Image SEO: Alt Text, File Names and Page Performance

Make images understandable and accessible while avoiding oversized files that slow down useful pages.

Write meaningful alt text

Describe the information or function of an image in context. Decorative images can use empty alt text. Do not stuff keywords or repeat nearby captions word for word when that adds no value.

Use sensible files and formats

Choose concise file names that identify the image, and use a suitable modern format where supported. Resize images to the dimensions actually needed instead of shipping huge originals to small card layouts.

Protect loading performance

Use responsive image sizes, set width and height to reduce layout shifts, and lazy-load below-the-fold images. Keep the main hero image available early if it is important to the initial view.

Check the page as a whole

Inspect image rendering on mobile, ensure text remains readable and verify that image URLs return successfully. Image optimisation supports the experience; it does not replace helpful page content.

Practical next step: Apply the checklist to one representative page, document what you changed, and recheck the result rather than assuming a single edit guarantees rankings.

Search systems and platform policies change. Verify current requirements against the relevant official documentation before acting on time-sensitive technical advice.