When we talk about ranking a website on Google, we almost always think about keywords, titles, or links. But there’s one element that most businesses still overlook: images.

Yes, Google also “reads” images, and optimizing them can make the difference between appearing at the top of the search engine rankings or being buried on page 10.

Today, I’ll explain why image SEO is so important, how to write good alternative text (ALT text), the ideal weight for your photos, and the best way to name files to boost your rankings.

Why is optimizing images key to SEO?

Imagine this:

●      Heavy images slow down your page loading (and Google hates slow websites)

●      Without alt text, Google doesn’t understand your visual content and won’t rank you in image searches

●      Files with generic names (like IMG_3847.jpg) don’t tell Google anything about your business

If you neglect these aspects, you’re missing out on a golden opportunity to improve your organic traffic.

➝ At ACO Digital Marketing, we help our clients optimize both the content and images on their websites so that everything works toward ranking.

How to write effective ALT text

ALT text (alternative text) is what explains to Google and visually impaired readers what your image is about.

Good practices for writing it:

●      Describe the image briefly and clearly

●      Include your keyword if it fits naturally

●      Avoid repeating the same phrase in all images

●      Always think about accessibility, not just SEO

Example:

Instead of: “product photo”

Instead, write: “Women’s red leather sneakers”

Tip: Always check that the ALT text makes sense to a real person, not just a robot.

What is the ideal weight of an image for the web?

Las imágenes demasiado pesadas son enemigas de tu posicionamiento. Una web lenta no solo afecta la experiencia del usuario, sino también tu lugar en los resultados de Google.

Recomendaciones:

●      Mantén el peso por debajo de 200 KB si es posible

●      Usa formatos modernos como WebP

●      Comprime las imágenes con herramientas como TinyPNG o Squoosh

➝ En ACO Digital Marketing podemos auditar la velocidad de tu web y ajustar las imágenes para que carguen rápido sin perder calidad.

SEO-optimized file names

Although it may seem like a minor detail, the file name helps Google relate the image to the page content.

Avoid:

●      img_2023_01_final_final.jpg

●      foto1.png

Do this instead:

●      zapatillas-running-mujer-rojas.webp

●      pastel-chocolate-cumpleanos.jpg

Separating words with hyphens and using descriptive names is a simple but very powerful practice.

Don’t know if your images are helping or hurting your SEO?

At ACO Digital Marketing, we can perform a free diagnostic and show you opportunities for improvement. Write to us here and let’s optimize your site together.

Common mistakes when working with images for SEO

⊘ Leaving the ALT field empty

⊘ Uploading images at print resolution (unnecessary for the web)

⊘ Not testing loading speed

⊘ Using generic or confusing names

⊘ Overcrowding the page with too many unoptimized images

If you avoid these mistakes, you’ll make a huge leap in the quality and visibility of your website.

Frequently Asked Questions About Optimizing Images for SEO

-How often should I review the images on my website?

Ideally, every six months, to detect very large files or unoptimized file names.

-Do images directly impact my Google ranking?

Yes, because they improve user experience, load speed, and improve image search rankings.

-Can I use the same keyword in all the ALT keywords?

This is not recommended; it’s considered over-optimization. Vary and describe your images naturally.

Conclusion

Your images are much more than decoration. They’re part of your SEO strategy, and optimizing them can attract traffic, improve user experience, and strengthen your brand authority.

Don’t let Google ignore them: give them a name, correct weight, and alt text to make them work in your favor.

➝ At ACO Digital Marketing, we help you optimize your entire website, including images, so you don’t miss out on organic traffic opportunities.

Request a free consultation with our team and discover how to optimize every detail of your page to improve your rankings on Google. Click here and schedule an appointment today.