Hey reader, I am Martin. Being on the internet from the very beginning, I know that a webpage is all about text and images. With this in mind, I really appreciate it when the images are the correct size, optimized, and in the proper extension, be it WebP, PNG, or JPG.
And, I really hate seeing an image that’s over 500KB in size. Do you know what’s even worse? Seeing two images that are each over 500KB.
So, let’s be clear: LESS IS MORE. Less JavaScript, fewer CSS frameworks, and smaller image sizes.
And if you have time, here is some GPT generated text for you:
Why Image Optimization Matters
Faster Loading Times
Large, unoptimized images slow down your website, leading to longer loading times. Fast loading times are crucial for user experience and SEO.
Improved User Experience
Users expect websites to load quickly. Optimized images ensure a smooth and pleasant browsing experience.
Better SEO Rankings
Google considers page speed as a ranking factor. Optimized images can help your site rank higher in search results.
The Benefits of Lazy Loading
Reduced Initial Load Time
Lazy loading delays the loading of non-critical images until they are needed. This reduces the initial load time of your website, making it faster.
Enhanced Performance on Mobile Devices
Lazy loading is especially beneficial for mobile users who may have slower internet connections. It ensures they only download images as needed, saving data and improving performance.
Improved Core Web Vitals
Google’s Core Web Vitals measure the quality of user experience. Lazy loading positively impacts these metrics by enhancing loading performance.
Practical Tips for Image Optimization
- Use Proper Formats: Choose WebP for web images as it offers superior compression. Use PNG for transparent images and JPG for photographs.
- Resize Images: Scale images to the exact dimensions required on your site.
- Compress Images: Use tools like TinyPNG or ImageOptim to compress images without losing quality.
- Implement Lazy Loading: Use the
loading="lazy"attribute in your image tags to enable lazy loading.
Conclusion
Optimizing your images and implementing lazy loading are essential practices for maintaining a fast, user-friendly website. By ensuring your images are correctly sized and compressed, you enhance your site’s performance and SEO ranking. Remember, less is more – prioritize quality over quantity, and your website will thank you.
From Prilep with love, Martin.
