Images account for 21% of a webpage's total weight on average. Optimized images improve page speed (a ranking factor), appear in Google Image Search (additional traffic), and improve accessibility. Here's the complete guide.
1. Always Use Descriptive Alt Text
Alt text tells Google what your image is about. Don't write "image1.jpg." Write "small business owner writing blog post on laptop." Include your keyword naturally — not forced.
2. Choose the Right Format
WebP for photos (smaller than JPEG, same quality). SVG for logos and icons. PNG only when you need transparency. WebP alone can reduce image size by 25-35%.
3. Compress Before Uploading
Use TinyPNG or Squoosh to compress images before uploading. Never upload a 5MB photo straight from your camera. Target under 100KB per image.
4. Use Descriptive File Names
Rename "IMG_4829.jpg" to "small-business-seo-guide.jpg" before uploading. File names are a minor ranking signal — every signal counts.