How to optimise for Google Image Search and Increase Traffic

Google Image Search is still a great opportunity for SEO that is particularly under-utilised in some industries. Since launching in July 2001, Google has worked to increase the relevance of images displayed in search results. This brings us to today, where image search takes into account a number of factors, listed below.

Factors to consider for Google Image Optimisation

The following factors relate to the website on which the image sits. Much like optimising for the text-based organic search results:

• Relevance and Quality of page content – Page Title, Meta Data, Headings, URL, Content.
• Authority of page on that topic – PageRank, Quality and quantity of links pointing to that particular page, anchor text of links to that page.

Below are the factors specific to your image. Ensure that when you upload your image you have ticked off all these things:

• Filename – The filename of the image should be optimised to the keywords you are targeting.
• Image URL – If possible, ensure that your URL is targeted to the terms you are optimising for in the same way that you would a page. Example: onlineshop.com/images/electronics/playstation3/playstation-game.jpg
• Image Title – Add a title tag to your image for some extra optimisation.
• Image Alt Text – Ensure that the image alt text describes exactly what you are optimising for.
• Caption – If using a CMS platform such as WordPress where captions are possible, add a caption to your image that is targeted to the terms you are optimising for.

Google Image Search is something that hasn’t been a big focus of many SEO’s, so it presents a good opportunity for site owners when it comes to increasing their reach in organic search. Think about how you can leverage opportunities within Image Search, create photo galleries, ensure you have optimised images on all your products, use keyword research to identify high traffic opportunities within image search. Be creative with your content strategy and you’ll be sure to reap the benefits.