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Image Optimization in SEO
Images play an important role in storytelling on web pages and can positively impact search visibility when optimized properly.
Images should be optimized by using accurate and relevant file names that include keywords, applying appropriate alt text descriptions for accessibility and SEO, and resizing larger images for faster load times. Image file sizes influence page speed which is a ranking factor, so compressing and resizing to reduce kilobytes without losing quality is important.
Images should also be optimized by utilizing image sitemaps to help search engines discover all image assets on a site.
From an SEO perspective, images provide additional contexts clues to search engines helping them better understand what the page is about. Alt text acts like additional microcontent, so it should be used strategically by including focus keywords that describe the content or action within the image. Images containing recurring common objects like logos or navigation should have empty alt text for accessibility. Images can also be optimized by linking them internally to other relevant pages and externally linking to images from high quality domains.
Social media optimization plays a role too, as images shared on networks perform better when optimized. Aspect ratios suitable for stories and feeds, relevant hashtags in captions or filenames, and interacting with image comments can boost social discoverability. Analytics helps evaluate which optimized images drive the most engagement to inform future content strategies.
Ongoing evaluation ensures images and all creative assets continually support SEO and usability goals as element of an integrated technical SEO approach. Continuous improvement keeps pace with evolving best practices.