There are many ways in which you can optimize images for web design. If you want to learn how to go about doing so, along with learning what image optimization even is and the benefits of it, then this should be the article for you.
Image Optimization: What Is It?
Image optimization is the process of compressing and transmitting photos in order to maintain the highest level of image quality.
Even if the procedure seems difficult, it is now rather simple. Using one of the various image optimization plugins and programs, you may automatically reduce the size of photographs by up to 80% without sacrificing the image’s overall quality.
What Does Optimizing Images Mean?
You might be wondering what to do if your WordPress hosting provider or a speed test program has suggested that you optimize your images. Your photographs must be optimized for the web in order to reduce their file size.
What Advantages Does Image Optimization Offer?
Here are the top advantages of picture optimization that you should be aware of, albeit there are many.
.More rapid webpage speed
.Higher SEO rankings
.Increased overall conversion rate for leads and sales
.Minimal bandwidth and storage (which can reduce hosting and CDN costs)
.Quicker backups of websites (which can reduce the cost of backup storage)
After videos, images are the second-heaviest component of a web page. The HTTP archive estimates that 21% of the weight of a typical webpage is made up of photos.
Every business website needs to perform image optimization in order to flourish online, as we know that fast websites convert better and rank higher in search engines (SEO).
You may be wondering at this point how much of a difference image optimization can actually make.
A Strange loop study found that a one-second delay in your website’s loading time can lose you 7% of sales, 11% fewer visitors, and 16% less satisfied customers.
How to Optimize Images for Your Website:
Finding the ideal balance between the smallest file size and usable image quality is the key to effective image optimization for online speed.
The following three factors are extremely important for image optimization:
.image file type (JPEG vs. PNG vs. GIF)
.Compression (larger file size x higher compression)
.the size of the image (height and width)
You can shrink the size of your image by up to 80% by picking the proper mix of the three. Let’s examine each one of these in greater depth.
Picture Format:
The only three image file types that truly matter, according to the majority of website owners, are JPEG, PNG, and GIF. In order to optimize images, the appropriate file format must be selected.
Use JPEGs for photos or images with lots of colors, PNGs for straightforward images or when you require transparent images, and GIFs exclusively for animated graphics if you want to keep things simple.
The PNG image format is uncompressed, which implies it is a higher-quality image for individuals who are unfamiliar with the distinctions between each file type. The drawback is that file sizes are significantly bigger.
JPEG, however, is a compressed file format that offers a noticeably lower file size at the expense of a modest reduction in image quality.
Compression:
The second factor in image optimization is image compression, which is very crucial, and should not be overlooked.
There are various kinds and intensities of image compression. Dependent on the image compression tool that you employ, the settings for each will change.
There are built-in picture compression functions in most image editing programs, including Adobe Photoshop, ON1 Photo, GIMP, Affinity Photo, and others.
Additionally, you can save images normally and then compress them more easily using an online application like TinyPNG or JPEGmini.
These two techniques, which we use on WPBeginner, enable you to compress photos before posting them to WordPress even though they involve some manual work.
Size of the Image:
Typically, when you import a picture from your phone or digital camera, it has a high resolution and a big file size (height and width).
These images often have a 300 DPI resolution and 2000 pixel or larger dimensions. High-quality photographs work great for print or desktop publishing, but because of their size, they are not appropriate for websites.
The size of the image file can be greatly reduced by changing the image’s proportions to something more realistic. Using the image editing program on your computer, you may easily resize images.
Conclusion:
If you aren’t already saving photographs that are optimized for the web, you should start doing so right away. Your site’s speed will significantly improve, and your visitors will appreciate it.
Not to mention that speedier websites are better for SEO, which means your search engine ranks will probably improve.
In addition to image optimization, employing a WordPress cache plugin and a WordPress CDN will also greatly speed up your website.
As an alternative, you might choose a managed WordPress hosting firm since their platform frequently includes CDN and caching.
There are multiple custom web design services that you can employ that are more than adept at optimizing images for websites, so if you want a website that’s optimized for images, then consider hiring one.
