![How to Name Images for SEO in 2024 [Checklist]](https://nshamimpro.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/71d7e9c5-a79d-4443-a18d-ec276d46b417-1024x1024.jpeg)
In the ever-evolving digital marketing landscape, optimizing images for SEO has become a crucial component of effective online strategies. As we step into 2024, it’s clear that search engines are placing an increasing emphasis on visual content, making it essential for marketers and website owners to understand the nuances of image naming conventions. A well-named image not only enhances user experience but also boosts your visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs), driving organic traffic to your site.
Imagine a beautifully crafted blog post or product page where vibrant images capture attention—but if those images are poorly named or entirely neglected in terms of SEO, they remain unseen by potential visitors. To maximize the impact of your visual assets and ensure they contribute to your overall SEO strategy, we have put together a comprehensive checklist that will guide you through the process of naming images effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting out, mastering this skill is vital as you navigate the competitive digital landscape in 2024 and beyond.
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Use descriptive filenames | Name images based on their content, not generic terms (e.g., “red-rose-bouquet.jpg” instead of “image1.jpg”). |
| Include relevant keywords | Use primary keywords that accurately describe the image’s content (e.g., “modern-office-chair.jpg” for an office chair). |
| Keep filenames concise | Ensure filenames are clear, but not overly long, ideally between 5-10 words. |
| Use hyphens to separate words | Use hyphens (-) rather than underscores (_) to separate words for better readability by search engines. |
| Avoid keyword stuffing | Do not overuse keywords; keep filenames natural and descriptive. |
| Include location when relevant | If the image is related to a location, include that information in the filename (e.g., “Dubai-skyline.jpg”). |
| Use lowercase letters | Always use lowercase letters for consistency and to avoid issues on case-sensitive servers. |
| Remove special characters | Avoid using special characters like &, %, $, and @ in filenames, as they can cause issues with indexing. |
| Optimize for file size | Choose an appropriate file size for faster page loading (e.g., 100KB or less). |
| Ensure image format is suitable | Use appropriate image formats (JPG, PNG, WebP) based on quality and size considerations. |
| Use alt text with target keywords | Provide descriptive alt text for accessibility and include a keyword or phrase where relevant. |
| Add captions when relevant | Use captions to provide additional context and potentially enhance keyword relevance. |
| Name images based on their context | Align image filenames with the context of the page content. |
| Consider mobile-first SEO | Ensure image naming and size are optimized for mobile devices, considering slower mobile networks. |
| Use brand-related keywords | If applicable, include your brand name in the image filename for brand visibility (e.g., “Nike-shoes.jpg”). |
| Implement seasonal keywords | For seasonal content, include relevant seasonal keywords (e.g., “Christmas-tree-decoration.jpg” in December). |
| Use numbers when appropriate | For product variations or multiple images of the same object, use numbers (e.g., “product-1.jpg”, “product-2.jpg”). |
| Ensure images are relevant to their pages | Don’t use irrelevant images to attract clicks. Make sure the image directly supports the content. |
| Avoid duplicate filenames | Ensure each image has a unique filename to avoid confusion for search engines. |
| Organize images in folders | Create structured folders for images to maintain organization (e.g., “products/”, “blog-photos/”). |
| Prioritize image naming for ecommerce | If you are selling products, name the images according to the product details, including brand, type, and key attributes. |
| Name images by product or service type | For clarity and SEO, include details about the specific product or service depicted (e.g., “outdoor-camping-tent.jpg”). |
| Include color and style descriptors | For fashion or design-related images, include colors and style descriptors (e.g., “blue-cotton-shirt.jpg”). |
| Name images based on customer intent | If you target specific buyer intent, tailor the image filenames to reflect that (e.g., “buy-cheap-laptops.jpg”). |
| Avoid using spaces in filenames | Use hyphens instead of spaces to improve readability by search engines. |
| Optimize for voice search | Consider how people might phrase their image searches in voice queries when naming images (e.g., “best vegan pizza in NYC.jpg”). |
| Implement geographic relevance | If your image is location-specific, add the location (e.g., “luxury-hotels-in-Dubai.jpg”). |
| Don’t repeat keywords | Ensure a natural flow when naming images and avoid repeating the same keyword multiple times. |
| Use common language | Stick to words and phrases your target audience would use, avoiding overly complex terms. |
| Maintain consistency | Be consistent with naming conventions across all images on your site for better SEO structure. |
| Name images for SEO, not just aesthetic | Always prioritize SEO in your filenames over aesthetic preferences, especially for web and e-commerce sites. |
| Name images by feature | Focus on key image features such as the product’s material or size (e.g., “leather-wallet-small.jpg”). |
| Avoid too many keywords in filenames | Don’t overload filenames with keywords, making them seem spammy. |
| Use date in filenames for time-sensitive images | For time-sensitive content, include a date in the filename (e.g., “news-event-2024-01-01.jpg”). |
| Name images with product model numbers | If relevant, use product model numbers in the filenames (e.g., “laptop-model-X123.jpg”). |
| Use SEO-friendly terminology | Choose terms that are SEO-friendly, avoiding overly technical or niche terms unless it fits the target audience. |
| Consider search intent for naming | Align the image filename with the intent of the user when searching for similar content or products. |
| Name images according to image function | If an image serves a specific function, like a button or icon, name it accordingly (e.g., “cart-icon.png”). |
| Use region-specific terms when relevant | If the image has a regional focus, use region-specific terms (e.g., “Dubai-skyscraper.jpg”). |
| Optimize image naming for long-tail keywords | Use long-tail keywords that describe specific aspects of the image for better targeting (e.g., “blue-suede-shoes-size-10.jpg”). |
| Name images by category or type | For a large collection of images, use categories to organize and describe the image type (e.g., “fashion-shoes-winter-collection.jpg”). |
| Use synonyms to diversify filenames | Avoid repetition by using synonyms when naming similar images (e.g., “desk-chair.jpg” and “office-chair.jpg”). |
| Name images according to usage context | Name images based on how they will be used, like hero images, thumbnails, or social media posts (e.g., “social-media-banner.jpg”). |
| Add keywords related to user needs | Consider the problems your audience wants to solve and use relevant keywords in your image names (e.g., “ergonomic-office-chair-for-back-pain.jpg”). |
| Name images with attention-grabbing terms | Incorporate terms that attract attention but still remain relevant (e.g., “best-pizza-in-LA.jpg”). |
| Use product-specific descriptors | For product images, use specific descriptors like size, color, and material (e.g., “red-leather-handbag.jpg”). |
| Use short-tail keywords for broad searches | When possible, use short-tail keywords for broad searches (e.g., “car.jpg” for general car-related content). |
| Use context-driven keywords | Ensure that your image filename matches the content and context of the page or post (e.g., “vegan-pizza-recipe.jpg” on a food blog). |
| Match image filenames with the content theme | The image name should align with the theme of the content for maximum relevance and SEO. |
| Use actionable words when applicable | Use verbs to describe actions in the filename if they fit (e.g., “open-door-handle.jpg”). |
| Prioritize high-quality images | Ensure images are high-quality to support user experience and better SEO rankings, as image quality can affect page ranking. |
| Name images based on customer preferences | Tailor filenames to reflect the preferences or needs of your target customers (e.g., “eco-friendly-laptop-bag.jpg”). |
| Avoid duplicate content in image filenames | Keep filenames unique for each image to avoid duplicate content penalties from search engines. |
| Avoid generic image names | Avoid using overly generic filenames like “image123.jpg” or “photo1.jpg,” as they provide no SEO value. |
| Use unique names for product variations | For product variations (e.g., size, color), use descriptive filenames (e.g., “black-leather-wallet-medium.jpg”). |
| Utilize dynamic keywords for trending topics | Adjust image filenames for current trends or popular topics (e.g., “sustainable-fashion-2024.jpg”). |
| Use schema markup for image context | Implement schema markup to provide search engines with additional image context (e.g., “ProductImage” schema). |
| Align image names with page URL and title | Ensure that image filenames align with the page URL and title for a consistent SEO strategy. |
| Use proper capitalization for brand names | Always use proper capitalization for brand names in filenames (e.g., “Apple-laptop.jpg” instead of “apple-laptop.jpg”). |
| Use “action” words in filenames for clarity | When appropriate, use verbs or actions in filenames (e.g., “throwing-pizza-dough.jpg” for a food blog). |
| Use version numbers for updated images | For updated product images, include version numbers (e.g., “product-v2.jpg”) to reflect changes in versions. |
| Consider international audiences | For multilingual sites, adjust image filenames for different languages and locales (e.g., “chaud-chocolat.jpg” for a French site). |
| Name images based on popular search queries | Include terms that are commonly searched by users for similar images or products (e.g., “affordable-smartphones-2024.jpg”). |
| Ensure filenames are easy to read | Keep filenames simple and easy to read for both users and search engines (e.g., “comfortable-office-chair.jpg”). |
| Use natural language | Favor using natural, conversational terms in image filenames rather than overly technical or jargon-heavy terms. |
| Include category-specific descriptors | For category pages, include the category in the filename (e.g., “men-fashion-jackets.jpg”). |
| Include features or specifications where applicable | Highlight specific features or specs in filenames when selling products (e.g., “waterproof-backpack-20L.jpg”). |
| Use “best” or “top” terms where appropriate | If your image is of a top-rated product, include terms like “best” or “top” (e.g., “best-wireless-earbuds.jpg”). |
| Use numbers for image differentiation | For images that depict similar products, include numbers for differentiation (e.g., “product-1.jpg”, “product-2.jpg”). |
| Use “before” and “after” if relevant | If your image is part of a transformation (e.g., in fitness, home improvement), use “before” and “after” in filenames (e.g., “before-transformation.jpg”). |
| Name images according to the target demographic | If targeting a specific demographic, include relevant age or gender-related keywords (e.g., “kids-educational-toys.jpg”). |
| Name images based on their use case | Tailor filenames to reflect the use case of the image (e.g., “wedding-dress-photo.jpg” for a bridal store). |
| Incorporate seasonal keywords | For seasonal products, include the season or holiday (e.g., “christmas-decorations.jpg” for holiday-themed products). |
| Use long-tail descriptive terms | Use detailed, descriptive long-tail keywords to cater to more specific image searches (e.g., “vintage-leather-jacket-small.jpg”). |
| Use product-specific keywords for eCommerce | If selling a specific product, use precise product names and specifications (e.g., “samsung-galaxy-s23-ultra.jpg”). |
| Keep filenames related to the file content | Align the filename closely with the content of the image to avoid misleading search engines (e.g., a “product image” of a “laptop” should use the word “laptop”). |
| Name images based on visual elements | Describe the main visual elements of an image in the filename (e.g., “blue-sky-sunset.jpg”). |
| Use singular instead of plural when possible | Use singular form for the filenames to prevent redundancy (e.g., “green-shirt.jpg” rather than “green-shirts.jpg”). |
| Name images by brand or product line | If relevant, use the product line or brand in the filename (e.g., “adidas-running-shoes.jpg”). |
| Use high-traffic keywords when relevant | Name images using high-traffic search terms, especially for images that support specific content or products (e.g., “best-laptop-for-students.jpg”). |
| Leverage trending keywords | If your image reflects a trending topic or theme, use trending keywords to increase visibility (e.g., “2024-fashion-trends.jpg”). |
| Ensure keyword relevance across all filenames | Ensure each filename is relevant to both the image content and the broader content of the page (e.g., “eco-friendly-backpack.jpg” for an eco blog). |
| Use action verbs for tutorial or instructional images | If the image is part of a tutorial, use actionable verbs (e.g., “installing-tile-floor.jpg”). |
| Use descriptive phrases instead of single words | For more complex images, use descriptive phrases that cover the image’s concept (e.g., “professional-corporate-photoshoot.jpg”). |
| Add a modifier for better SEO | Use modifiers like “buy”, “best”, or “guide” if appropriate (e.g., “best-fitness-trackers-guide.jpg”). |
| Ensure images are contextually relevant | Match the filename to the image’s specific use case and its surrounding content to boost SEO value (e.g., “diy-wall-decor-ideas.jpg” for a home decor blog). |
| Use SEO tools to identify relevant terms | Use SEO tools (e.g., Google Keyword Planner) to identify terms that align with what users are searching for. |
| Prioritize evergreen keywords for consistency | For long-term content, use evergreen keywords in filenames to ensure they remain relevant (e.g., “best-healthy-recipes.jpg”). |
| Optimize for local SEO | Include local terms for location-based content (e.g., “best-cafes-in-London.jpg”). |
| Review image filenames regularly | Regularly audit and update image filenames to ensure they align with changing SEO strategies and user trends. |
| Leverage user-generated content filenames | If using user-generated images, name them in a way that reflects the content or creator (e.g., “user-submitted-photo-2024.jpg”). |
| Use filename consistency across all assets | Maintain a consistent naming convention for all images and assets across the website for better indexing. |
| Make filenames actionable and descriptive | Use filenames that motivate clicks and engagement while staying informative (e.g., “make-homemade-pizza.jpg”). |
| Utilize emerging search trends for filenames | Adapt filenames to include keywords based on emerging trends, such as AI, eco-friendly, or tech-specific terms (e.g., “ai-powered-headphones.jpg”). |
| Avoid keyword stuffing in file names | Overloading filenames with keywords can negatively impact SEO. Keep filenames concise and natural. |
| Tailor filenames for page context | Name images based on their purpose on the page—whether it’s a blog, product page, or gallery (e.g., “healthy-smoothie-recipes.jpg” on a recipe blog). |
| Name images with SEO in mind for visual search | For images intended for visual search, use highly descriptive filenames (e.g., “closeup-waterfall-sunrise.jpg” for scenic images). |
| Use consistent format for products and services | Use a consistent naming format for product and service images (e.g., “product-category-name-size-color.jpg”). |
| Avoid using overly technical terms in filenames | Keep filenames simple, avoiding overly technical or niche terms that might confuse search engines or users. |
| Regularly track performance and adjust as needed | Monitor the performance of your images in search results and tweak filenames if necessary to improve visibility and clicks. |
