What is Image Optimisation?
Image optimisation is the process of reducing image file sizes and adjusting their attributes to ensure faster loading times, better user experience, and improved SEO performance. It includes techniques such as compressing images, using appropriate file formats, adding descriptive alt text, and properly sizing images for different devices.
Optimised images maintain visual quality while reducing the impact on page speed and bandwidth.
Why Image Optimisation Matters
Images often account for a large portion of a page’s loading time. Poorly optimised images can slow down your website, negatively affecting user experience and search engine rankings. Search engines also rely on descriptive attributes like alt text to understand image content.
Benefits of image optimisation include:
- Faster page load speeds
- Better mobile performance
- Improved SEO and visibility in image search
- Reduced bounce rates and higher engagement
- Enhanced accessibility through alt text
Search engines favour websites that load quickly and provide a seamless experience across all devices, making image optimisation a key on-page SEO factor.
Example in Use
An e-commerce site optimises its product photos by:
- Compressing JPEG images to reduce file size
- Using descriptive alt text like “blue leather handbag with gold hardware”
- Resizing images to fit the layout without scaling in the browser
- Serving images in next-gen formats like WebP
These steps improve both load times and the chances of appearing in image search results.