Images make your WordPress site visually appealing, but they can also slow it down and hurt SEO if not optimized properly. Follow these practical steps to ensure your images work for – not against – your search rankings.

1. Choose the Right File Format

Not all image formats are created equal. Use:
– JPEG for photos and complex graphics.
– PNG for images requiring transparency.
– WebP for smaller file sizes without quality loss (supported by most modern browsers).

Tools like Squoosh or Photozilla can help convert images to the optimal format.

2. Compress Images Before Uploading

Large, uncompressed images are a top cause of slow page speeds. Use tools like:
– ShortPixel (WordPress plugin)
– TinyPNG (web-based)
– Photozilla (AI-powered optimization and resizing)

Aim for a balance between quality and file size – 70-80% compression usually works well.

3. Write Descriptive Filenames and Alt Text

Search engines can’t “see” images, so use:
– Filenames: Replace IMG_1234.jpg with chocolate-cake-recipe.jpg.
– Alt text: Describe the image’s purpose (e.g., A slice of gluten-free chocolate cake with raspberries).

Avoid keyword stuffing. Be concise and accurate.

4. Leverage WordPress Plugins for Automation

Plugins streamline optimization:
– Smush: Compresses images and lazy loads them.
– EWWW Image Optimizer: Supports WebP conversion.
– SEO Press: Adds missing alt text reminders.

Most plugins work automatically, saving you time.

5. Implement Lazy Loading

Lazy loading delays image loading until users scroll to them, improving initial page speed. Enable it via:
– WordPress Core (built-in since 5.5).
– Plugins like WP Rocket or a3 Lazy Load.

6. Use a CDN for Faster Delivery

A Content Delivery Network (CDN) serves images from servers closest to your visitors. Popular options:
– Cloudflare
– StackPath
– KeyCDN

Pair a CDN with caching plugins like WP Super Cache for maximum speed.

7. Add Structured Data for Images

Help search engines understand your images better by adding schema markup. Use plugins like Rank Math or Schema Pro to automate this.

8. Audit Existing Images

Don’t forget old content! Use tools like:
– Site Audit in Google Search Console.
– Imagify (bulk optimization).
– Photozilla’s image analyzer to detect oversized or unoptimized files.

Final Tip: Test Your Improvements

Use Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to measure how image optimizations impact your site speed. Even a 1-second improvement can boost rankings and user experience.

By following these steps, you’ll create a faster, more SEO-friendly site without sacrificing visual quality. For more WordPress SEO tips, check out our guide on technical SEO basics.