As a graphic designer, you’re likely already paying close attention to the quality and aesthetics of the images and graphics you create. But if you want your work to reach a broader audience, optimizing these elements for search engines is a step you need to check off your project list.
Image optimization starts with the basics: file size, format, and resolution. Large images can slow down a website’s load time, which negatively impacts SEO. By compressing images without losing quality, you ensure faster load times, which search engines love. I usually use Adobe Photoshop and use this pathway: File > Export > Export As, and then adjust the file size and choose the file format from there. Formats like JPEG or PNG are generally preferred for web use, depending on the type of image and the level of detail required.
Next, I consider the file names and alt text. Descriptive file names help search engines understand what the image is about. Instead of naming a file “image1.jpg,” opt for something more descriptive like “modern-logo-design.jpg.” Also, I include the company name at the very end of the file name, with each word separated by hyphens. Similarly, alt text should be clear and specific, explaining what the image shows in a way that’s helpful to both visually impaired users and search engines.
Incorporating these SEO best practices into your design process doesn’t just make your designs better—it makes them more effective in driving traffic and improving search rankings. It’s a small change with a big impact on how your work is discovered online.