Optimization techniques for internet marketers have led to a diversification beyond content and this is where image optimization makes the cut. Image optimization not only aids in attracting the attention of shoppers perusing the internet but also reduces the loading time for a site while facilitating a platform for customizing ecommerce strategy. With images, immediate attention is sought which is transformative in terms of ensuring ranking is achieved not to mention a conspicuous nature when it comes to search engines. Here are some techniques that marketers can use to SEO optimize images.
Alt Tags
Alt tags are the texts that are monitored by search engines to interpret images. They are texts that ultimately describe a product and help the search engine get a clear depiction of what an image is all about. Alt tags optimize images by facilitating a setting where there is keyword association with images. As the text alternative to the images, Alt tags are responsible for mapping images in the niche market and simultaneously driving traffic to the select images. Alt tags should be structured in plain English with the model and serial numbers of the product or service included which will provide an exact find with the search engine algorithms.
File sizes
The size of the images ultimately affects the loading time for the images and the site at large. The larger the file sizes, the longer the time it takes to load which proves to be a disadvantage especially with the individuals browsing the internet who desire a fast loading process. Using an image editing program to optimize the file sizes before uploading is the best way to approach the customization of file sizes. Structuring smaller file sizes without compromising on the quality is what can work with optimization of images. Alternatively, “save for web” feature can be effectively utilized when using Adobe Photoshop to ensure the images are optimized for the search engines and web pages. One factor to avoid with images is to allow browser resizing since it reduces quality by undermining the dimensions and angles without considering the overall depiction that browsers will get.
Image file type
The image file type affects the site loading time and consequently the loading time for the images. There are three dominant image file types that are used and they are JPEG, GIF and PNG. There are pros and cons to all and a fast look at all will be beneficial. JPEG file types offer fantastic quality at low size which means that loading of the images is faster and loading is the site is also made easier without lagging. GIF file types should be avoided especially with large production images since downgrading them causes a reduction of quality which makes for a blurry and yet higher size file. PNG image file types are a worthy alternative to GIF file types as they do not degrade when downgraded though they stand as being larger in size as compared to JPEG file types. In an overall setting, JPEG file types offer you the best when it comes to targeting image optimizations that will reduce loading time while maintaining high quality.
Naming
Naming of the images is an optimization technique that is sure to reap massive benefits in search engine rankings. Naming should be done in consideration of the ranking that the image is designed for. The naming process should therefore make use of descriptive texts that will clearly provide an insight as to what the image is ranking for. When naming, the potential search orientation that a customer is expected to have should be kept in mind. Search engines do not only crawl texts but also identify the keywords that have been optimized for the image and this is where the naming should be structured with the keywords phrases that browsers are bound to search for. Capturing the naming process will ensure customers are directly taken to the specific images with the keyword setting that has the description and name they have searched for.
Image sitemaps
Optimizing images cannot have a successful orientation if not accompanied by use of image site maps. What the image site maps does is give the images a conspicuous setting to facilitate Google noticing them. This is most notable especially when image pop ups and JavaScript galleries are in play. Web crawlers are only able to crawl images that have been called out and identified in the webpage source codes. Using sitemaps gives the web crawlers something to focus on which increases the capacity of Google to notice the same which satisfies the goal of optimization. Using image sitemaps also allows for extension for images on the Google sitemaps which is a process that provides more information and data about images. It can also facilitate the creation of specific tags on Google sitemaps which will increase ranking therefore allowing for the images to be optimized for the search engines.
Thumbnails
In optimizing images for search engines, creation of thumbnail image orientations is perfect. GIF image file types work best in this setting since they are smaller in size capacity and carry the quality setting that stands out in detail. Most individuals who browse through the internet can easily be caught up by thumbnail images especially if they are able to load quickly and provide an insight as to what the product is all about. Thumbnail optimization therefore creates the perfectly sized images for ranking which effects the target market.
Dimensions and product angles
The dimensions and product angles are quite significant when it comes to image optimization. Structuring the effective dimensions that will reduce size but reveal the detail desired is the trick. Revealing multiple angles of the same product is another approach that must be exploited with image optimization since it is what exposes browsers and creates a keen interest which ultimately means increased traffic. The image setup of multiple angles should be accompanied with descriptions and optimized with Alt tags which will direct search engines and allow the platforms to build favorable rankings on the back of the traffic that will have been generated.
