5 strong reasons why you must not ignore image optimisation in SEO

Amidst a sea of text, infographics and images have a magnetic pull. They effortlessly captivate the reader’s attention and etch lasting impressions in their minds.

In the fast-paced digital landscape, where attention spans are dwindling and visual content reigns supreme, the importance of images on websites must be considered.

However, as patience levels deplete to an all-time low, the slow-loading website can cost you a business deal. Picture this: a potential client, customer, or user arrives at your site only to be greeted by a sluggish loading time. In the blink of an eye, they are gone, lured away by a competitor’s snappier website. In the fiercely competitive online market, every second counts, and optimising your website’s loading speed is paramount.

The solution lies in creating a visually captivating website, all while ensuring it loads at lightning speed. Read here: The Importance of Image Optimisation for Website SEO

Prepare for tomorrow, today:

As Google continues to advance its AI and machine learning capabilities, particularly with features like Google Lens and reverse image search, it becomes evident that images are gaining significant importance in SEO. Especially, e-commerce businesses must recognize the crucial role of optimised images and accurate data attributes in enhancing their SEO techniques. It has the power to draw business even through off-page activities.

With Google’s evolution of image recognition, images are going to have a greater impact on search engine rankings and user engagement. SEO professionals need to comprehend the significance of image optimisation, as it can now directly influence the visibility and success of e-commerce websites.

So, here are the benefits of image optimisation that you must consider while preparing your SEO strategy.

Enhanced Page Speed:

Imagine waiting for a website to load while the seconds tick by. Frustrating, isn’t it? Studies show

that over half of mobile users will leave a website if it takes longer than three seconds to load.

On average, images contribute to about 64% of a website’s weight. By reducing image size without compromising quality, you can directly impact your site’s loading speed and engage visitors more effectively. Compressing and optimising images reduces server load and ensures a smooth and swift browsing experience for your users.

Enhanced SEO Performance:

Optimised images are crucial in boosting your website’s search engine rankings. When properly optimised, images can appear in image searches, increasing your online visibility and attracting more organic traffic. Additionally, search engines like Google take page speed into account when determining rankings. By optimising your images and improving your website’s load time, you can avoid penalties and gain a competitive edge in search results. With the right combination of image format, title, alt text, and more, you can maximize your images’ visibility and search performance. Well-optimised images also have the potential to attract social shares and backlinks, driving more traffic and establishing your brand’s authority online.

Elevated User Experience:

User experience is paramount in today’s digital landscape. Slow-loading websites can lead to frustration and decreased user engagement. By optimising your images, you ensure a smoother and more enjoyable browsing experience for your visitors. Optimised images also contribute to website accessibility by including descriptive alt text, benefiting users with visual impairments. Providing a better user experience retains existing customers and attracts new ones.

Increased Conversion Rates:

Page speed and performance directly impact your conversion rates. Research has shown that dissatisfied shoppers who experience slow website performance are unlikely to make repeat purchases. By optimising your images and improving page load times, you create a seamless user journey that encourages visitors to stay on your site, explore your offerings, and ultimately convert into customers. Faster load times also facilitate faster decision-making, leading to higher transaction rates and increased revenue.

Brand Trust and Credibility:

High-quality, optimised images can significantly enhance your brand’s trust and credibility. Crisp, visually appealing photos capture attention and convey professionalism and attention to detail. By optimising your images, you demonstrate your commitment to providing the best possible user experience. This instils confidence in your audience and establishes your brand as reliable and trustworthy. It further leads to increased customer loyalty and positive word-of-mouth referrals.

Conclusion:

One should give prime importance to image optimisation. When discussing with your Search Engine Optimisation agency, emphasize Image Optimisation for your website. It can help improve page loading speed, boost SEO rankings, improve user experience, increase conversion rates, and build a strong brand reputation online.