Preparing Images for Your Website: Why Image Names Matter for SEO
When people think about preparing images for their website, they usually focus on image size.
They resize the image, upload it and move on.
However, there’s another step that’s often missed.
Naming the image correctly.
A filename might seem like a small detail. In reality, it helps search engines understand your content and keeps your website organised behind the scenes.
That’s why preparing images for your website should include more than simply reducing file sizes.
Let’s take a look at why image names matter and how to get them right.
Why Preparing Images for Your Website Starts with Good Image Names
Google can’t view images in the same way people can.
Instead, it relies on clues to understand what an image contains.
These clues include the filename, alt text, page content and surrounding text.
As a result, a descriptive image name can help search engines better understand the topic of a page.
For example, imagine you upload an image called:
IMG_4728.jpg
Google learns very little from that filename.
Now compare it with:
website-designer-perthshire.jpg
Immediately, the image provides useful context.
Although image filenames won’t send your website to the top of Google overnight, they form part of a well-optimised website.
Preparing Images for Your Website Is More Than Resizing Them
Before uploading an image, there are several things worth checking.
- Is the image the correct size?
- Is it the right file format?
- Has it been compressed?
- Does it have alt text?
- Has it been named properly?
Many business owners focus on the first item and ignore the rest.
Unfortunately, that means missing simple opportunities to improve SEO and website performance.
When preparing images for your website, every small improvement helps.
The Wrong Way to Name Website Images
Let’s start with a few examples.
❌ IMG_001.jpg
❌ Screenshot-01.png
❌ Final-Version-Edited.jpg
❌ image123.webp
These filenames tell search engines very little.
In addition, they make your media library harder to manage as your website grows.
If you’ve ever spent ten minutes searching for a particular image, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
Preparing Images for Your Website: The Right Way to Name Images
Instead, use filenames that clearly describe the image.
For example:
✅ website-designer-perthshire.jpg
✅ wordpress-training-course.jpg
✅ small-business-website-homepage.webp
✅ website-image-optimisation-guide.jpg
Notice how each filename explains what the image contains.
Furthermore, they’re easy to read and easy to find later.
A good filename should be:
- Descriptive
- Relevant
- Easy to understand
- Written for humans first
Use Hyphens Between Words
This is one small detail that often gets overlooked.
When naming images, use hyphens between words.
For example:
✅ website-design-perthshire.jpg
Avoid:
❌ website_design_perthshire.jpg
❌ websitedesignperthshire.jpg
Hyphens make it easier for search engines to separate individual words.
As a result, filenames become clearer and easier to understand.
Keep Image Names Short and Relevant
Although descriptive filenames are important, longer isn’t always better.
For example:
❌ best-affordable-professional-website-designer-for-small-businesses-in-scotland.jpg
That’s far more complicated than it needs to be.
Instead, focus on a short and accurate description of the image.
A few carefully chosen words are usually enough.
Avoid Keyword Stuffing
At this point, some people take things too far.
For example:
❌ website-design-scotland-web-design-scotland-website-designer-scotland.jpg
Not only does this look spammy, but it also creates a poor experience for anyone managing the website later.
Instead, choose a filename that accurately describes the image.
After all, image SEO works best when filenames match the content they represent.
Image Names and Alt Text Work Together
Image filenames are only one piece of the puzzle.
Equally important is the image alt text.
For example:
Filename: website-designer-perthshire.jpg
Alt Text: Website designer creating a small business website in Perthshire.
Together, these elements help search engines understand the image.
At the same time, alt text improves accessibility for people using screen readers.
A Simple Image Naming Formula
Before uploading an image, ask yourself one question:
“What would I search for if I needed to find this image next year?”
Then follow these simple steps:
- Describe what’s in the image.
- Use lowercase letters.
- Separate words with hyphens.
- Keep the filename short.
- Upload the image.
That’s it.
Preparing Images for Your Website: Final Thoughts
Preparing images for your website doesn’t need to be complicated.
However, naming images correctly is a habit worth developing.
A descriptive filename helps search engines understand your content, keeps your media library organised and supports your wider SEO efforts.
In addition, it only takes a few extra seconds before uploading an image.
If you’re building your own website, you may also find useful resources inside the JR Digital Academy and across the JR Digital Design blog.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure whether your images are helping or hurting your website, get in touch.
I can review your website and identify simple improvements that could help with speed, SEO and user experience.
Want to Learn How to Prepare Images Properly?
Naming images correctly is only one part of preparing images for your website.
You should also understand:
- How large images should be
- Which file formats to use
- How to reduce file size
- How to write effective alt text
- How to store and organise images
That’s exactly what I cover in my course:
How to Prepare Images for Your Website
You’ll learn the same process I use when preparing images for client websites before they ever go online.