Why image preparation matters
Images influence how content looks in search results, social shares, messaging apps, newsletters, and content feeds. A strong article can feel weak if the preview image is blurry, cropped badly, too small, or slow to load. Good image preparation helps users understand the page before they click and helps the page feel polished after they arrive.
Google Discover and social platforms look for clear, relevant images that support the page topic. The image should not be a generic decoration. It should help explain the article, product, tutorial, or tool.
Image sizes and crops
Prepare a wide image for article previews and a square or vertical crop for social networks that need it. Use Resize Image to create clean variations instead of relying on every platform to crop automatically. Automatic cropping can cut off faces, product details, interface labels, or important text.
- Use wide images for blog previews and hero sections.
- Keep important subjects near the center.
- Avoid tiny text inside thumbnails.
- Check mobile previews before publishing.
Formats and compression
Use JPG to WebP for website delivery when supported. Use PNG to JPG when a heavy PNG does not need transparency. Run final assets through Image Compressor so pages stay fast on mobile.
Filenames and alt text
Use descriptive filenames that match the page topic. For example, google-discover-image-size-checklist.webp is more useful than IMG_4921.webp. Alt text should describe the image in context, not stuff keywords. If the image shows a screenshot of an image compressor, say that clearly.
For embedded previews, Image to Base64 can help developers test small inline assets, but normal page images should usually remain separate optimized files for caching.
Quality assurance
- Open the page on mobile and desktop.
- Check the share preview in social and messaging tools where possible.
- Confirm the image loads quickly on mobile data.
- Inspect whether the image supports the page topic.
- Replace generic stock-like images with specific, useful visuals when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read answers to the most common questions about this format and conversion process:
Clear, topic-specific images with safe central cropping and readable details work best.
WebP is a strong choice for website speed when your CMS and audience browsers support it.
Descriptive filenames can help organization and image relevance signals.
Yes. Compress images enough to load quickly while keeping important details clear.
