Image optimization is crucial for several key reasons:
- Faster page load times and better user experience
- Improved SEO rankings as page speed is a ranking factor
- Reduced storage space and bandwidth usage
- Lower bounce rates due to quicker loading
For WordPress sites, you can easily optimize images using the popular Smush plugin, which automatically compresses and optimizes images as you upload them. This plugin maintains image quality while significantly reducing file sizes through smart compression techniques.
You should aim to keep your image files under 200KB whenever possible, use appropriate dimensions, and always include alt text for better SEO and accessibility.
