What is an Image SERP Feature on Google?
An Image SERP feature on Google is a visual element that appears in the search engine results pages (SERPs) alongside traditional text-based results. It typically displays a horizontal row of relevant images related to the user's search query. Here is an example of the Image SERP feature on Google:
Benefits of Gaining an Image SERP Feature for Organic Site Visibility
Securing an Image SERP feature can significantly enhance your website's organic visibility:
Increased visual prominence: Your images stand out among text-based results and other SERP features, increasing the potential of attracting more user attention and clicks.
Higher click-through rates (CTR): Visual content often drives higher engagement, potentially leading to more clicks to your website.
Additional traffic source: Image SERP features provide another avenue for users to discover and visit your site. They act as another doorway into your content’s ecosystem.
Enhanced brand visibility: For branded searches, your official images can reinforce brand identity directly in search results.
Improved user experience: Relevant images help searchers quickly find what they're looking for, increasing their likelihood of engaging with your content.
Top 5 Page Optimization Actions for Image SERP Feature Visibility
To improve your chances of appearing in Google's Image SERP feature, implement these specific optimisation actions:
1. Optimise image file names and Alt Text
Use descriptive, keyword-rich file names for your images (e.g., "designer-blue-mens-balzer.jpg" instead of "IMG001.jpg").
Write informative alt text that accurately describes the image content while incorporating relevant keywords (e.g., ‘Man wearing our designer blue mens blazer while working on his laptop’).
2. Implement schema markup (structured data)
Add appropriate schema markup to your images, such as ImageObject schema.
Each image on your page should be represented as an ImageObject, which allows for specifying additional properties like width and height. Ensure the main image is listed first, as search engines often prioritise the first image in the list.
Include relevant attributes like name, description, and contentUrl to provide Google with more context about your images.
Here is an example of image schema:
<script type="application/ld+json"> { "@context": "https://schema.org/", "@type": "Product", "name": "Designer Men's Blue Wool Blazer", "image": [ { "@type": "ImageObject", "width": "1200", "height": "1200" }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "width": "800", "height": "1000" }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "width": "800", "height": "1000" }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "width": "600", "height": "600" } ], "description": "Elevate your style with our premium designer men's blue wool blazer. Featuring a classic notched lapel, two-button closure, and a tailored fit, this versatile blazer is perfect for both formal and smart-casual occasions.", "brand": { "@type": "Brand", "name": "LuxeBritish" } } </script> |
3. Improve image quality and relevance
Use high-quality, original images not available elsewhere that are directly relevant to your page content.
Ensure images are properly sized and compressed for optimal loading speed without sacrificing quality.
4. Optimise image placement and context
Position important images near the top of the page, preferably above the fold.
Surround images with relevant text content that provides context and reinforces the image's subject matter.
5. Enhance technical image optimisation
Use responsive images that adapt to different screen sizes and devices.
Implement lazy loading for images when appropriate to improve page load times.
Use appropriate file formats (e.g., WebP for better compression) and include width and height attributes in image tags.
By implementing these specific optimisation actions, you can significantly improve your chances of gaining visibility in Google's Image SERP feature, enhancing your overall organic search presence.