3. Insert Optimized Images
Now that your content is all neat and awesome, you can begin your image insertion through the content for a better visual. For this you can use a convenient FREE tools like Canva (Canva.com) or any other conventional tool (GIMP, Paint, etc.)
There are of course tools like Photoshop and Illustrator but, if you don't already own an account with them, use the free tools mentioned.
A good guideline for images is one image per 500 words. It's not something written in stone but it is a good way to keep me from going crazy inserting images.
The images should be Optimized. What I mean by this is that once you have finished with your image you should make sure to optimize its file size.
For this I (personally) recommend installing and using the plugin WP Smush. It reduces image file sizes, improves performance, and boosts your SEO.
Additional to this I reduce image size with any online tool. To do this search 'Image file reducer' or 'Image size converter' and select the one that best works for you.
So the actual order would be:
- Install WP Smush
- Create Image (on Canva or other tool) and download it to your computer
- Resize Image with an Online tool of your preference
- Upload Resized Image to your post.
I will create a more detailed tutorial on this later on.
Let's keep going!
Reply
I went on a little research spree today to find out a bit more about Image optimization plugins.
I found some good stuff on the internet, here are two of the things that stood out (due to their dates).
Sources:
Video on youtube By PixenWeb - Aug 23, 2016
He compares these plugins and others to see which are best for your website). In this video, Smush proves to be better for image compression which gets a faster page speed on your readers' end.
Post in WA by ChrisScott (Teddy) - January 02, 2017
In this post, Teddy recommends another plugin 'SEO Friendly Images WordPress Plugin' but mentions Smush and Ewwww Image Optimizer as equals.
I know there are many plugins for this and that we get EWWW Image Opt installed but, unless WA hosting does have a conflict with other plugins except for this one, I would say that you are fine with either of them.
I personally like Smush because it has always worked for me and hasn't caused me any problems.
All I'd say that you should use the right one for you, but the important thing is that you use one. Image optimization is a must when using images in your content.
All the best,
Luis
Yeah, I am using Yoast plugin there's social section do I fill the metadata one time?
The plugin I used (and it has been the only one I've used) is called AMP for WP. It has been a very controversial plugin because it does limit some of the things you can do for your mobile version and may conflict with other plugins.
I have a pretty good set up in mine and I'll be showing it in the next tutorial I do.
As for the Yoast metadata, I don't have Yoast. But Jay used it in a previous Live session and showed that you should fill the metadata boxes AND the social metadata (Even if it is a copy/paste)
I hope this helps,
Luis
Really? I've never had a problem with it. Unless of course something is happening behind curtains that I don't know of. But you do have a point, the last website I created came with EWWW Image Optimizer installed and I noticed it now when I created a new free siterubix site.
If someone knows why this is please let us know. I'll be asking the bosses anyways to see what they say.
Thanks for commenting
I researched Image Optimization Plugins today and posted some of my findings here in the comments section.
Hope it helps,
Luis
