Optimising Your Images for the Web: A Guide to Resizing and File Types
Discover simple strategies to resize, compress, and format your images to reduce bounce rates and keep visitors on your site longer.
A tool I use daily taking advantage of the 3 free image resize and I wanted to share a super handy tip that’ll save you time, frustration, and website loading speed.
Handling images for your website can be a bit of a headache, but with the right tools and tips, you’ll have it sorted in no time.
This may be something you never thought about, however if you edit your website, this is something to consider to improve your website load speed.
* a poor website load speed will increase bounce rates on your websites as people won't sit around waiting for oversized images to download or so large it impacts on their browsing experience.
Let’s dive into the essentials of web image optimisation.
Understanding DPI and Why It Matters
If you’re downloading images from Canva—an excellent graphic creation tool (and yes, it’s free)—you might notice they default to 96 DPI (dots per inch).
DPI is all about image resolution.
For printing, a higher DPI (300+) is essential to keep everything sharp and professional.
But online?
Websites only need 72 DPI.
By sticking to this standard, your images will load faster and keep your site running smoothly.
The Importance of Reducing Image File Size
Here’s the deal: big, high-resolution images look fabulous but can wreak havoc on your website’s performance.
Large file sizes (think 400 KB or more) slow down your site, which isn’t ideal for user experience or SEO.
For web use, you want to aim for images under 200 KB. Resizing and compressing your images before uploading is key to keeping your site snappy.
Choosing the Right Image Format
Not all image formats are created equal.
Let’s break it down:
- JPG: Ideal for most images, as it reduces file size without compromising quality too much
- PNG: Great for images with transparent backgrounds, keep in mind the file size is often larger
Pro tip: Unless you need transparency, stick to JPG for smaller file sizes and faster loading speeds.
Tools for Quick and Easy Edits
Once upon a time, I’d reach for Photoshop for all my image editing needs. These days, tools like Pixlr Editor are game-changers—free, easy to use, and perfect for resizing and compressing images without sacrificing quality.
Conclusion
Once you’ve resized and saved your images in the best format, your website is primed for success.
Remember: the naming convention when saving your image - make it search engine friendly so your images rank in google and improves your online footprint and visiblity.
Optimising images isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a better experience for your visitors and boosting your site’s performance. If you have any questions or need help, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help you simplify your marketing and tech!
Thanks for reading, and remember to stay healthy and happy!
Lyndi 😊