If you’re in the travel industry, then you know how important it is to have great images on your website. Not only do they add visual appeal, but travelers want to see and maybe imagine visually where they’re going.
By optimizing your images for search engines, you can make sure that your website stands out from the competition and gets the attention it deserves.
On this page, we’ll go over some of my tips for optimizing your images and improving your overall search engine rankings.
A picture is worth a thousand words and
is mentally processed over a thousand times faster than text.
Pick a photo subject, process the right emotion then optimize your images for search, to load fast, and for viewers.Why Use Images and Videos on Your Website?
Some experts say you should use images because humans have a short attention span. I believe it’s because viewers want more information quickly and the right image can say more than what a viewer is willing to read. Like they say, an image is worth 1000 words.
Remember an image on your page can also be seen on social networks and in search engines.
Also, posts with videos and images earn more than three times the number of backlinks, an important search ranking factor.
Images and Visual content lead to more page views. And more views mean more leads.
Make sure your images and videos relate to your content and are designed to work with different devices and platforms.
Different Ideas for Photos or Images
- Photos of interiors, exteriors, and products or services can be very helpful for those making decisions.
- Maps can be used in several ways, to show how to get around a ship, town, or resort. And dynamically can give directions.
- Infographics can not only offer a menu of items but also provide images if you have viewers from different countries and languages.
Who Should Optimize Images
Today more and more viewers are attracted to well-crafted images even to the point of making purchasing decisions based on what they see.
The uses of images on the web are endless.
Here are some of my favorites.
Profile Images and Pages
Your profile image is the first impression viewers will see and have of you. So your profile picture needs to be friendly and professional whether you are a doctor, student, or travel agent.
eCommerce sites
The major search engines are using their image search as a listing and advertising area for products. Also, studies show that about 75% of retail business sales are influenced by attractive visuals (images).
Tourist Boards CVBs Convention and Visitors Bureau
A well-planned visual presentations of types of vacations, meetings, and convention areas with descriptions invite contact and improves conversion rates.
Food Recipes, Restaurants & Chefs
Food blogs have come a long way in the last 5 years and quality photos have been a big part of that. Well-Designed food images stir our digestive juices and emotions.
Hospitality, Hotels and B&Bs
An impressive image of a room, pool, or dining area will motivate a potential traveler to make an informed decision.
Home Products and Designers
Whether you install pools, kitchens, or plumbing, images can convey a beautiful expectation of someone’s home upgrade.
Anyone using Social Networks
More and more people are using social networks like Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter for sharing images and looking for common interests.
Why you should Optimize images for Search
Website visitors comprehend information better through visuals. And more people are starting to use image search to make decisions.
Search Chart
Google images is used for over 25% of searches, far more than all the other search engines added together.Some SEO experts say voice is the next big thing, but right now image search is growing and the search engines are taking full advantage of it.
If a homeowner is going to replace a sink or cabinets they’re going to want to see the options.
If a vacationer is going on a cruise, they are going to want to see the cabin options, not read about the dimensions, or hear about the scenic view. They want to make an informed decision based on what they see. The same with a hotel or B & B as well.
For homeowners to find their next sink or kitchen cabinets, or for a vacationer to find the next hotel room they will compare shops, and the best place to do that is in an image search.
Just do an image search for watches or the next item you’re thinking of purchasing, and you’ll see what looks like an eCommerce site. That’s because the search engines want to be the place to shop.
Image Optimization in SEO needs some effort. Part of the success of a web page depends heavily on images that are carefully planned to enhance the page topic.
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