The use of images on websites is a critical component of user experience, and recent data suggests a potential link to search engine rankings. While a definitive “ideal number” of images per page remains elusive, the source materials indicate that image optimization—specifically file size and alt text—is increasingly important for both user engagement and SEO in 2023. The data does not support a direct correlation between the number of images and ranking position, but suggests images can indirectly improve rankings by enhancing user experience metrics like time on page.
The Impact of Images on Website Performance
Website images can significantly affect page load speed. The source materials emphasize that it is not the number of images, but rather their file size that impacts performance. Images should be compressed to less than 500 KB, and preferably under 250 KB. Slow loading speeds can negatively impact a website’s ranking, as Google penalizes sites with poor performance. Conversely, visually appealing and informative websites tend to perform better. Using a variety of image types—tiff, jpg, png, and gif—is acceptable, but developers should be mindful of the trade-off between image quality and file size. Larger images with more pixels require more memory cache and take longer to load.
Image Optimization as an SEO Tactic
Image optimization is identified as a potentially impactful SEO tactic for 2023. Two theories are presented to explain this: first, Google’s increased focus on user experience and time on page suggests that engaging visuals can keep visitors on a page longer. Second, Google’s competition with visually-driven platforms like TikTok and Instagram may lead to preferential treatment for pages with multimedia content. Optimizing images for people—creating a good user experience—is considered the primary goal, and search engine benefits are expected to follow. This includes ensuring images are relevant to the page topic, logically placed near supporting text, and do not contain important text embedded within the image file itself.
Utilizing ALT Text for SEO and Accessibility
The inclusion of descriptive ALT text for images is highlighted as a crucial SEO practice. ALT text, short for “alternative text,” describes the image content for users who cannot see it, and for search engines that cannot “see” the image. Properly written ALT text improves website accessibility for visually impaired users who rely on screen readers. It also provides search engines with context about the image, potentially improving the website’s ranking in image search results. ALT text should be readable, using proper spelling and grammar, and accurately reflect the image’s content.
Determining the Appropriate Number of Images
The source materials do not establish a specific “magic number” for images per page. The ideal quantity varies depending on the page’s content and purpose. Some websites, like Wikipedia or directory listings, can rank well with no images at all. However, images are proven to improve engagement, a metric recently upgraded as a ranking factor. One guideline suggests using no more than one image per 100 words of text for responsive website design. Ultimately, the number of images should be determined by what best supports the content, showcases work, or makes a lasting impression.
Sourcing and Managing Images
The source materials mention the possibility of purchasing large quantities of images for a one-time fee, citing an example of 10,000 images for $9.99. Tools and plugins are available to optimize images, and a search for “optimize images” is suggested to find them. One specific plugin, Shortpixel, is mentioned with a reference to bandwidth savings over time, though specific data on those savings is not provided.
Optimizing Header and Product Images
The source materials specifically address the optimization of header images and product photographs. Guidance is provided on achieving a crisp, white background for product photos, utilizing “breathing” space around products, and understanding when to use JPG versus PNG file formats. The materials also offer advice on taking product photos with a mobile phone and suggest that an expensive camera is not necessarily required.
Image File Formats: JPG vs. PNG
The source materials briefly touch on the appropriate use of JPG and PNG image formats. Specific guidance on when to use each format is provided, but details are limited.
The Role of Images in Blog Posts
The source materials indicate that a significant majority of bloggers (90%) include images in their blog posts, and those who use more than 10 images report stronger results. This reinforces the idea that images are a valuable component of online content.
Conclusion
The provided source materials demonstrate that website imagery plays a significant role in both user experience and potential SEO benefits. While the number of images is not a direct ranking factor, image optimization—including file size compression and the use of descriptive ALT text—is increasingly important. Prioritizing user experience by using relevant, well-placed images can lead to increased engagement and potentially improved search rankings. The data suggests that focusing on image quality and accessibility, rather than simply maximizing the number of images, is the most effective strategy.