When it comes to SEO, most folks think about keywords or backlinks. But there’s another player in the game that often flies under the radar: image submission. It might not sound as glamorous as some other tactics, but it can make a big difference in your SEO efforts. Let’s chat about what image submission is and how it helps improve your rankings.
In this blog, we're going to walk through what image submission is all about, why it matters, and how you can make it work for you. We’ll cover everything from the basics to some practical tips you can start using right away. By the end, you’ll see how this piece of the SEO puzzle can fit into your broader strategy.
What Exactly is Image Submission?
Image submission is basically the process of uploading images to various websites to get backlinks and increase traffic. These images can be anything from product photos, infographics, or any visuals related to your content. The idea is to use images to drive more eyeballs to your site while helping search engines understand your content better.
Now, you might wonder, why bother with image submission when you can just focus on text-based SEO? Well, images can actually complement your text content by making it more engaging and shareable. Plus, search engines love rich media, and by submitting images, you're giving them more context about your content.
Think about it. When you’re searching for something online, a compelling image can grab your attention faster than a block of text. That’s why image submission can be a handy tool in your SEO toolbox.
The Role of Images in SEO
Images aren't just there to make your page look pretty. They play a crucial role in SEO. First off, they can make your content more engaging. People tend to remember visuals more than text, so adding relevant images can make your content more memorable.
Images also help with on-page SEO. By optimizing your images with alt text, file names, and captions, you’re giving search engines more information about what your page is about. This can help your page rank higher in search results.
Moreover, images can attract backlinks. If someone finds your infographic or photo useful, they might link to it, giving your site a boost in authority and ranking. So, images aren’t just for decoration—they’re a powerful SEO asset.
How Image Submission Improves Rankings
So, how does image submission help with rankings? For starters, it increases your chances of getting backlinks. When you submit images to directories or sharing sites, you can often include a link back to your site. This not only drives traffic but also improves your site’s authority in the eyes of search engines.
Another benefit is visibility. When your images appear on different sites, they can reach a wider audience, increasing your brand’s exposure. This can lead to more traffic and potential conversions.
Finally, image submission can improve your site’s accessibility and usability. By ensuring your images are properly tagged and optimized, you make it easier for search engines to crawl and index your site. This can lead to better rankings and more traffic over time.
Best Practices for Image Submission
Now that we know why image submission is important, let’s talk about some best practices. First off, make sure your images are high-quality. Blurry or low-resolution images won’t attract much attention and can even hurt your credibility.
Next, pay attention to image SEO. This means using descriptive file names, adding alt text, and optimizing image size for faster loading times. These steps help search engines understand your images and improve your site’s performance.
Also, choose the right platforms for submission. Some popular options include Pinterest, Flickr, and Instagram. Each platform has its own strengths, so pick the ones that align with your goals and target audience.
Choosing the Right Platforms for Image Submission
It’s not just about submitting images anywhere, but choosing the right platforms that align with your brand and audience. Pinterest, for example, is a great place for visually appealing content like DIY projects, recipes, or fashion trends. If your business fits into one of these categories, Pinterest can be a goldmine for traffic.
On the other hand, Flickr is ideal for professional photographers or businesses with high-quality visuals. It’s a platform where people appreciate good photography, so it’s worth considering if you have stunning images to share.
Then there’s Instagram, which is more about engagement. It’s perfect for brands that want to create a community around their products or services. By sharing images here, you can connect with potential customers on a more personal level.
Optimizing Images for SEO
Optimizing images is a crucial step in the submission process. First, make sure your images are the right size. Large files can slow down your site, which is a big no-no for SEO. Compress your images to improve load times without sacrificing quality.
Next, don’t skip the alt text. This is a short description of the image that helps search engines understand what it’s about. It also improves accessibility for users with visual impairments. Make sure your alt text is descriptive and includes relevant keywords.
Finally, consider using descriptive file names. Instead of “IMG1234.jpg,” go for something like “red-running-shoes.jpg.” This gives search engines more context and can help your images show up in relevant searches.
Creating Engaging Images
Let’s face it—nobody wants to look at boring images. To make your image submission efforts worthwhile, focus on creating engaging visuals. This could mean using vibrant colors, interesting compositions, or unique perspectives.
If you’re not a design whiz, don’t worry. There are plenty of tools out there, like Canva or Adobe Spark, that make it easy to create professional-looking images without breaking the bank.
Also, think about what your audience wants to see. Are they looking for tutorials, inspiration, or behind-the-scenes content? Tailor your images to meet their needs and you’ll be more likely to capture their attention.
Tracking and Analyzing Results
Once you’ve submitted your images, it’s important to track and analyze the results. Use tools like Google Analytics to see how much traffic your images are driving to your site. Pay attention to metrics like bounce rate, time on page, and conversions to see how effective your images are at engaging your audience.
If you’re not seeing the results you want, don’t be afraid to tweak your strategy. Try different platforms, image types, or optimization techniques to see what works best for your audience.
Remember, SEO is a long game, so be patient and keep experimenting until you find the right formula for your brand.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As with any SEO strategy, there are some common pitfalls to avoid when it comes to image submission. One mistake is submitting low-quality images. As mentioned earlier, blurry or pixelated images can hurt your credibility and turn off potential customers.
Another mistake is neglecting image SEO. Skipping steps like adding alt text or compressing images can lead to missed opportunities for visibility and engagement.
Finally, don’t spread yourself too thin by submitting images to every platform out there. Focus on a few key platforms where your audience is most active and tailor your content accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Image submission might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about SEO, but it’s definitely worth considering. By submitting high-quality, optimized images to the right platforms, you can boost your rankings, drive traffic, and build brand awareness.
And if you’re looking for a little extra help, Pattern can be your go-to partner. We specialize in helping ecommerce brands and SaaS startups grow by driving more traffic from Google and turning that traffic into paying customers. We create programmatic landing pages that target hundreds or even thousands of search terms, helping your brand get found by more people who are ready to buy. Plus, we craft conversion-focused content that doesn’t just attract visitors but turns them into paying customers. So, if you're ready to make SEO work for you, consider teaming up with us at Pattern.