What is image optimization?
Image optimization is the process of adjusting images to minimize their file size without reducing visual quality. This is achieved through techniques such as compression, resizing, and removing unnecessary metadata. Images can be compressed into different formats such as JPEG, PNG, and GIF, with each format having specific advantages depending on the usage scenario. Optimizing images significantly reduces a website's load time, resulting in a better user experience and improved website performance, as well as better search engine rankings.
What are the benefits of image optimization?
- Improved loading times - Large image files can significantly slow down the loading time of a Web site. Faster load times lead to a better user experience, so visitors stay on the site longer and are less likely to drop out.
- Higher search engine ranking - Search engines such as Google or Bing use load times as one of the factors for ranking websites. A faster website is rewarded with a higher position in search results, which can lead to more organic traffic.
- Better mobile experience - Since a large proportion of Internet users visit websites via mobile devices, it is essential that websites load quickly and efficiently. Optimized images provide a faster and smoother mobile experience
In short, image optimization is a crucial aspect of website management, especially for WordPress sites that rely heavily on visual content. It contributes to better performance, higher search engine rankings, and an improved user experience.
The Surver Image Optimizer
Although there are several - often paid - optimization tools available within the WordPress repository, within cPanel we recommend using the Surver Image Optimizer. This tool optimizes at the server level all images within your WordPress installation; in one click, completely free of charge. So you also save dozens of dollars annually on the purchase of external optimization tools.
