Why Image Size Matters for SEO
Does image size matter to SEO? Yes It Does!
Image size can have a significant impact on website performance, which in turn affects SEO. Large images can slow down page load times, which can lead to a poor user experience. This can result in a higher bounce rate, which is a negative signal to search engines. Additionally, search engines take page load times into account when ranking websites, so slow-loading pages can hurt your SEO.
Another factor to consider is that search engines cannot "see" images in the same way that humans can. They rely on alt tags and other metadata to understand what an image is about. If an image is too large, it can make it difficult for search engines to crawl and index your website. This can result in lower rankings and less visibility in search results.
How to Optimize Image Sizes for SEO
Now that we understand why image size matters for SEO, let's explore some tips on how to optimize image sizes for better performance.
1 Compress Images
One of the easiest ways to reduce image size is to compress them. Compression reduces the file size of an image without significantly affecting its quality. There are many tools available online that can compress images, such as TinyPNG and Kraken.io. Alternatively, you can use image editing software like Photoshop or GIMP to compress images manually.
2. Resize Images
Another way to reduce image size is to resize them. This involves reducing the dimensions of an image without changing its file size. Resizing images can be done using image editing software or online tools like Canva or PicResize. It's important to note that resizing an image too small can result in a loss of quality, so it's essential to find the right balance.
3. Use the Right File Type
Choosing the right file type can also affect image size. JPEGs are best for photographs, while PNGs are better for graphics and images with transparent backgrounds. GIFs are best for animations, and SVGs are best for vector graphics. Using the right file type can help to reduce image size without sacrificing quality.
Better still. Use Webp
WebP is an image format developed by Google that uses both lossy and lossless compression methods
Conclusion
In conclusion, image size can have a significant impact on SEO. Large images can slow down page load times, which can lead to a poor user experience and hurt your rankings. Users can be frustrated by slow speeds and leave, leading to higher bounce rates.
By compressing and resizing images, using the right file type, optimizing alt tags, and using lazy loading, you can improve website performance and boost your SEO. Remember to always keep image size in mind when creating content for your website.
That why Craft CMS has built in image transformation that both resizes and changers images formats to Webp that really speeds up your website.
