How Does The Metadata On Photos Help Increase Rankings?
Madeline asked a great question during a recent webinar:
“How does the metadata on photos help increase rankings?”
That’s a great question, and it’s something that is often overlooked in SEO.
Understanding Image Metadata
Metadata is information that describes aspects of a page. In SEO, we talk about page titles, descriptions, and other information in the <head> of the page as metadata. Images also have metadata, which includes details like the image creator’s name, credits, and copyright information.
This information helps users understand more about the image they are viewing and also helps search engines interpret the image.
Types Of Image Metadata
Structured Data
Image structured data can be in JSON-LD, Microdata, or RDFa format. It should be used on every page where the image appears and includes properties like contentURL, creator, creditText, copyrightNotice, and license.
This structured data is not used for ranking purposes but helps search engines understand image information for better Image SERP results.
IPTC Photo Data
The IPTC metadata standard is widely used to describe photos and can help identify AI-generated images in Google Images.
EXIF Data
EXIF data provides specific information about how an image was captured, but there is limited evidence of its direct impact on rankings.
Impact On Rankings
While image metadata may not directly impact rankings, it can enhance images in Google Image SERPs, potentially improving click-through rates. User behavior influenced by metadata labels could indirectly affect rankings.
Optimizing Images For Ranking
Utilizing metadata is beneficial, especially for product images. Consider factors like image file type, load speed, alt text, and file names to optimize images for ranking.
When it comes to SEO, image metadata plays an important role in helping search engines understand the content of an image. While metadata may not directly impact rankings, it can still provide valuable information to search bots.
Testing the Impact of Metadata
Although the direct impact of metadata on rankings is unclear, it is still worth testing to see if it has any influence on search engine results. Experimenting with different metadata can help you understand its potential impact.
Reasons to Consider Metadata for Images
While adding metadata may not directly boost rankings, there are several other reasons to consider including it. Metadata can improve the user experience, make images more accessible, and provide additional context to search engines.
Additional Resources:
Featured Image: Collagery/Shutterstock
FAQs About Image Metadata and SEO
1. Does image metadata impact SEO directly?
While there is no direct evidence of image metadata affecting rankings, it can still provide valuable information to search engines.
2. How can metadata improve user experience?
Metadata can help users understand the content of an image, making it more relevant and useful.
3. What are the benefits of making images more accessible?
Accessible images can improve user engagement and make your website more inclusive.
4. How does metadata provide context to search engines?
Metadata can help search engines understand the subject and context of an image, improving its visibility in search results.
5. Should I test different metadata for my images?
Testing different metadata can help you determine its impact on your SEO strategy and optimize your image content accordingly.
