Also check out How to Update Images
1. Resize Images to Appropriate Dimensions #
Uploading unnecessarily large images slows down your website.
Recommendation:
- For full-width images: Max width of 1920px.
- For content images: Max width of 1000px-1200px.
- For medium-size images: 600-850px (depending on use case).
- For thumbnails: Max width of 300px.
How to Resize: Use free tools like ResizePixel, or professional software like Adobe Photoshop.
2. Compress Image File Sizes #
Large file sizes lead to slower load times and higher storage consumption.
Recommendation:
- Aim for images under 1MB.
- Ideally, keep most images between 100KB and 500KB.
Suggested Tools for Compression:
- TinyPNG
- ImageOptim (Mac users)
3. Choose the Right File Format #
- JPEG: Best for photos and images with lots of colors.
- PNG: Use only for images requiring transparency or sharp details (e.g., logos).
4. Avoid Uploading Raw Images from Cameras or Phones #
Images directly from cameras or phones are often too large (e.g., 4000px wide) and uncompressed. Always resize and compress images before uploading, using the steps mentioned above.
5. Upload Only What You Need #
Uploading unnecessary images clutters your media library and consumes valuable storage space. Before uploading a new image, check if you can reuse an existing image from the media library. Sometimes, people tend to upload the same images repeatedly.
6. Quick Checklist Before Uploading #
- Is the image resized to the recommended dimensions?
- Is the file size under 1MB?
- Did you choose the correct file format (JPEG or PNG)?
- Did you compress the image?
7. Why is this important? #
- Slow Website Speed: Large images take longer to load, increasing bounce rates and frustrating visitors.
- Poor User Experience: Slow-loading pages lead to a bad experience, which can drive users away and lower engagement.
- Lower Search Engine Rankings: Google prioritizes fast websites. A slow site due to large images can negatively affect SEO.
- Higher Bandwidth Usage: Large images consume more server resources, which can lead to performance bottlenecks.
- Storage Issues: Uploading unnecessary images clutters your media library, making it harder to manage content efficiently.
Following these steps will help keep your website fast, efficient, and visually appealing.
