How To Optimise Images

Pitfalls Of Over Optimising Images

While image optimisation is crucial, over optimisation can have unintended consequences. Here are some common pitfalls to be aware of:

Loss Of Image Quality

Aggressive compression can result in a noticeable loss of image quality. This is especially true for images that contain intricate details or subtle gradients. Striking a balance between file size reduction and image quality is key.

Negative Impact On SEO

Google considers the user experience, and if over optimisation leads to a poor user experience, it can negatively impact your website’s SEO. Avoid sacrificing image quality to the extent that it affects user satisfaction.

Poor Responsiveness

Overly optimised images may not render well on all devices and screen sizes.
Ensure that your images are responsive and look good on a variety of devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

Loss Of Metadata

Aggressive optimisation may strip images of important metadata such as alt text, title, and description. Metadata is crucial for accessibility, SEO, and providing context to search engines.

Tips To Avoid Over Optimising Images

Now that we’ve discussed the potential pitfalls, let’s explore practical tips to help you strike the right balance when optimising images:

Choose The Right File Format

Selecting the appropriate file format is the first step in optimisation. JPEG is ideal for photographs, while PNG is suitable for images with transparency.
Use WebP, a modern image format that provides high compression without significant loss of quality.

Optimise Image Dimensions

Resize images to match the dimensions required by your website’s design. Uploading larger images than necessary results in unnecessary server load and slower page loading times. WordPress provides image size options when inserting media. Choose the size that fits your content layout.

Use Compression Wisely

Use moderate compression to reduce file sizes without compromising image quality. WordPress plugins like Smush and Imagify offer effective compression options. Consider lossless compression for images where maintaining the highest quality is crucial.

Leverage Lazy Loading

Enable lazy loading for images to prioritise the loading of visible content. This technique defers the loading of images until they come into the user’s viewport. Many WordPress themes and plugins now support lazy loading, reducing initial page load times.

Utilise a Content Delivery Network (CDN)

Implementing a CDN distributes your website’s static content, including images, across multiple servers globally. This reduces server load and accelerates image loading times.

Popular CDNs include Cloudflare, MaxCDN, and Amazon CloudFront.

Maintain Image Metadata

Ensure that vital image metadata, such as alt text, title, and description, is preserved during the optimisation process. Descriptive alt text is essential for accessibility and SEO, providing context to users and search engines.

Regularly Audit & Update

Perform periodic audits of your website’s images to identify opportunities for further optimisation. As technology advances, new tools and techniques may emerge. Stay informed and update your optimisation strategy accordingly.

My Conclusions

Image optimisation is a critical aspect of maintaining a fast and user friendly WordPress website. However, it’s equally important to avoid the pitfalls of over optimisation, which can negatively impact image quality, SEO, and user experience.

By following the tips outlined in this article and striking the right balance, you can ensure that your WordPress website delivers optimal performance without sacrificing image quality or functionality. Remember, the key is to prioritise both speed and user satisfaction for a well rounded online presence.