What is optimisation?
Image optimisation refers to the process of reducing the file size of an image while maintaining its quality.
This is typically done to make web pages load faster, as large image files can slow down page load times and negatively impact the user experience.
There are various techniques for optimising images, such as compressing the image file, reducing the image dimensions, and choosing an appropriate file format.
By optimising images, website owners can ensure that their pages load quickly and provide a better user experience for their visitors.
How to Optimise Images
Optimising images for a WordPress website doesn't have to be overly technical.
Correctly optimised images help improve your site's speed, user experience, and SEO, which is beneficial for both visitors and search engines.
1. Start with a high-resolution image.
Always start with a high-resolution image.
High-resolution means that an image or picture has a lot of tiny details, making it very clear and sharp. It's like having a lot of tiny dots close together, which creates a more detailed and better-quality picture, similar to looking at something very sharp and clear instead of blurry.
How can I tell if an image is high-resolution or not?
If you zoom in, the image remains clear without getting pixelated or blurry. Also, you can check the image's file properties; a high-resolution image typically has a larger file size in terms of kilobytes (KB) or megabytes (MB).
2. Resize the image
Use an image editing tool (like Microsoft Paint, Apple Preview, or a free online tool) to adjust the image's dimensions to match the size required on your website. Generally, you want it to be as close as possible to the actual size it will be displayed.
3. Compress the Image
Use an image compression tool or website (e.g., TinyPNG, Compressor.io, or WordPress plugins like Smush) to reduce the file size while preserving image quality. Simply upload your image and let the tool do the work.
4. Save in the Correct File Format
Choose the right file format. JPEG is best for photographs, while PNG is better for images with transparency, like logos. Most image editors allow you to save in different formats.
5. Use SEO-friendly File Names
Give the image a descriptive file name with relevant keywords (e.g., "red-convertible-car.jpg" instead of "image001.jpg"). This helps with SEO.
6. Uploading & ensuring the image is Search Engine Friendly
When you upload the image to WordPress, fill in the 'Alt Text' field with a brief, descriptive text that conveys the image's content. This is important for accessibility and SEO.
Following these steps should help you optimise images for your WordPress website without needing extensive technical knowledge.
Why is image optimisation so important?
If you do not optimise your images before uploading them to your website, several negative consequences can occur:
Slow website speed
Large image files can significantly slow down your website’s loading time, leading to a poor user experience and potentially lower search engine rankings.
Increase your Hosting Costs
Large image files take up more storage space on your server, potentially increasing your hosting costs.
Reduced search engine rankings
Search engines take website loading speed into account as a ranking factor. If your website is slow due to large image files, it may rank lower in search results.
Negative impact on mobile users
Mobile devices often have limited bandwidth and slower internet speeds than desktop computers. Large images can be particularly problematic for mobile users, leading to a higher bounce rate and lower engagement.
Poor image quality
If you upload images with a low resolution but do not optimise them for the web, they may appear blurry or pixelated on your website. This can make your website look unprofessional and detract from the user experience.