We all know the importance of images when it comes to surfing the web. You can quickly acquire information and view relevant imagery to better understand the topic you are researching. So, when it comes to developing an effective SEO strategy, just how important are images for SEO?
Images can have a significant impact on SEO efforts. A well-optimised image can help to improve website engagement, increase organic traffic and push for higher rankings. To achieve higher rankings using imagery, images must be:
Keep reading to find out more about the importance of images for SEO and how to optimise your website’s imagery.
Images are a key focus for many users when they open a search engine like Google. The staggering quantity of images that are available at the push of a few buttons is only growing and, in 2024, it was estimated that Google Image Search indexed approximately 136 billion images. This has made images a vital part of SEO efforts.
This means that with images that are well-optimised and relevant, you could achieve higher rankings for your website. As images on Google have a separate tab and even use their own algorithm, by utilising images that are optimised for SEO, you can appear higher for those users that are only searching for images. If you appear high enough for these searches, you can boost traffic and engagement for your website. Furthermore, images can make your on-page content more engaging and help to improve the user experience.
By their very nature, stock photos are generally used on multiple websites for a wide variety of industries. Consider how you interact with a stock image compared to a unique and highly-relevant image; by using unique imagery that is personal to your business, user experience can be improved significantly. Furthermore, by using the same stock photo as another website, it is possible that Google will treat your use of that image as duplicate content which could result in poor SERP performance.
To find out more about duplicate content, read our detailed blog: Why is Duplicate Content Bad for SEO?
When it comes to uploading images to your website, it is vital that you consider how those images are protected by copyright. The last thing you want is to receive a large fine for using an image without the owner’s permission. It is better to be safe than sorry; ensure you are either using your own imagery or royalty-free photos from a reliable source to avoid copyright infringement.
So, now that we know how important images are for SEO, the next logical question is: How do you optimise an image for SEO? Take a look at our top tips below to help your images perform better in a SERP.
While search engines can support the use of a range of image formats, the best option to use for your website will typically be a PNG format. Images in a PNG format can then be easily converted into a WebP format when uploaded to your website. WebP files load quickly without compromising on poor quality. Generally speaking, the smaller the file size the lower the quality of the image will be. However, smaller file sizes will also decrease the time taken to load an image. It is therefore important to consider the context of your website before deciding on the optimal image format.
Another key factor when uploading images onto your website is to consider the dimensions of your images. Without defining suitable dimensions for your image, the Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) score for your website can be negatively affected, which can ultimately result in reduced rankings. Core Web Vitals are a ranking factor for Google, so make sure to include width and height attributes for every image you upload.
Find out more about how to test your website’s Core Web Vitals by reading our detailed blog: How to Audit Your Site Speed & Performance
It is key that a search engine is able to not only deliver your images at a suitable speed and quality, but can also understand what the images are showing. One way to achieve this is by including a descriptive file name with keywords included. This gives a crawler context, improving the value of your images for SEO.
Find out more about how search engines crawl and index your content by reading our detailed blog: What is Crawling and Indexing in SEO?
By including your images on your website’s sitemap, you are significantly increasing the likelihood that a crawler will be able to find and index your images. This will increase the visibility of your content and help to boost the organic traffic to your website.
Find out more about the importance of an up-to-date sitemap in our detailed blog: What Is a Sitemap and How Do Search Engines Use Sitemaps?
As Google is a ‘mobile first’ crawler, it is vital that your images are served in a mobile-friendly format. This means you will need to include attributes that enable images to be displayed in a responsive manner that automatically adjust according to the device size or resolution being used. If you are using WordPress 4.4 or later, images that are uploaded to your website should already have the ‘srcset’ attribute included which facilitates responsive images. Otherwise, you will need to add this attribute manually.
Another way to help both search engines and users with accessibility requirements to interpret the subject of your images is to include alternative – or ‘alt’ – text. If an image is unable to load, the alt text will be displayed in its stead. Ensure that you have implemented other forms of image optimisation to ensure that your images will load, but if your images do fail to load, alt text will enhance on-page SEO.
Schema is a form of structured data which provides a search engine with more information than is typically available to them. By adding structured data to your images, you open the possibility for receiving results that have an improved visual element. This can be enhanced if you are able to provide relevant information such as reviews, prices and availability.
Find out more about structure data by reading our detailed blog: Is Structured Data a Google Ranking Factor?
To improve the initial load speed of a webpage that may have a number of images on it, consider implementing lazy loading. This means that an image will only load once a user scrolls to that area of the page, which helps to improve page speed performance and reduce the Largest Contentful Paint. To implement lazy loading, you can add the HTML attribute of ‘loading=lazy’ to an image which will tell the browser to wait to load an image until the user scrolls to it.
If your website is not performing as well as you think it should be, one issue may be the images you have on your website. However, it is likely that there are a number of potentially complex and vital tasks which could be completed to help you achieve higher rankings.
At Wildcat Digital, our team of SEO experts are available to help boost your organic rankings. To find out more about our comprehensive services, click here. Alternatively, submit a contact form to arrange a consultation.
Founder
Our founder, Will Hitchmough, worked at a number of high profile Sheffield Digital Agencies before founding Wildcat Digital in 2018. He brings an extensive knowledge of all things related to SEO, PPC and Paid Social, as well as an expert knowledge of digital strategy.
Digital Marketing can be a minefield for many businesses, with many agencies ready to take your money without knowing how to deliver results. I founded Wildcat Digital to deliver digital success to businesses with smaller budgets in a transparent way.
Content Strategist Team Lead
With a degree in Marketing and a background in more traditional, offline marketing, Chloe joined Wildcat in 2021 after deciding to move into the digital marketing industry. She joined us as a Content Specialist and quickly moved up the ranks, becoming a Content Strategist and later an SEO Team Leader.
Outside of work, Chloe is an avid creative. If she’s not knitting, you’ll likely find her behind a sewing machine or in the kitchen trying (and often failing!) to make sourdough.
SEO Account Director
Paul has a strong background in SEO, having previously founded and ran a successful eCommerce business, as well as running a personal blog that achieves an average of 17K users per month. Paul’s knowledge of SEO is extensive, with a strong emphasis on client handling and technical SEO.
Outside of work, Paul enjoys spending time with his family and staying active with weight lifting and combat sports.
Head of Operations
Nadea joined Wildcat in 2021 and has since overhauled the way we work. She has a background in various administrative, operations and HR roles, which gave her the experience and skills needed to lead and organise a growing business.
Outside of work, Nadea loves anything that keeps her active, but she especially enjoys hiking, camping and mountain biking.
Senior SEO Account Manager
With a background in sales, Molly is a natural Account Manager, brilliantly handling any issues that come her way. Having joined us as a Digital Marketing Executive, and working part-time through her final year of University, Molly is a shining example of how hard work pays off. She is now an SEO Account Manager with a particular interest in Content and Client Management.
In her spare time, Molly loves to get out in nature, hiking and exploring the Peak District. She also loves cooking and likes to unwind with a bit of yoga.
PPC Team Leader
Libby joined Wildcat in 2021 as our first PPC hire. With a degree in Digital Media Production, a Master’s in Digital Media Management and previous experience in Social Media Management, Libby hit the ground running and has since climbed the ranks to Senior PPC Account Manager and has a particular interest in the eCommerce sector.
Outside of work, Libby likes gaming, and cooking and likes to keep active by lifting weights.
SEO Account Manager
Jasmine joined Wildcat in 2022 with a strong background in SEO and Account Management. At the time, she was finishing up a Level 4 Apprenticeship in Digital Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and has since worked her way up to SEO Account Manager. Jasmine excels at content writing and promotion, and particularly enjoys finding creative ways to join the dots on multi-channel campaigns.
In her spare time, Jasmine volunteers at a charity, helping combat loneliness & social isolation experienced by older neighbours. Outside of Wildcat, she owns a catering company, Savery Grazing, creating delicious grazing tables & platters for a range of events. She also loves skiing and exploring the Peak District.
Senior PPC Executive
Prior to joining Wildcat, Braden founded and ran his own Social Media Management agency where he gained valuable skills in growing brands’ online presence, which has since proven invaluable in his role at Wildcat.
Outside of work, Braden is a big football fan, regularly travelling to Pride Park to support Derby County. He also enjoys watching and playing snooker, hiking in the Peak District, and attending air and car shows.
Senior SEO Executive
After spending ten years managing businesses, restaurants, cafes and event spaces across Sheffield, Jon decided to change careers and joined Wildcat as an SEO Executive in 2022. He especially enjoys the client management side of the job, helping them to understand digital marketing and ways in which they can build their business’s presence online.
Outside of work, Jon likes to keep fit with running, badminton and football, and also loves music.
Senior SEO Executive
Rachel joined us as a graduate, having recently graduated from Sheffield University with a degree in English Literature. Since joining, Rachel has proven herself to be a Content Queen, and particularly enjoys getting stuck into projects that allow her to explore her creative side.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys a wide range of hobbies, including rugby, singing, reading, and spending time with her family and three labradors.
Team Lead & Technical SEO Account Manager
With a degree in Computer Science and SEO experience dating back to 2017, Dariusz has a wide range of SEO skills and knowledge. His specialist knowledge of Technical SEO has firmly landed him the title of Wildcat’s Technical Wizard, and he has recently taken on the responsibility of Team Leader for the Panthers Team.
In his spare time, Dariusz loves hiking, experimenting and trying new coffees and loves learning new things. He is currently learning more about CRO and AI and how this could benefit our clients.
Senior SEO Account Manager
With a degree in Film and TV production, and a varied career history, Jamie made the move to marketing with a Masters degree in Digital Media Management. He has since worked in SEO at Agencies across Sheffield, before joining Wildcat and working his way up to SEO Account Manager. Jamie has a particular interest in backlinks and Digital PR and has recently gained a client a valuable backlink from Forbes!
In his spare time, Jamie is an avid foodie and loves trying new restaurants and cuisines. He also loves to travel and spent a year travelling to Australia after university.
Senior SEO Executive
Andy joined Wildcat in 2023 after starting his digital marketing career in-house for a local Sheffield company. Since joining, he has developed a strong interest in Technical SEO and has strong skills in Account Management.
Outside of work, Andy loves music and plays in a couple of bands. He also enjoys rock climbing, cycling, photography and good food.
Client Success Coordinator
Siena joined us in 2023 with a background in sales and digital marketing. She leads on client relationships across the company, ensuring that our customers are happy throughout their journey with us, from their initial consultation through to onboarding and beyond.
Outside of work, Siena enjoys travelling and getting stuck into the local culture. She likes to make the most of her experiences and particularly enjoys watching sunrises and sunsets from beautiful locations around the world.
SEO Account Manager
Thea has a wealth of experience in SEO, having previously worked for other Digital Marketing Agencies in Sheffield. She has a particular interest and skills in Technical SEO, but is more than willing to get stuck in and give anything a go.
Outside of work, Thea spends most of her time with her children, but also loves reading, photography and gardening.
PPC Executive
Before joining Wildcat, Tom worked across different industries, building skills in sales and customer service. He later developed a passion for digital marketing whilst working on personal marketing projects and freelance ventures, and gained numerous certifications in PPC and Social Media.
Outside of work, Tom enjoys staying active by going to the gym and hiking. He also loves travelling and motorbiking.
Head of Growth
Rich joined us in May 2024 to head up our growth team. With years of experience helping other agencies to grow, Rich joins us at an exciting time as Wildcat is working on a five-year plan to become one of the biggest agencies in the UK.
Outside of work, Rich is a father to three children, which keeps him very busy! He’s also recently started running again to keep fit and loves a bit of DIY.
SEO Executive
Kezia joined us in July 2024 after completing a CIM Certificate in Digital Marketing and gaining experience in Content SEO at another Sheffield agency.
In her spare time, Kezia loves to get outdoors, bouldering, hiking and travelling.
SEO Executive
Amy joined Wildcat in 2024 with a background in journalism, having worked as a News Editor and Editor-in-Chief at The Sheffield Tab. She is naturally interested in Content SEO and research, so will no doubt prove to be a content power-house.
In her spare time, Amy loves watching crime shows, listening to music and hanging out with her dog, Eddie!
PPC Account Manager
Masilda joined the Wildcat team in October 2024 with over seven years of experience in digital marketing. She specialises in Google Ads, but is also certified in Google Analytics, YouTube Ads, Google Ads for Ecommerce and Apple Search Ads. She has extensive expertise in performance marketing, display advertising, online lead generation and market planning.
In her free time, Masilda likes staying active, cooking, trying new restaurants and exploring new places.
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