Selecting the right images for your website is crucial for creating a strong visual impact and enhancing your site’s SEO performance. High-quality, relevant images not only captivate your audience but also improve your search engine rankings. Let’s explore key strategies to choose and optimize images to elevate your website’s appeal and visibility.
#1 Prioritize high-quality, relevant images
When you use high-resolution images that align with your content, you enhance user engagement and convey professionalism. Ensure your images are clear, well-composed, and directly related to the accompanying text.
Remember the importance of selecting images that make an immediate visual impact, as they can resonate with your target audience and build genuine interest in you.
What is high-quality?
High quality doesn’t always mean higher resolution, nor does it mean choosing PNG over JPG. If that were the case, we would always choose TIFF files or maybe even HDRI files!
The world of image file types is vast and is a topic all of its own. If you want an in-depth look at some of the popular types, Explaining Computers has an excellent video on the topic of image file formats. Here are some of the important highlights:
- If you can count the number of colors in an image on your fingers, then it’s generally a good idea to use a PNG. I know this from my personal experience as an artist. PNG files will almost always be larger than JPG, but they will stay very small and preserve quality.
- The opposite is true for JPG (aka JPEG) and its “brother and sister” file formats like JXL. Generally, if your image has too many colors to count by hand, it’s better to use a JPG. For example, if you are a photographer or an artist with highly detailed, high-resolution images, your page speed will benefit greatly by making minimal sacrifices in quality.
Below is an example of how you can significantly change a JPG to modify its resolution, file size, and perceived quality. If you have a high-resolution file to start with, JPG offers flexibility to strike a balance between quality and file size.
What does Google recommend?
Google recommends WebP and WebM!
So why didn’t we mention these image formats first? Most people don’t know about them, how to edit them, or how to get them to work on their websites. The “WebX sisters” are relatively new media file types, along with file types like JXL, AV1, and AVIF.
Many of these are not supported yet by common software or website platforms. WebP and WebM are getting close, though, and it’s relatively easy to get them to work on your website in some cases.
If you use WordPress, for example, you don’t need to do any extra work to make these file formats load properly. But be warned that WebM files, as of right now, still have some playback issues for iOS devices. If you’re using WebM, have your iPhone users test the website before launching!
The quick fix
Tools like TinyPNG or Imagify can help maintain image clarity while optimizing load times. Aim for image file sizes under 100 KB when possible.
#2. Avoid cliché stock photos
While stock photos are readily available, they can appear generic and fail to connect with your audience. Instead, opt for authentic images that reflect your brand’s unique identity.
Showcasing real employees, products, or services fosters trust and relatability. Using genuine images over clichéd stock photos can significantly enhance your site’s credibility.
Align images with your brand identity
Every image on your site should reinforce your brand’s message and values. Consistent imagery helps establish a cohesive brand identity, making your website more memorable to visitors. Consider the emotions and perceptions you want to evoke, then select visuals that align with those objectives.
Incorporate faces to humanize your brand
Images featuring faces can create an emotional connection with your audience. Smiling faces, in particular, can convey friendliness and approachability, making your brand more relatable. Incorporating human elements in your imagery can enhance engagement and trust. Have a look at our team! Doesn’t it reassure you that we’re actually real people?
Maintain consistent image styles
A cohesive visual style across all images contributes to a unified and professional appearance. Consistency in color schemes, filters, and composition reinforces your brand identity and makes your website aesthetically pleasing.
But here are some exceptions to this and it varies depending on your industry. There are situations where your homepage first fold could benefit from a bold visual piece that stands out from the rest of the website.
This is a risky technique, however, so make sure you really know why you’re putting a picture of the Grim Reaper on your dentist’s office website – really take the time to evaluate if you’re the kind of brand that should make that move.
#3. Regularly update and audit tour images
Periodically review your website’s images to ensure they remain relevant, high-quality, and aligned with your brand. Updating visuals keeps your content fresh and engaging, encourages repeat visits, and improves SEO performance.
By thoughtfully selecting and optimizing your website’s images, you can enhance user engagement, strengthen your brand identity, and improve your site’s SEO performance. Investing time in your visual content strategy is a crucial step toward achieving a compelling and effective online presence.
Optimize image file names and alt text
Search engines crawl image file names and alt text to understand the content of your images. Use descriptive, keyword-rich file names and alt text to improve your site’s SEO. For example, instead of “IMG_1234.jpg,” use “organic-green-tea-leaves.jpg.” This practice enhances your site’s visibility in search results.
Use responsive images for mobile compatibility
With the increasing use of mobile devices, ensure your images are responsive and display correctly across various screen sizes. Implementing responsive design techniques enhances user experience and can positively impact your SEO performance and other user experience factors like digital accessibility.
Compress!
Use a combination of image formats, resolution sizes, and compression levels to improve your media and website experience further. Use tools like Optimizilla to quickly and easily compress files in bulk.
Your goal should be 100KB or less for any given image. This will give you the best results on average with a reasonable level of detail.
Ensure proper image licensing
Using images without proper authorization can lead to legal issues. Always verify the licensing agreements of images and, when possible, use photos you own or have commissioned. This practice not only safeguards your business but also ensures your visuals are unique to your brand. Be very careful of media library subscriptions, as their licensing tends to expire upon the cancellation of your subscription.
Don’t anchor yourself or your clients to an eternity of paying for images. Carefully read the usage guidelines for your media provider, take photos yourself, or develop a Creative Commons-focused licensing strategy.
Conclusion
Selecting and optimizing the right images for your website is more than just a design choice. It’s a strategic move that enhances user engagement, strengthens your brand identity, and boosts SEO performance. High-quality, relevant visuals create a strong first impression, keep visitors engaged, and improve your site’s discoverability on search engines.
By prioritizing high-quality images, avoiding overused stock photos, and maintaining a consistent brand aesthetic, you can ensure your visuals effectively communicate your message. Regularly auditing and updating your images keeps your website fresh while optimizing file names, alt text, and formats enhances accessibility and search visibility.
Ultimately, a well-executed image strategy is a key component of a successful website. Investing time in selecting, optimizing, and maintaining your visuals will pay off in a better user experience, higher search rankings, and a stronger connection with your audience. Start implementing these expert tips today, and watch your website’s visual appeal and impact reach new heights!
For more tips and help optimizing your website, contact Redefine today.
