Definition
Image SEO optimization aims to rank a site's visuals in Google Images results, which represents an often underexploited traffic source. Best practices include using descriptive alt tags, relevant file names, image compression for performance, modern formats (WebP, AVIF), ImageObject structured data, and image sitemaps. Google Images also offers features like product badges, licenses, and IPTC metadata. Good image SEO also contributes to Core Web Vitals by reducing LCP.
Key Points
- Alt tags are the most important signal for image ranking
- Modern formats (WebP, AVIF) improve performance and positioning
- ImageObject structured data and IPTC metadata enrich image results
Practical Examples
Optimized alt tag
Instead of alt='image1.jpg', use alt='LemmiLink link building platform - advertiser dashboard' to precisely describe the image content.
Image sitemap
Adding image URLs to the XML sitemap helps Google discover and index images faster, especially those loaded via JavaScript.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prioritize WebP for its excellent quality-to-compression ratio. Use AVIF for compatible browsers. Keep JPEG as a fallback. PNG remains suitable for images requiring transparency.
Yes, overly large images slow loading and degrade LCP (Largest Contentful Paint), a Core Web Vital. Compress your images and use lazy loading for off-screen images.
Go Further with LemmiLink
Discover how LemmiLink can help you put these SEO concepts into practice.
Last updated: 2026-02-07