Image Optimisation Tips for Shopify SEO

Images are essential for Shopify stores. They showcase products, build trust, and influence purchase decisions. However, if images are not properly optimised, they can slow down a website, harm search engine rankings, and reduce the overall shopping experience. For Shopify SEO, images are more than just visual assets, they are a critical part of how search engines interpret and rank content. This article explains why image optimisation matters, the common issues store owners face, and the strategies to ensure Shopify images support both visibility and conversions.

Why Image Optimisation Matters in SEO

Search engines cannot interpret images the way humans do. Instead, they rely on file names, alt text, and surrounding content to understand what an image represents. Properly optimised images help product pages appear in Google Image search and improve accessibility for all users. On a technical level, optimised images load faster, which improves Core Web Vitals and enhances user experience. Faster websites rank better, convert more effectively, and keep customers engaged for longer.

The Role of File Names

One of the simplest but most overlooked aspects of image optimisation is the file name. Many Shopify stores upload images with default names such as “IMG_1234.jpg.” This provides no context to search engines. Instead, descriptive file names should be used, including keywords that match the product. For example, “mens-leather-wallet-brown.jpg” is far more effective for both SEO and customer relevance. File names should be short, clear, and include hyphens between words.

Alt Text for Accessibility and Search Visibility

Alt text is essential for both accessibility and SEO. It describes the image for users who cannot see it and provides search engines with information about the content. Shopify allows alt text to be added to every product image, yet many merchants skip this step. Effective alt text should describe the product accurately and naturally, including keywords where appropriate. For example, “brown men’s leather wallet with coin pocket” is better than simply “wallet.” Alt text should be concise but informative, avoiding keyword stuffing.

Choosing the Right File Format

The choice of file format affects both image quality and load speed. JPEG is generally best for product photos because it balances quality and file size. PNG works well for images that require transparency, such as logos. WebP is increasingly important for Shopify SEO because it provides smaller file sizes without losing quality. Using WebP can reduce load times significantly, which improves Core Web Vitals. Shopify supports WebP, and merchants should consider converting images to this format where possible.

Compressing Images Without Losing Quality

Large images can slow down page loading, which harms rankings and frustrates customers. Compression reduces file size while maintaining quality. Tools such as TinyPNG, ImageOptim, or Shopify apps like Crush.pics allow store owners to compress images before uploading them. It is important to strike a balance, ensuring images remain sharp and professional while still being lightweight. Testing load times on mobile devices is especially important for UK audiences, where mobile shopping continues to dominate.

Responsive Images for Mobile Optimisation

With most ecommerce traffic now coming from smartphones, Shopify stores must ensure images display well across different devices. Responsive images adjust size and resolution depending on the user’s screen. Shopify themes are generally responsive, but testing on various devices ensures consistency. For SEO, responsive images improve user experience and reduce bounce rates, which indirectly support rankings.

Structured Data and Image SEO

Images can also be enhanced with structured data. Using product schema with image attributes helps search engines display richer results that include product photos. This increases visibility in search results and improves click-through rates. Ensuring that images are included in schema markup is an important step for Shopify SEO.

Optimising Thumbnails and Secondary Images

It is not only the main product images that matter. Thumbnails and secondary images should also be optimised. Thumbnails often appear in collection pages, so they must load quickly to avoid slowing down browsing. Secondary images, such as close-ups or lifestyle shots, should also have descriptive file names and alt text. Consistency across all image types ensures that every part of the site benefits from optimisation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A frequent mistake is uploading oversized images and relying on Shopify to resize them. This wastes bandwidth and slows down the site. Another common error is using generic or missing alt text, which reduces accessibility and SEO value. Some merchants also use duplicate images across multiple products without customising alt text or file names, which creates missed opportunities for keyword targeting.

Future Outlook for Image SEO on Shopify

As search engines continue to refine their ability to analyse images, visual search will play a bigger role in ecommerce. Google Lens and other tools already allow users to search using photos, and optimised images will become even more important. Shopify store owners who invest in high-quality visuals, fast load times, and structured data will be well positioned to capture future traffic.

Conclusion

Image optimisation is a core part of Shopify SEO, combining technical performance with accessibility and user engagement. From file names and alt text to compression and schema, every detail matters in how search engines and customers interact with your store. By avoiding common mistakes and adopting best practices, Shopify merchants in the UK can improve rankings, speed up their sites, and create a more professional shopping experience.