Search engines read filenames, so clear names help your images appear in Google Image Search and improve on-page relevance.
Alt text helps screen readers describe images to visually impaired users — and gives search engines context.
A good rule:
Example:
“Craftsman sanding a handmade wooden bowl at Spencer Peterman workshop.”
Avoid keyword stuffing — accuracy is what matters.
Never pull images straight from Google Images — most are copyrighted.
Use stock photo sites that clearly license their content for commercial use.
Free stock resources:
Paid options:
When possible, use your own photos — authentic imagery always performs better.
If you upload lots of images, consider WordPress automation tools:
These help, but always start with good source files before upload.
Run your site through Google PageSpeed Insights and GTmetrix after adding new images.
Both tools analyze how quickly your pages load and flag any oversized or uncompressed files.
PageSpeed Insights offers detailed Core Web Vitals data and an “Opportunities” section showing where you can save loading time.
GTmetrix provides a more visual breakdown — including waterfall charts, request details, and historical tracking if you create a free account.
Reviewing both gives you a complete picture of how your images (and site) perform over time.
Image optimization isn’t complicated — it’s a habit.
Start with clean, properly sized files, compress before uploading, and use meaningful names and alt text.
Your visitors (and search rankings) will thank you.
Prepared by Cider House Media