1. Why Image Format Matters
Google recommends using WebP over traditional formats like JPEG or PNG. WebP provides the same visual quality but with 25–34% smaller file sizes.
Benefits of WebP:
- Faster page load times
- Improved Core Web Vitals
- Smaller storage and bandwidth usage
HTML Example with WebP Fallback:
<picture>
<source srcset="image.webp" type="image/webp">
<img src="image.jpg" alt="Black rubber boots for women" loading="lazy" width="800" height="600">
</picture>2. ALT Text: The SEO Secret Weapon
The alt attribute helps search engines understand image content and improves accessibility. It's also crucial for Google Images SEO.
Correct Example:
<img src="boots.webp" alt="Women's black PVC rain boots by Litma">Avoid empty or generic alt values like alt="image" or alt="product".
3. LCP & PageSpeed: Optimize the Largest Contentful Paint
LCP (Largest Contentful Paint) is one of Google's Core Web Vitals. If your main image loads slowly, your SEO rankings drop.
Tips to improve LCP:
- Use compressed WebP images
- Specify image dimensions (
width,height) - Load only key images initially
- Use
loading="lazy"for non-critical visuals
4. Reduce File Size = Better SEO
Every kilobyte matters. Large images (1MB+) slow down your store dramatically.
Recommended:
- Keep product images under 100KB
- Resize to actual display dimensions
- Use lossless compression where possible
HTML Best Practice:
<img src="shoes.webp" alt="Cotton sneakers for women" width="600" height="600" loading="lazy">5. Real Data: Why It Matters
- 53% of mobile users abandon a site if it takes more than 3 seconds to load
- Over 70% of eCommerce sites fail Core Web Vitals due to poor image handling
- Only 32% of top retailers use WebP
- Alt text is missing in 38% of product listings
6. Quick Reference Table
| Factor | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Format | WebP |
| ALT text | Keyword-rich and descriptive |
| Max size | Under 100KB |
| Lazy loading | Yes (loading="lazy") |
| LCP image | Optimized and responsive |
| Resolution | Match to display size |
7. Use WebPPhoto for Fast, Free Optimization
WebPPhoto.com helps you:
- Remove backgrounds automatically
- Convert images to WebP
- Resize and crop to fit marketplaces
- Optimize images in seconds
All tools are free, fast, and privacy-friendly.