Why is image optimization important for my WordPress website?

Image optimization is crucial for several key reasons:

  • Faster page load times and improved user experience
  • Better 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. This tool automatically compresses and optimizes images as you upload them, while maintaining visual quality. It also offers features like lazy loading and WebP conversion.

Additionally, implementing proper image sizing and using responsive images can significantly impact your site’s performance. WordPress 6.0+ includes built-in responsive image support, but you can enhance this further with optimization plugins.