Why Image Optimization Matters
Images often make up more than 50% of an average website's total page weight. If your images aren't optimized, your website will be slow, users will leave, and search engines like Google will penalize your rankings. Here are the top ways to optimize your images.
1. Resize Images Before Uploading
Never rely on CSS to resize a massive 4000x3000 photo down to a 400x300 thumbnail. Always resize the actual file using an image converter before uploading it to your server.
2. Compress Without Losing Quality
Use compression tools to reduce file size. You can choose lossy compression for photos or lossless compression for graphics. ConvertFree4U lets you adjust compression levels easily.
3. Choose the Right Format
As discussed in previous articles, converting heavy JPEGs to next-gen formats like WEBP or AVIF is a guaranteed way to save bandwidth.
4. Implement Lazy Loading
Not all images need to load immediately. Use the HTML loading="lazy" attribute so images only download when the user scrolls down to them.
5. Serve Responsive Images
Use the srcset attribute to serve different image sizes based on the user's device screen. A mobile phone shouldn't download a desktop-sized banner.
Summary
By simply converting, resizing, and dynamically loading your images, you can drastically reduce your website's load time and provide a stunning user experience.