You’re already optimizing your site for search engines—right? But chances are, you’re not fully optimizing your images for search traffic.

It’s true that Google Image Search only accounts for about 10% of total Google searches. But thanks to blended search results—where images show up in regular search listings—well-optimized images can drive far more traffic than you might expect.

For example, when you search for something like “Golden Gate Bridge”, you’ll see image results right on the main search page. That’s why image SEO is just as important as text-based SEO if you want to compete in 2025 and beyond.

9 Steps to Optimize Images For Better Search Rankings

Follow these steps to ensure your images are fully optimized for search engines:

  1. Use alt tags
  2. Write long descriptions
  3. Use a descriptive file name
  4. Reduce file size
  5. Include EXIF data
  6. Add rich snippets
  7. Use anchor text in links
  8. Optimize image placement
  9. Add GEO location keywords

Step 1 – Use alt tags

Search engines can’t “see” images, so they rely on alt text to understand what the image is about. Alt tags also improve accessibility for visually impaired users using screen readers.

Golden Gate Bridge covered by fog

If you’re using a photo of the Golden Gate Bridge on a foggy day, your alt tag should say something like:

Alt=”Golden Gate Bridge covered by fog”

Here’s what the full image code would look like:

<img src=”https://www.quicksprout.com/foggygoldengatebridge.jpg” alt=”Golden Gate Bridge covered by fog” />

Effective alt tags should follow these best practices:

  • Clearly describe the image, without keyword stuffing.
  • Include relevant keywords when appropriate.
  • Keep it concise and accurate.

Step 2 – Write long descriptions

While alt tags offer brief descriptions, the longdesc attribute allows you to link to a page that provides more detailed information about the image. Originally designed for accessibility, it’s also useful for SEO.

For instance, the foggy Golden Gate Bridge image could be described in greater detail—mentioning the color tones, structural details, and atmospheric conditions. This extended description can live on a separate URL and be referenced in the longdesc attribute.

Example code:

<img src=”https://www.quicksprout.com/foggygoldengatebridge.jpg” alt=”Golden Gate Bridge covered by fog” longdesc=”https://www.quicksprout.com/imageseo.html” />

Step 3 – Use a descriptive file name

The filename of your image should clearly reflect its content. Avoid generic names like “image1.jpg” or even broad terms like “goldengatebridge.jpg.”

A better option would be “foggygoldengatebridge.jpg”—it gives more context and helps the image stand out in image search results.

Step 4 – Reduce file size

Image file size affects both SEO and user experience. Two factors matter: pixel dimensions and actual file weight (KB/MB).

You want the image dimensions to be large enough to look sharp, but the file size should be as small as possible without degrading quality. Tools like Skitch, TinyPNG, or Squoosh can help you compress images while maintaining clarity.

Compression improves site speed, which is a confirmed Google ranking factor.

Step 5 – Include EXIF data

EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format) allows you to embed metadata directly within the image file. This includes technical and contextual details about the image.

EXIF data can include:

  • Camera model and settings (aperture, shutter speed, etc.)
  • Date, time, and location where the photo was taken
  • Whether flash was used
  • Image resolution and dimensions

While not all EXIF data directly affects rankings, adding a keyword-rich image description and your website name to this metadata can reinforce SEO relevance across platforms that read EXIF.

Step 6 – Add rich snippets

Rich snippets (structured data) connect your images to your business, brand, or content type. When used correctly, this can increase visibility in search results.

Use schema.org markup to identify your images within articles, products, or recipes. You can test your implementation with Google’s Rich Results Test.

Step 7 – Use anchor text in links

Just like pages, images benefit from backlinks. Linking to your image using descriptive anchor text helps improve its visibility in search engines.

For example, linking to your image with “Golden Gate Bridge” as the anchor text helps Google associate that image with the keyword. Be sure to vary your anchor text to avoid over-optimization penalties.

Need help building links to your images? Start here:

Step 8 – Optimize image placement

Image context matters. Make sure your images are surrounded by relevant text, especially in nearby headings, captions, and body copy. This helps Google understand what the image represents.

Be natural with your keywords—avoid stuffing, but do include relevant phrases where they make sense.

Step 9 – Add GEO location keywords

If you want to rank your images for local searches, include geo-targeted keywords in your image filename, alt tag, and surrounding text.

For example, instead of just “goldengatebridge.jpg,” use:

sanfranciscogoldengatebridge.jpg

And for the alt text: “San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge covered by fog.” This increases your chances of ranking for local image queries.

Conclusion

If you’re already optimizing your images using alt tags and descriptive filenames, you’re off to a solid start. But don’t overlook advanced tactics like using local keywords, rich snippets, or enhancing your EXIF data.

While no single trick will skyrocket your image rankings, the combined impact of these strategies can make a measurable difference—especially in today’s visual-heavy search environment.