Image optimization is the process of reducing the file size of an image without sacrificing its visual quality. The goal is to speed up website page load times and reduce bandwidth usage. Image optimization is important because images are often the assets with the largest file size on a website. To perform image optimization, you can use several techniques. First, select a suitable image format. JPEG suits images with many colours, while PNG is better for images with transparent backgrounds. WebP is a format that is becoming increasingly popular due to its efficiency. Next, compress the image using image compression software or an online service. This process will remove unnecessary data, such as meta information or colour details, that are invisible to the human eye.
Additionally, set the image resolution according to the actual display size on your website. Additionally, thumbnails for image galleries or images in different sizes can reduce initial page load time. Finally, ensure the image file name reflects a relevant description, and use keywords whenever possible. By following these steps, you can optimize the images on your website and increase page load speed, providing a better user experience and supporting your SEO efforts.