What is SEO for images?

SEO for images, also known as Image SEO, refers to the optimization of images on a website to improve their visibility and rankings in search engine results pages (SERPs). Since search engines can’t directly “see” images like humans do, Image SEO involves various techniques to help search engines understand the content and context of images.

Here are some key aspects of Image SEO:

1. File Names: Use descriptive and relevant file names for images that include keywords related to the content of the image. For example, instead of using generic names like “IMG123.jpg,” use descriptive names like “red-apple.jpg” if the image depicts a red apple.
2. Alt Text: Alt text (alternative text) is a textual description of an image that appears when the image cannot be displayed. It’s important for accessibility and SEO. Alt text should accurately describe the content and purpose of the image using relevant keywords while remaining concise and descriptive.
3. Image Size and Compression: Optimize image file sizes to reduce loading times and improve website performance. Use image compression techniques to maintain image quality while reducing file size. Faster loading times can positively impact user experience and SEO.
4. Image Sitemap: Include images in your website’s XML sitemap to help search engines discover and index them more effectively. This allows search engines to understand the images’ relevance and context within your website’s content.
5. Contextual Relevance: Ensure that images are contextually relevant to the surrounding content. Use images that enhance the user experience and provide additional information or visual appeal related to the topic of the page.
6. Image Titles and Captions: Use descriptive titles and captions for images when applicable. This provides additional context and relevance to both users and search engines.
7. Schema Markup: Implement schema markup such as ImageObject schema to provide search engines with structured data about your images. This helps search engines understand specific details about the images, such as the subject, location, and licensing information.

By optimizing images for search engines using these techniques, website owners can improve their chances of ranking well in image search results and attracting organic traffic from users searching for visual content related to their niche or topic.