Guide
Image SEO + Accessibility Basics
Updated: 10 March 2026
Written by the ImageReady editorial team. Reviewed for search visibility and accessibility fundamentals.
Good image publishing is not just about size. Clear metadata and accessible markup help search engines, screen reader users, and mobile visitors all at once.
1) Use descriptive filenames
- Prefer `linen-shirt-blue-front.jpg` over `IMG_4822.jpg`.
- Keep names short, descriptive, and consistent.
- Avoid keyword stuffing and unnecessary special characters.
2) Write alt text for purpose, not decoration
- Describe the image only when it conveys useful information.
- Use empty alt text for purely decorative imagery.
- Do not duplicate surrounding captions word-for-word.
- Keep alt text concise and specific.
3) Set right dimensions and loading behavior
- Match asset dimensions to layout containers.
- Set width/height to reduce layout shifts.
- Prioritize above-the-fold images for faster LCP.
- Lazy-load below-the-fold assets where appropriate.
4) Keep quality checks in publishing workflow
- Review text-heavy images at actual display size.
- Validate contrast and readability for mobile.
- Spot-check important pages after major image updates.