Image Optimization for Website
1. Choose the Right File Format
- JPEG: Best for photos with lots of colors and gradients (small file size with decent quality).
- PNG: Use for images needing transparency or sharp graphics (icons, logos).
- SVG: Ideal for vector graphics (logos, icons) since it’s scalable and lightweight.
- WebP: Offers great compression with quality—works well for both photos and graphics (if browser support is okay for your site).
2. Resize Images to Needed Dimensions
- Resize images to the exact dimensions required by the website.
- Avoid uploading high-resolution images if they’ll be displayed at smaller sizes.
- Tip: Double the required size for high-density (Retina) displays, if needed.
3. Compress Images Without Losing Quality
- Use tools like TinyPNG, JPEG-Optimizer, or ImageOptim to reduce file size.
- Quality Setting: Aim for around 70-85% quality for a balance between file size and clarity.
4. Use Image Compression Tools/Plugins
- For WordPress or CMS sites, use plugins like Smush, Imagify, or ShortPixel for automatic compression.
- For manual compression, tools like Photoshop’s “Save for Web” or online services (like Kraken.io) are great options.
5. Convert Images to WebP Format
- Convert images to WebP if possible, as it offers better compression and quality.
- Fallback Option: Have a fallback in place for browsers that don’t support WebP.
6. Enable Lazy Loading
- Lazy loading ensures images load only when they’re in the viewport, improving page load speed.
- WordPress: Many themes or plugins support lazy loading.
- Manual: Use the
loading="lazy"
attribute in HTML for images.
7. Add Alt Text for SEO and Accessibility
- Write descriptive alt text for all images to improve accessibility and help search engines understand the image content.
- Tip: Avoid keyword stuffing—keep alt text relevant and natural.
8. Use Descriptive, SEO-Friendly File Names
- Rename files with descriptive names before uploading (e.g.,
blue-leather-bag.jpg
instead of IMG_12345.jpg
). - This helps with SEO and makes image files more organized.
9. Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN)
- Store and serve images through a CDN to reduce load times for users around the world.
- Many CDNs also offer built-in compression and resizing options.
10. Cache Images
- Enable caching for images so they don’t need to reload on repeat visits.
- Set cache expiration headers to ensure browsers store images for a defined period.
11. Test Image Performance
- Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, or WebPageTest to measure image load times.
- Adjust & Optimize: Check load times, tweak compression, or resize images further if they’re still slow.