SEO and Website Image Optimization 10-Point Checklist for Marketers

SEO image optimization should be second nature for content marketers, but it’s easily overlooked. Search traffic loses when haste wins.

Before I get into all of the nuances and tips, I want to be clear. Google still highlights some poorly optimized images on the primary and image search results. Why? Google is all about presenting the right information when it can. If the content is relevant to a search phrase, the image could appear high even if it misses the mark in terms of best practices.

For example, I searched for “excavators” on Google and John Deere did well even with a generic image name (r4a037882_rrd_75g_642x462.png). It was an image option among primary search results, not from an image search.

But that’s some of the time, not all of the time.

Why not at least tackle the basics to give your brand the best opportunity to succeed with SEO and images on Google and other search engines?

1. Optimize images for SEO and the good of your site content

Yes, you want your images to appear with search results. But image optimization has more significant implications. SEO tactics play off each other. Each element – from the headline and the SEO page title to internal and inbound links – influences search-engine rankings. Images also play a role in the overall SEO value of a page.

2. Name images adequately

Generally, however, you can name images with keyword phrases and separate the words with dashes (some people call them hyphens). How many words? I suggest three to five. Could you use more? Sure, but what’s the point? A laundry list dilutes the image name and it can lose focus.

Image names should be somewhat descriptive. Years ago, I spoke with one company that used general images to support an article’s overall theme. One story was about turbulence in the stock market. The image was a boat on a stormy sea. The image was called “boat” instead of anything involving the article.

Kroger, like many companies, uses first-rate images with useless names like:
53d8b67784aeddff2ec91bed.jpg

3. Avoid abbreviations

No matter what you’re selling, maximize those keywords. Don’t settle for “pkg” when you mean “package” or “ind” for “industrial.”

4. Condense and combine non-essential image elements

If you’re obligated to include image dimensions, special numbers, or “sm” for “small,” tuck them at the end and squish them together. Cozy is good for SEO.

Here are options for obligatory elements:

• applicant-tracking-software-250×400-sm.jpg (not fully optimized)
• applicant-tracking-software-250400sm.jpg (better)

Notice that I kept a dash after “software” to ensure that the keyword is separated.

Do you need to remove the “x” between the dimension numbers? One character may not make a difference, but you aren’t trying to rank for image sizes. “Jam” phrasing should rule for SEO purposes for non-essential info.

5. Use naming conventions efficiently

Production and naming conventions may force you to begin an image name with numbers or letters. It doesn’t mean that you can’t use the bulk of the image name for keywords.

Maybe you are under pressure to go with “xyzdiv” for a section of the website or a division. No problem, try this: “xyzdiv-surgical-elastic-bandages.jpg”.

6. Value consistent naming and productivity sensitivity

One of my clients uses the same image each time to reference a manufacturer’s logo. You might run into production nightmares if you name a single image multiple ways.

For example, if you have a logo image called “dayco-engine-products.jpg”, you don’t want someone else working on the site to rename the logo image to “dayco-aftermarket-parts.jpg”. Multiple names for the same image are too much to manage when you use it often. If you rename a commonly used image, it may vanish from another live page and you may not notice the mistake.

7. Detail image alt attributes

Alt text is useful for visually impaired searchers who rely on screen readers or when images aren’t loading for some reason. Either way, Google finds the alt text and includes it as a ranking factor.

No one knows the perfect number of words, but plan on 10 to 15 to convey something about the image. Describe what’s happening, mention some of the features of a product, note colors, etc. Don’t simply repeat the same words from the image name.

CVS Health doesn’t nail it, but the company comes close.

The image name is: cvs-health-cvs-beauty-skincare-and-makeup-article-image.png.

The words “and” and “article” probably don’t provide value, but the text attribute is decent: alt=”CVS Pharmacy offers thousands of your favorite makeup, beauty and skincare products.”

8. Craft image titles

You see the image titles when you hover over an image on a website page. Image titles have some value – more from user engagement, which indirectly influences SEO. It’s not clear the extent to which the words in the image title impact search engine rankings, but you could add a quick call to action like “buy now” or “download today.”

9. Add captions

Unlike the image name and alt attribute, the caption text is visible on a website page (and that helps with rankings). You can use some of the same keywords from the image name or alt attribute, but try to mix it up. Every aspect of image optimization should have some unique keywords to support SEO.

10. Detail anchor text

On occasion, you have an opportunity to include anchor text that leads to an image. Don’t just write “view image.” Guide visitors – and search engines –with descriptive words like “view our Alaska cruise gallery” or “view our compactor.”

Bonus tip: Image sizes

As you probably know, 72 dpi is a standard resolution for images and website development. Keep that in mind. You don’t need to upload a 300 dpi image in most cases because you want the image size to be as small as possible so it appears quickly. Users will appreciate it and search engines will favor pages that load fast.

What’s your experience with SEO and image optimization? What practices work well for you and what challenges do you face with your team?

Want to ensure that your content (text and images) is optimized for great results from search engines and your audience? Subscribe to CMI’s free daily newsletter or the weekly digest with exclusive insight from CMI founder Joe Pulizzi.

Cover image by Joseph Kalinowski/Content Marketing Institute