How I optimize images

So, I often see questions on here about image optimization, so I figured I would share what I do, and let others share their tips if they have a better/different method.

First you need to find the best images
So, I hit everywhere for images that I like:

• pixabay
• pexel
• google(copyright free and copyrighted images)
• yahoo images
• bing images

So, I use the following criteria to pick images(in this order):

• Image that backs up a point
• eye catching niche relevant image
• general image (KW: Puppy Training - dog on leash or cute puppy pics)

My end goal, is 1 image per 350-500 words, that is my personal preference.

Second is to get a consistent look for your images
I then head over to canva

I pick the template that I want, say "Social Media" (800x800)
I'll pick the layout: perhaps rounded edges, perfect square, oval. I just want something nice, and consistent for this post.
I then set up a filter, so each image has a consistent tint to it, and adjust settings to get a consistent feel.
I then start to drop my images and save them as Jpegs.
Without any text they will save as "untitled", "untitled(2)" etc...

Now, let's do first round optimization
So, I pick image names that are LSIs but also relevant to the images:

• How to potty Train a dog whelp
  
• Doggy crate education
  
• Dog obedience schooling
  
• housebreaking a new dog

and those are my image names.

I upload them to my site, then set the alt text for each image, and I describe the image here:

• Cute canine companion
  
• Young dog on leash
• Teaching a boxer pup to pee outside

I then add a caption to the images, here I usually add quotes, or helpful tips:

• When housebreaking your new golden retriever, make sure to change the paper after each use.
• Reward your pup for doing something good instead of yelling when they do something wrong for proper training.
  
• A pup this cute will grow into your best friend if you properly train them.

I don't add my exact keyword to the image anywhere, instead I use related words, so Google will see relevance without straight keyword stuffing. And I might end up ranking the image.


A trick I often do is:

• check the SERPs for any answer box
• If it has no image, I make sure to optimize my image to that answer box
• If it has an image, I see if it is fully optimized for that keyword
  • If it is, I move on
  • If it isn't, I optimize for it

Google will sometimes pick up my image for use in the answer box, so I can steal some clicks that way.

Great info! Another place I like to search for images is on Flickr. Of course, you'll have to credit the work and add a link to comply with the license, but I think it's well worth.

Great guide.

Another site I use along with Canva is www.lunapic.com

Does wonders when combined with Canva.

Great! You rock OP.

The procedure is almost similar to you that I follow every time but i use canvas and Photoshop to change some design with few text on image and save them to .jpg with maintaining the quality in less the 500 kb finally upload them on website then using image optimise plugin called " Compress JPEG & PNG images By TinyPNG and finally published it just boom.

Good share for your information

nice to see you workflow

For all the social media guys, I want to add:
https://imageoptim.com/

It removes all the private EXIF metadata and reduces the image file size. It could be important when you upload pictures from the same PC/Mac for different Accounts... footprints you know
I don't know if IG etc. can check this or not but, how they say... better safe than sorry

Great guide op thanks.

davids355 said:

Great guide op thanks.

Click to expand...

I was inspired by your recent guide, so figured I would share something I do and hope it helps others.

senzu said:

Great info! Another place I like to search for images is on Flickr. Of course, you'll have to credit the work and add a link to comply with the license, but I think it's well worth.

Click to expand...

I forgot to list Flickr, and no, I usually don't credit the work, instead, with the cropping and filtering, makes it unrecognizable as the original.

HustleHardNow said:

Great guide.

Another site I use along with Canva is www.lunapic.com

Does wonders when combined with Canva.

Click to expand...

Cool, I'll have to check that out.

Really good share.Thanks Op

For image captions (or general keywords for content) I always go through the first page of google for my keywords.

I'll get the first ten results, run them through something like: http://tools.seobook.com/general/keyword-density/

Make note of the 2/3 word phrases that don't include stop words.

Then include these in my content/captions. Google only knows what a topic is about from the other content on the web, so always try to replicate something similar.

Good share @patriotnews. Keep sharing more and more useful info like this. All the best

initially i thought this is about how to optimize image size..
well let me drop a tip on image size optimization: use tinypng.com

Furious Man said:

Really good share.Thanks Op

Click to expand...

Hope it helps man

MikeyMikey13 said:

For image captions (or general keywords for content) I always go through the first page of google for my keywords.

I'll get the first ten results, run them through something like: http://tools.seobook.com/general/keyword-density/

Make note of the 2/3 word phrases that don't include stop words.

Then include these in my content/captions. Google only knows what a topic is about from the other content on the web, so always try to replicate something similar.

Click to expand...

Neat idea, looks promising

Werewolf2295 said:

Good share @patriotnews. Keep sharing more and more useful info like this. All the best

Click to expand...

Thanks man, I also have my post about filler content, feel free to check that out and I have more planned.

malayguru said:

initially i thought this is about how to optimize image size..
well let me drop a tip on image size optimization: use tinypng.com

Click to expand...

I haven't used that, I just smush them on my site.

thanks for this infos

Get WP - Smush 1 month free and super smash all your images, puts a great impact on the reductions.

And also use tinypng for compressing before uploading the images.

All your images would load quickly then!

varun barve said:

Get WP - Smush 1 month free and super smash all your images, puts a great impact on the reductions.

And also use tinypng for compressing before uploading the images.

All your images would load quickly then!

Click to expand...

Using a CDN and WP Smush basic and no problems loading images.