7 Ways to Optimize Images for SEO in Online Art Galleries

In the digital age, optimizing images for SEO is crucial for online art galleries to attract more visitors. We’ve gathered insights from SEO experts and CEOs, detailing everything from using descriptive, keyword-rich filenames to naming image files with SEO in mind. Here are the top seven tips from professionals who excel in marrying art with the technicalities of search engine optimization.

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Use Descriptive, Keyword-Rich Filenames

When it comes to optimizing images for SEO in online art galleries, one often overlooked yet incredibly effective technique is to use descriptive, keyword-rich filenames before uploading your images. Imagine you’re a curator naming a masterpiece; instead of “IMG1234.jpg,” go for something like “vibrant-abstract-painting-by-jane-doe.jpg.” 

This not only helps search engines understand what the image is about, but also makes your content more discoverable to art enthusiasts searching for specific styles or artists. Think of it as giving your artwork a digital signature that can be easily found and appreciated by a global audience.

Lukasz Zelezny, SEO Consultant, SEO ANT LTD

Use Schema Markup So Content Is Understood 

My one tip would be to make sure you use schema markup (structured data). It increases your chance of being included in a featured snippet. It can also improve the ranking of your image in Google image search. It also sets you up for voice and visual search. Google Lens relies heavily on schema markup to provide relevant results.

David McKenzie, SEO Consultant, Ticode SRL

Implement Robust Alt Text

The most important SEO optimization technique for an online art gallery to implement is robust image alternative text. 

Search engines can use image recognition technology to determine if an image should be censored, but they still rely largely on alternative text, or alt text, to understand what the image is of. 

Including a vivid description of each image in an art gallery will improve the visibility of those images in search and increase the accessibility of the web page.

Ken Freel, Freelance SEO Consultant, Nuaveu

Create Detailed Image Sitemaps

Many people focus on alt text and file names to optimize images for search engines. But Image Sitemaps do much more. By including details in your sitemap like captions, locations, and licensing, you can help search engines discover all the visual content on your site.

From my experience in digital marketing, alt text is crucial for accessibility and rankings. But Image Sitemaps are often overlooked too. Sitemaps help search engines like Google properly scan and list images on your site. This is super useful for art galleries since pictures are so important there.

To set it up, first, make sure your sitemap follows the search engine rules. Then add all your pics with useful info, and keep it updated when you add new art. This not only boosts how well your site ranks, it also makes it easier for people to find high-quality images when searching.

So when someone searches for art online, your gallery photos have a better chance of showing up at the top. More traffic means more people seeing and engaging with your site. While technically complex, Image Sitemaps are a real game-changer for galleries wanting to stand out digitally.

Adam Haworth, Founder and Chief Strategist, Contactora

Optimize EXIF Data for Images

If you feel like you’ve got a good grasp on the basics of image optimization, you might want to take it a step further and start looking into EXIF data and more technical optimization. EXIF data can be a bit hard to wrap your head around, but Schema has a good explanation on it that you can explore. 

Google is pretty good at reading EXIF data and can use it as a ranking factor, meaning you should make the effort to have it optimized for your keyword and image subject where possible. Just be careful if you plan to use file-size reduction software, as while most of them preserve EXIF data, some do not, and you could waste a lot of time (not that I’m speaking from experience). 

While you’re at it, you might as well also include copyright-holder and copyright-year data, which I’ve found to be pretty important both for SEO and for your overall success as an online art gallery.

Kate Kandefer, CEO, SEOwind

Rename Files with Keyword-Focused Titles

For optimizing images in online art galleries, rename files with detailed, keyword-focused titles like “modern-abstract-art-painting.” This simple tweak boosts search engine recognition and improves visibility in image searches. 

Pairing this with precise alt text not only enhances SEO but also makes your gallery more accessible to all viewers, ultimately attracting more art enthusiasts.

Koray Tugberk GUBUR, Founder and Owner, Holistic SEO

Name Image Files with SEO in Mind

Optimizing images for SEO in online art galleries is crucial, and one specific technique I swear by is the use of descriptive, keyword-rich file names. Search engines can’t “see” images but rely on file names to understand what the picture is about. So, I rename files with detailed descriptions, like “abstract-modern-art-blue-red.jpg.”

In my experience, the effort you put into naming your image files accurately is minimal compared to the substantial SEO benefits it yields. This technique not only helps search engines index your images properly but also enhances the user experience by making your gallery more accessible and easier to navigate.

Tristan Harris, Demand Generation Senior Marketing Manager, Thrive Digital Marketing Agency

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