What to look for when adding images
This is because they play an extremely important role on websites. They add context, provide important information, and simply add value. However, they cannot be thrown onto the site just for the sake of it. It is worth paying a little more attention to them so that both users and search engine robots like them as much as possible. So check out the ten tips below.
How do I add images to my site? - 10 Tips
1. Insert images with the correct dimensions.
It is extremely important to find a happy medium in the appropriate measurements.
The graphics you add shouldn't be too small as users will only get annoyed by the tiny images. Otherwise, they will be artificially stretched, resulting in really poor quality.
On the other hand, they also should not be too large. Many people have websites that are not designed to properly scale the images they add themselves. This can cause us all to see a perfectly normal image, when in fact it will be huge.
Although visually it won't make any difference, quite a lot of unnecessary data will be downloaded "in the background". This has a very negative effect on the site loading speed.
2. Pay attention to the importance of graphics
Continuing the theme raised in the previous paragraph, the images you add to your site , should not be too "heavy", as they slow down the entire site.
For this reason, a good the idea is to use compression to reduce unnecessary overhead with little or no quality loss.
You can optimize graphics with a tool called TinyPNG.
If you are using WordPress, a good plugin for this task will be WP Smush.
3. Use only high-quality images
"Quality" - this word should accompany you on the Internet at every step if you you have your site.
Any graphics you add should just be visually appealing. They must not contain any blemishes or noticeable so-called "artifacts" that appear when JPG files are compressed.
Let's face it - it's better not to add graphics at all than to insert one that will only cause frustration for visitors.
4. Use appropriate formats
The format is not the same.
JPG is a generic type. It's perfect for multicolor graphics like photos.
PNG, on the other hand, is great for those cases where the color palette is limited. It's perfect for flat style images and all kinds of simple icons. It's also useful if you want to apply a transparent background to a graphic.
Keep both of the above factors in mind when choosing the right format .
5. Paying attention to proper filenames
You have probably noticed that cameras name files according to a certain pattern.
This could be, for example, IMG_XXXX.jpg, DSC_XXXX.jpg or several longer lines containing the exact timestamp in the moment the photo was taken.
The trouble is that such naming is completely redundant for us. Names like this don't tell us anything.
So rename them to names that are much easier to remember and that match the image - cat-ani.jpg, car-tomka.jpg etc.
You may find it useful the Bulk Rename Utility, which allows you to rename many images at once according to your chosen scheme.
6. Be mindful of context
When you add images to a site, you are doing so for a specific purpose. This way you don't load graphics completely at random.
The images you add should fit into the context of what they are surrounds - first of all, a specific subpage, as well as any text or other elements.
So do not load them without a clear reason, as it may confuse your audience.
7.Fill in the so-called ALT attribute
Optimizing graphics for SEO is closely related to the so-called ALT attribute.
This is the text that is displayed instead of the image if it somehow fails to load (hence the name - ALT from "alternative ").
It also gives a clue to search engine crawlers about what the image contains (or should contain) .
The problem is that many people don't pay attention to it at all - which is a pity, because it is very important.
Include a brief, in just a few words, description of what the image is. This is very useful for SEO and should not be neglected.
8. Be careful with stock photos
Stock photos can help or hurt. It all depends on which photos you choose.
The basis is to select photos that are not look artificial, i.e. which do not depict explicitly posing, inauthentic characters and scenes.
Many users simply feel these emotions and not completely trust sites that use poorly chosen stock photos.
It's best to have your own photos - showing interiors, objects, and people associated with your specific business. Authentic and unique - the kind you won't find anywhere else.
Then we understand that this business is just makes it look like the truth.
9. Add images that are just useful
I have already mentioned that images are added to the site for a specific purpose.
They usually serve to add variety to the content or add some value that we can't convey words.
Visual content can convey much more to us than simple sentences. Infographics, charts, illustrations, or just visually appealing graphics all add value to a page and make us perceive it much better.
By the way, I can recommend a text on how to increase CTR with images.
10. Make sure graphics look good in mobile view
While the mobility theme has been absolutely overflowing for several years, even though it, you still meet sites that didn't take care of this issue.
Images should look great on everyone permissions. Not only on large devices, but also on those that are supported on mobile devices.
So make sure they scale correctly on tablets and smartphones.
Also keep in mind that a responsive version of your site does not have to provide content in a 1:1 shape to what you see on desktop.
If the image looks bad on mobile view (e.g. you can't see important details), consider hiding it at lower resolutions.
Why clutter up your review with useless things?
How to add images to your site to get maximum benefit?
If you follow the above rules, I am sure that not only users, but also search engine robots will perceive your site much better.
