Image optimization is crucial for website performance. Here are the most effective methods:
- Use the Smush plugin, which automatically compresses images upon upload while maintaining quality
- Resize images to their display size before uploading
- Choose the appropriate file format: JPEG for photographs, PNG for graphics with transparency
- Enable lazy loading through WordPress’s native settings
- Consider using WebP format, which is supported by WordPress 6.0+
For automated optimization, you can also use ShortPixel which offers both lossy and lossless compression options.
