I’ve written a lot of articles about optimizing product photos for different platforms, but this is the first about how to optimize product images for visual search.
If you want people to find your products online, image optimization is a powerful tool that not every eCommerce business uses.
More people are using visual search tools like Google Lens and Pinterest Lens to find exactly what they’re looking for.
With a quick photo, they can discover products that match what they want.
So, what is image optimization?
It’s all about making your images easy for search engines to understand and show in results.
By adding the right keywords, choosing the best formats, and using tools like structured data (extra info for search engines), you help your images stand out.
For an eCommerce site, this can mean more people finding—and buying—your products.
Here I’m going to break down everything you need to know about visual search optimization, so your images work for you.
We’ll cover alt text, file names, and even WordPress tips that can make a real difference.
Ready to make your product images pop up in search results?
Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
◈ Visual search boosts product discovery on tools like Google Lens and Pinterest Lens.
◈ Alt text and file names with keywords make images easier to find.
◈ Fast-loading images improve SEO and user experience.
◈ Structured data adds context so search engines know what’s in your images.
◈ WordPress tips on which fields impact SEO (and which don’t).
Why Visual Search Optimization Matters for eCommerce
Standing out in the world of eCommerce is tough.
Visual search means people can find products just by using an image, making it easier for them to shop directly from search results.
Visual search tools, like Google Lens and Pinterest Lens, are helping people discover products in a fast, image-focused way.
When you optimize your images for visual search, you increase the chance of appearing in these search results and driving more traffic to your site.
This isn’t just about clicks.
Visual search can lead to higher conversion rates.
When users see products that match exactly what they’re looking for, they’re more likely to buy.
So by optimizing your images, you’re meeting shoppers where they are—and helping them find what they want.
Key Image Optimization Techniques for Visual Search
Usually when talking about optimizing product photos, I discuss file sizes, which helps your website load faster and improves customer experience.
That, while helpful, there is much more you’ll want to do to get in the visual search results.
So let’s jump into the top techniques you can use to ensure your images stand out for visual rankings.
File Naming and Keywords
One of the simplest yet most effective steps in visual search optimization is giving your images descriptive, keyword-rich file names.
When you upload images straight from a camera, you might see names like “IMG_1234.jpg.”
But search engines can’t understand what “IMG_1234” means.
By renaming your product photos with clear keywords—like “black-leather-wallet.jpg”—you help search engines identify the image content.
Think of the file name as a mini description. Use lowercase letters, separate words with hyphens, and include keywords that describe the product accurately.
Alt Text
Alt text, or “alternative text,” is a short description attached to an image. It’s meant to help visually impaired users understand what the image shows, but it’s also important to search engines.
Alt text should clearly describe what’s in the image using natural language.
For example, if you have a product photo of a black leather wallet, the alt text could be “black leather wallet with snap closure.”
This tells both search engines and users what the image is, helping it show up in relevant searches.
Avoid keyword stuffing here—focus on a concise, clear description that aligns with the content of the image.
File Format and Resolution
Choosing the right file format affects image quality and loading time.
• JPEG is usually best for product photos because it keeps the image sharp but small in size.
• PNG is also high quality but may load slower.
• If your site supports WebP, it’s a great choice for balancing quality and speed.
Compressed images load faster, which is better for SEO, so use tools to resize or compress files before uploading.
Structured Data and Metadata
Structured data, often added through schema markup, is a way to give search engines extra details about your images.
It helps your products appear in rich search results (like Google’s shopping carousel), which can attract more clicks.
Here’s how it works: schema markup is a small snippet of code that provides specific details about the image.
For example, Product schema might include information on the item’s name, price, and availability.
You can add schema markup to your images using Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper.
In WordPress, structured data can be added using plugins like Yoast SEO or Schema Pro to simplify the process. These plugins help you add schema without editing code directly.
The next part – warning:
I’m about to get technical here. You don’t really need to know this unless the content discussed is important to you.
So why include it? Because some of my readers may wonder about this and it is information a search engine might examine.
You could always skip this section and move on to the next!
Metadata and WordPress
Metadata in images can include details like EXIF (camera settings) and IPTC (image descriptions and copyright info) data.
These are often added by cameras or photo software.
However, when you upload images to WordPress, some of this metadata—especially EXIF data—can get stripped out for security and performance reasons.
If metadata is important for your use, you might consider adding IPTC data with descriptions, as some fields can be retained, or storing image descriptions and product info in structured data instead.
WordPress Image Fields: What Matters for SEO
With WordPress being one of the most used website softwares around, I wanted to clear up some things for anyone who uses it.
When you upload images to WordPress, you’ll see several fields—alt text, caption, and description. Each has a purpose, but not all impact SEO directly.
Alt Text
We discussed Alt text above: Alt text, or alternative text, is important for SEO.
It provides a description of the image that search engines can read. This helps search engines understand the image content and show it in relevant searches.
Alt text is also used by screen readers to make websites more accessible for visually impaired users.
Make sure your alt text is descriptive, includes keywords naturally, and aligns with the image content.
For example, if you’re uploading a picture of a red leather handbag, your alt text might be, “red leather handbag with gold hardware.”
Caption
Captions appear directly below an image on your website. While they don’t impact SEO as much as alt text, they’re still valuable.
Captions can give context to the image and encourage users to spend more time on your page, which can indirectly improve SEO.
Description
The description field in WordPress is primarily for internal use. It doesn’t contribute to SEO on its own unless you include it visibly on the page.
However, you can use this field to keep notes on image details, making it easier to manage images across your site.
In short, alt text is essential for SEO, captions can add helpful context, and descriptions are mainly for behind-the-scenes organization.
Testing and Monitoring Visual Search Performance
Once you’ve optimized your images, it’s important to track how they’re performing in search results. This lets you see what’s working and where you can improve.
Google Search Console
Google Search Console is a free tool that gives insights into how your site appears in Google search results. You can use it to see which images are being shown in Google Image searches and how much traffic they bring to your site.
Check the “Performance” report and filter by “Image Search” to view specific image-based metrics. This helps you understand which images are most effective in driving traffic and adjust your SEO strategy accordingly.
Pinterest Analytics
If you’re targeting Pinterest for visual search, Pinterest Analytics is a must.
This tool shows you how many people engage with your images, including saves, clicks, and impressions.
With this data, you can refine your image style, keywords, and captions to match what users respond to.
A/B Testing
For eCommerce images, A/B testing can reveal what types of images get the most engagement.
Try testing different backgrounds, lighting, or angles to see what works best.
Tools like Optimizely can make this process easier, helping you make data-driven decisions.
By monitoring performance regularly, you ensure your images stay optimized and continue attracting visitors.
FAQs
How do I optimize an image for search?
To optimize an image, start with a descriptive file name, add keyword-rich alt text, and choose a file format that balances quality with load speed, like JPEG or WebP. Adding structured data (extra details for search engines) also helps your image stand out in search results.
Is JPEG or PNG better for SEO?
JPEG is usually better for SEO because it compresses well without losing much quality, leading to faster load times. PNGs can be useful for images needing transparency but are typically larger in file size, which can slow down your site.
What is visual search optimization?
Visual search optimization is the process of making your images easy for search engines to understand and display in search results. This involves techniques like adding alt text, using the right file formats, and implementing structured data.
Should I use WebP for better SEO?
Yes, if your website supports WebP, it’s an excellent choice. WebP offers high-quality images with smaller file sizes, leading to faster load times, which can improve SEO and user experience.
What structured data is best for images?
For product images, Product schema is ideal, as it includes details like product name, price, and availability. Adding this structured data helps search engines understand your product images better, which can increase visibility in search results.
Conclusion
Optimizing your product images for visual search can be a game-changer in eCommerce.
By focusing on clear file names, alt text, and the right file formats, you make it easier for search engines to understand and rank your images.
Adding structured data boosts your image visibility even further, helping users find your products on tools like Google Lens and Pinterest Lens.
And with tools like Google Search Console and Pinterest Analytics, you can track and adjust your strategy to keep improving.
A few small changes can make your product images a powerful tool for attracting more traffic and increasing sales.
Start with these basics, and watch your images start working harder for your business.
Discover How Professional Photography Can Elevate Your Brand
Get a Custom Quote Tailored to Your Specific Needs
Take a minute to fill out the form below. Doing so will help me understand your product photography needs. Once I receive your information, I'll reach out to you personally to discuss the project in more detail and create a customized quote for you.
You may also text me at: 410-596-4127 or E-mail me at: tom@tomcrowl.com