Best Practices for Naming Images SEO: Boost Your Rankings

Images make websites look nice. But they help with SEO too. When you name images right, search engines find them better. This helps your site rank higher.

Why is this important? Because search engines can’t see images. They read the names and tags. So, naming images well is very important. Let’s look at how to do this.

Keep It Simple and Clear

Use simple names. Avoid long or strange words. For example, instead of “IMG12345.jpg,” use “blue-sky.jpg.” This helps search engines know the image is about the sky.

Clear names help people too. They know what the image is without seeing it. This makes your site user-friendly.

Use Hyphens, Not Underscores

Use hyphens between words. Like “red-apple.jpg” instead of “red_apple.jpg.” Search engines read hyphens as spaces. This makes it easier for them to understand.

Why not use underscores? Because search engines see them as one word. So, always use hyphens for better results.

Include Keywords

Keywords are important for SEO. Use them in image names. But be natural. For example, if your site is about shoes, use “leather-shoes.jpg.”

Don’t overuse keywords. This can harm your SEO. Use them wisely and naturally.

Avoid Using Numbers

Numbers don’t tell much about the image. Avoid using them. Instead of “photo123.jpg,” use a descriptive name. Like “sunset-beach.jpg.”

Descriptive names help search engines and users. They know what the image is about.

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Use Alt Text Properly

Alt text is for people who can’t see images. It tells them what the image is. Use clear and simple alt text.

For example, “A red apple on a table.” This helps with accessibility and SEO.

Use the Right File Format

Choose the right file format for images. Common formats are JPEG, PNG, and GIF. JPEG is good for photos. PNG is better for graphics. GIF is for simple animations.

Each format has its use. Choose wisely for the best quality and speed.

Keep File Sizes Small

Large files slow down your site. Slow sites rank lower. Compress images to make files smaller.

Use tools like TinyPNG or JPEGmini. They make files smaller without losing quality.

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Conclusion

Naming images well is important for SEO. It helps search engines and users. Follow these tips for better results.

Use simple, clear names. Include keywords naturally. Avoid numbers. Use the right format and keep file sizes small.

With these steps, your website can rank better. Happy optimizing!