Web designers make good use of images in WordPress website themes, and you will be surprised to know that pictures constitute 64% of the weight of websites. Images are not only attractive but also high impacting because humans love to interact closely with images and respond better to its appeal. However, there must be enough restraint in using images in web design because, like any other things in life, too many photos can do more harm than good. Images occupy large space, and it affects the page opening time, as it takes longer time for opening pages that contain many images, which in turn affects the overall website speed. Since fast loading websites are the choice of search engines as well as users, you have to be sensitive in using images with due care to see that it does not outweigh the design and affects website performance negatively.
Connecting closely with the audience
Images are more potent than textual content in that pictures speak like a thousand words, which is why designers prefer to use images where words seem to have limited impact. Images help to connect better with viewers who get moved easily by it. Images create the right psychological reactions that arouse emotion and interest in the website and leads to longer viewer engagement. Longer the time viewers spend on the website; higher are the chances of conversion.
The right way of using images
The images used on the website must have a close link to the content of the page that adds value to it. Never should you use images just because it looks good. The photos should be of very high quality, attractive and become part of the content that helps to enrich it. Be careful in selecting the size of the images so that it complements the content and balances the design and layout of the page very well. At the same time, the images should never slow down the speed of websites and be capable of delivering an excellent experience to users who react positively to the web design.
To achieve the goals by using images to increase the value and appeal of websites, you have to optimize images so that it complements the web design in making sites attractive and highly functional. In this article, we will throw light on what is image optimization and how it helps better website performance.
Understanding image optimization
Many people think that search engine optimization relates to the content of website only, but this is not correct. Optimization applies to various design elements including images. You cannot use the photos on the site in its original condition but have to modify its features in terms of size, format, and resolution so that it becomes compatible with the overall design features. The process of adjusting images by compressing its size without affecting the resolution, clarity, and sharpness is what we call image optimization. You can optimize images by using some optimization tools that use some algorithm to compress images. Some optimization tools have a connection with global Content Delivery Network (CDN) that helps faster delivery and improves website performance.
Optimized images make fast websites
The page load speed of the website, which is the time it takes for a page to display on the screen from the time of clicking or tapping increases by using optimized images. Many elements of the website design and layout contribute to website speed that aims at meeting the target of opening pages within 2 seconds, which users expect ideally. Since images constitute 64% of website design, the effects of image optimization are apparently quite high. As websites get fast, it offers better user experience as users interact closely with the site that results in higher conversion. By analyzing the website speed with the help of Google Page Insight Tool, you can understand how much more optimization would be required.
Improves page ranking
Not users alone but search engines too like fast websites. Google has declared that website speed is a ranking factor and thus image optimization acquires more importance. Since search rankings matter most to digital marketers, every designer would like to create fast loading websites for which image optimization becomes a significant factor.
Expect more conversions
As rankings improve, and visitors stay engaged for the more extended period, the chances of conversions also increase. For facilitating page load speed that has direct links to SEO ranking and conversions, it becomes necessary to use optimized images on websites. Page load speed is so important to users that if any site falls out of favor due to slow speed, users would hardly give it a second chance.
Fast loading WordPress websites are so attractive that users keep moving across the site to spend long hours. It reduces the bounce rate significantly which Google takes note and pushes up the search rankings.
Author bio: Harry Gomez is an engineer who aspired to become a hardware expert but finally became a master of SEO. He has spent more than ten years in the industry and has worked closely with web designers. Harry is a performer too and loves to act in amateur plays.
