How to Name Images on Your Website for SEO
A Complete Guide for Service Businesses (2024)
Want your business images to show up in Google searches? Whether you’re a contractor showing before-and-after shots or a consultant sharing your work, proper image naming can make a huge difference in your visibility. Let’s dive into what actually works in 2024.
Why Image Names Matter for Search Traffic
When you name images correctly, they can appear in:
- Google Image search results
- Google Business Profile listings
- Local Pack results (map + top 3 businesses)
- Featured snippets
- Local Finder results
- Google’s visual search features
- Google Maps listings
The Simple Rules of SEO Image Naming
- Keep names short and descriptive
- Use hyphens between words
- Describe what’s actually in the image
- Include location when relevant for local search
- Avoid keyword stuffing
- Aim for 5 words or fewer
Image File Name Examples by Industry
Home Services
❌ Bad: IMG_6980.jpg
✅ Good: kitchen-remodel-modern-white.jpg
✅ Local SEO: chicago-kitchen-renovation-modern.jpg
Professional Services
❌ Bad: presentation-strategy-business-consulting-expert-leadership-training.jpg
✅ Good: team-strategy-workshop.jpg
✅ Local SEO: boston-executive-training-session.jpg
Healthcare
❌ Bad: doc1.jpg
✅ Good: dental-office-waiting-room.jpg
✅ Local SEO: manhattan-dental-clinic-interior.jpg
How Google Displays Optimized Images
Your properly named images can appear in multiple places:
1. Google Image Search: Standard Search Results
- Image Pack Results (top of search pages)
- Image Knowledge Panels
- Visual Search Results
- Related Images
2. Local Search Results
- Google Business Profile carousel
- Local Pack image previews
- Maps listing photos
- Local Finder enhanced results
The Do’s and Don’ts of Image Naming
❌ What Not to Do
- Using device-generated names (DSC00123.jpg)
- Generic client names (client-project-1.jpg)
- Keyword stuffing (best-business-consultant-chicago-strategic-planning.jpg)
- Running words together (businessmeeting2024.jpg)
✅ What Actually Works
- Descriptive names (team-brainstorming-session.jpg)
- Location-specific when relevant (chicago-office-renovation.jpg)
- Clear descriptions (client-presentation-board.jpg)
- Service area indicators (downtown-denver-plumbing-repair.jpg)
Optimizing for Google Business Profile
Essential Image Categories
1. Exterior Photos
Good: riverside-dental-office-exterior.jpg
Better: downtown-phoenix-dental-clinic-entrance.jpg
2. Interior Photos
Good: modern-treatment-room.jpg
Better: seattle-dental-office-waiting-area.jpg
3. Team/Staff Photos
Good: dental-team-group-photo.jpg
Better: portland-orthodontic-team-smile.jpg
4. Service/Product Photos
Good: teeth-whitening-procedure.jpg
Better: professional-teeth-whitening-portland.jpg
Practical Batch Naming for Busy Professionals
Need to upload multiple images? Here’s a time-saving approach:
1. Prioritize your most important images:
- GBP profile photo
- Cover photo
- Main service photos
- Team photos
- Location photos
2. For the rest, use:
project-name-01.jpg, project-name-02.jpg
FAQ: Your Image SEO Questions Answered
A: Yes! Properly named images can appear in Local Pack results, GBP listings, and Maps results.
A: Yes! Properly named images can appear in Local Pack results, GBP listings, and Maps results.
A: Add new images monthly and update seasonal content regularly.
Quick Tips for Maximum Local Visibility
- Use Location Names strategically for service area targeting
- Include Service Types in images that show your work
- Add Descriptive Elements about unique features
- Consider Seasonal Terms for timely content
- Update GBP Photos regularly with new work
Technical Requirements for Best Results
- Website Images: Keep under 2MB for faster loading
- GBP Images: Minimum 250x250px, optimal 750x750px
- Use JPEG format for most business photos
- Width between 800-1600 pixels for optimal display
- Clear, in-focus images that demonstrate your services
The Bottom Line
Your image names should help search engines understand what they’re looking at and where your business is located. When done right, they become a powerful tool for driving both organic and local search traffic to your business.
Pro Tip: Start with your Google Business Profile images and work through your site gradually. Focus on quality over quantity and always include location information when relevant to your service area.
Note: These best practices are current as of 2024 but may evolve as search engines update their algorithms.
Bonus: I have an easy-to-follow PDF that can help you name your images properly and even give you some extra tips about video naming for SEO. Grab it below!
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