image files, but it is possible to tell Google’s robots what the image file means.
If you do this, you will show search engines that your content is relevant and useful, and you can expect SEO benefits.
There are three important points for this purpose.
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Optimize image filenames
First, let’s optimize the image filename. Images are often uploaded with meaningless default names such as “IMG001.jpg”.
Readers can understand it by looking at the image, but search robots cannot understand it.
If you describe just the subject-predicate relationship, such as “baby-smile,” it will help search engines evaluate your content. File names should be in English and use hyphens (-).
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Utilize “alt attribute” tag
Use the alt attribute tag in image files to write alternative text.
The alt attribute is text information that provides an overview of the image element in HTML. This is a function that is used as a supplement to images, and alternative text is used when images cannot be displayed or when using a text browser or voice reading.
By enriching not only the image title but also the alternative text, search engines can understand the content of the image and correctly evaluate the value of the image.
As with the title, it is preferable to use simple expressions that are easy to understand.
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Get creative with your anchor text
Anchor text is also valid for image files.
Anchor text is text that describes the content of the link destination.
For example, if clicking on the phrase “Image optimization” leads to the corresponding image, this is a way to convey appropriate information to both readers and search engines, improving convenience and searching. This will be advantageous in determining rankings.
Of course, if the content is determined to be highly related to the article theme, you can expect SEO effects.
Are images bad for SEO? Notes on image optimization
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We have introduced methods for optimizing image files, but if images are used incorrectly, there is a risk that it will impair usability and negatively affect SEO.
What precautions should I take?
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Consistency with content
It is desirable that the image matches the theme of the article. On websites, there are cases where images are inserted to prevent reading fatigue due to the large amount of text.
However, that doesn’t mean everything is good, and images with little relevance can confuse readers.
When selecting images, it is important to place the content that readers want in the appropriate place, preferably by summarizing your argument with a diagram or illustration.
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Be aware of page display time
When using images, be aware of the page display time.
If you use a lot of images or use large images, the page will take a long time to load, which may impair usability.
Effective countermeasures include using a display time measurement tool called ”
PageSpeed Insights
” that is made available free of charge by Google, and optimizing the image resolution if necessary.
summary
◆Although it is difficult for search engines to judge the content of images, SEO effects can be expected due to indirect factors such as improved convenience.
◆Image file optimization includes descriptions using file names, alt attributes, and anchor text.
◆ For images, use content related to the article theme effectively, and pay attention to loading speed.