How can I optimize my images for SEO (alt tags, filename)?

Why optimize your images for SEO

Key points • Alt tags improve accessibility and help Google understand your visuals • A clear filename improves visibility in image search results • Lightweight images speed up loading and improve the user experience

Optimizing your images is one of the essential best practices for boosting your hotel website's SEO. Beyond simply looking good, a well-named, well-described, and well-compressed image helps improve your ranking, loading speed, and accessibility. Here's how to effectively optimize each image.

To begin, always rename your files before uploading them. Avoid generic names like “IMG_2045.jpg”. Opt instead for descriptive names separated by hyphens, for example: deluxe-room-sea-view-hotel-riviera.jpg. This type of name helps Google Images understand the subject and improves your hotel's SEO.

Next, always fill in the alt tag. This text description is read by search engines and accessibility tools. It should be short, descriptive, and relevant, without over-optimization. Example: “Deluxe Room with Sea View in our Riviera Hotel.” The alt tag is not a place to accumulate keywords, but to precisely describe what the image shows.

💡 Tip: If the image is purely decorative, leave the alt text field blank. This improves accessibility by avoiding unnecessary reading.

To optimize even further, be sure to compress your images before uploading. Aim for a maximum width of around 1200px and a file size of less than 300KB if possible. The WebP format is ideal for a hotel website: lightweight, fast, and compatible with most browsers.

If your hotel website uses a CMS with dynamic fields, remember to fill in the alt tags in your collections so that each dynamic page image benefits from a unique and relevant alt text. This avoids duplication and improves the quality of your pages for SEO.

Also adjust the responsive display size. An image that is too large or poorly proportioned can slow down the mobile page, negatively impacting your SEO. Always test your images on desktop, tablet, and mobile.

Finally, only include images when they provide real visual value. The more relevant and consistent your visuals are, the more your pages will be appreciated by your visitors and search engines.

Conclusion

Optimizing your images for SEO rests on three pillars: a clear filename, a relevant alt tag, and appropriate compression. By applying these best practices, you improve the speed, accessibility, and overall ranking of your hotel website.