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Choose Relevant Images:
- Pick images related to your content to signal to Google that your content is valuable. Original, high-quality images are more impactful than stock photos.
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Optimize Image Titles:
- Use meaningful titles for images. Instead of generic names, like camera-generated codes, opt for descriptive titles related to your content. For instance, if your content is about a specific place, include it in the image title.
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Utilize Alt Tags:
- Alt tags are crucial for SEO. Keep them descriptive, not keyword-stuffed. Alt tags benefit site crawlers, screen readers, and contribute to both SEO and accessibility.
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Include Keywords and Ratings:
- Don’t forget about image keywords and ratings. Utilize them in your image properties to enhance SEO. Create a list of relevant keywords for easy optimization.
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Optimize Image Size:
- Pay attention to image size for faster website loading. Consider using WebP, PNG, or JPG formats. Test your site’s speed using tools like Google’s to identify areas for optimization.
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Ensure Mobile-Friendly Images:
- Make your images adaptable to various devices, especially mobile. Scale images based on device size for a seamless user experience.
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Avoid Text-Hiding Images:
- Steer clear of hiding text within images, as it can result in penalties. If using images for headers, ensure proper labeling for SEO benefits.
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Utilize Image Sitemaps:
- Create and submit an image sitemap to search engines. This allows you to provide additional information about your images, such as their location and relevance. Image sitemaps help search engines index your images more effectively, improving your overall SEO strategy.
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Descriptive File Names:
- Rename your image files with descriptive names that reflect the image content. Avoid generic names or codes. Descriptive file names contribute to better SEO and make it easier for search engines to understand the context of your images.
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File Format Selection:
- Choose the right file format based on your needs. WebP is a modern format offering superior compression, but PNG and JPG are still effective. Use WebP for smaller and faster-loading images, especially if your concern is large file sizes.
Implementing these straightforward tips will not only enhance your website’s SEO but also improve user experience and accessibility.