Marketing Tip #26: Optimize product images for SEO

Marketing Tip #26: Optimize product images for SEO

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Product images can do more than make your store look good. They can also help customers discover your products through search. Since search engines can’t "see" images, they rely on text signals to understand what an image is about.

Two small actions make a big difference:

  1. Naming image files descriptively

  2. Adding clear alt text

Doing both helps with image SEO, improves accessibility, and keeps your media library organized.

Best approach:

  • Keep file names short and readable (use hyphens, not underscores).

  • Write alt text for humans first, search engines second.

  • Avoid keyword stuffing. Be natural and specific.

  • Reuse the product name + one key attribute for consistency.

For example, instead of uploading the file as IMG_2345.webp, use something like handmade-ceramic-mug-blue.webp for the image file name.

Similarly, here are some great alt text examples:

  1. Handmade blue ceramic mug (350 ml)
  2. Blue ceramic mug on a wooden table
  3. Handmade mug – close-up of glaze texture
  4. Cotton t-shirt in black color – front view
  5. Wireless earbuds in charging case – side view
  6. Wooden serving tray with handles – lifestyle image

Remember, alt text should describe what’s in the image like you’re explaining it to a customer who can’t see it.

Try this today:

Pick one best-selling product and update its images by renaming the files descriptively and adding alt text that clearly explains what’s in the image.

Steps:

In your Zoho Commerce web app, go to the Items menu on the left pane –> Click the Items module –> Edit the required item –> Re-upload the images with the clear, keyword-rich file names.

Once the images are uploaded to the item edit page, click the image to find the "Alt text" –> Hover your cursor over the alt text to edit it –> Enter the appropriate alt text for the image and save it.

Regards,
Divya R
Zoho Commerce