Image Optimization for Blogs
This playbook outlines the steps for selecting, optimizing, and properly crediting images for use in blog posts to enhance readability and SEO performance.
Step 1: Selection
Choose relevant, high-quality images that complement the content of the blog post. Ensure that the subject of the image corresponds to the topic discussed and helps illustrate your points.
Step 2: Licensing
Verify the image licensing to confirm you have the right to use it on your blog. Choose royalty-free images or gain permission from the copyright owner if necessary.
Step 3: Optimization
Use image editing tools to adjust the size and file format for web use. Aim for a balance between file size and quality; smaller images load faster, which is beneficial for SEO and user experience.
Step 4: Compression
Compress images to reduce file size without significantly impacting visual quality. Tools like Photoshop or online compressors can be used for this purpose.
Step 5: Responsive Design
Ensure images are responsive, meaning they scale properly on different devices. Use CSS techniques or HTML attributes to achieve responsiveness.
Step 6: Alt Text
Add descriptive alt text to images for SEO benefits and to provide context for visually impaired users. The alt text should briefly describe what the image is about.
Step 7: Image SEO
Incorporate relevant keywords into the image file name, alt text, and surrounding content to improve the image's SEO value.
Step 8: Crediting
If the image is not your own, provide proper credit as dictated by the license or the copyright owner. This can include a credit line near the image or in the blog post footer.
General Notes
File Formats
Preferred image file formats for web use include JPEG, PNG, and WebP. Each has its own use-case: JPEG for photographs, PNG for images needing transparency, and WebP for a good balance of quality and file size.
Tools
Common image editing and compression tools include Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, Canva, TinyPNG, and ImageOptim.
SEO Practices
Regularly updating the blog with relevant images can contribute positively to SEO. It is one of many factors that search engines use to determine the relevance and quality of content.