Getting Started With Web Design: Cornwall Businesses
Images are a big part of how people view your website. If you’re a solicitor in Cornwall, you probably know how competitive the online space can be. Getting your website to stand out isn’t just about having top-notch legal content; how you present supporting imagery counts too. Properly optimised images can improve your website’s loading speed, contribute to better SEO, and give your users a much smoother experience. You don’t want your potential clients to bounce from your page because it’s taking forever to load.
So how do you do it? Well, the good news is you don’t need a degree in web design. Some straightforward steps can help you retain quality while keeping file sizes manageable. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about image optimisation specifically tailored for solicitors in Cornwall. And if you want to dig deeper into creating a robust online presence, check out our Web Design services.
Why Image Optimisation is a Game-Changer
Images that take up too much space can slow down your site, and everyone knows slow websites aren’t ideal. Your clients probably wouldn’t stick around if they have to wait ages for your site to load. Google also doesn’t favour slow-loading pages, which means you’d lose out on potential traffic. But if you optimise them, you’ll be creating a better user experience for everyone visiting your site.
Choosing the Right Image Formats
JPEG, PNG, or GIF? Each image format serves a purpose. JPEGS are good for photographs and offer a decent balance of quality and file size. PNGs are better for images with text or transparent backgrounds. GIFs work well for simple animations but should be used sparingly. As a solicitor, you might not need GIFs much, but knowing when to use JPEGs or PNGs can help keep that site snappy.
Image Compression Techniques
No need to dive into complex software here. Free tools like TinyPNG or JPEGoptim can compress your images without a noticeable loss in quality. Compressing images is a quick win when it comes to speeding up your site. If you’ve got dozens of images, reducing their size can make a massive difference without compromising your message.
Embrace Responsive Design
Your clients are probably using a mix of desktops, tablets, and smartphones. Having a one-size-fits-all approach won’t cut it. Ensure your images are responsive, so they adapt to varying screen sizes. CSS media queries might sound intimidating, but just a bit of tweaking can help your images fit better across different devices.
SEO and Alt Text
Google’s a smart cookie, but it can’t read images. That’s where alt text comes in. Always add a concise description of your image using relevant keywords. Doing so not only helps with SEO but also makes your site more accessible. Especially in a place like Cornwall, where a diverse audience might be looking for your services, being accessible is a plus.
Keeping File Sizes in Check
Renaming your files is another step many overlook. Naming files like “IMG1234.jpg” doesn’t help anyone. Instead, opt for descriptive, keyword-rich file names relevant to your firm or services. Keeping your file sizes under 100KB, or even 50KB if possible, can be a significant step for better performance. Simply converting to the right format and compressing your images manages to take off quite a bit of the weight.
Optimising for Local Visibility
While you focus on the general search perspective, don’t forget the value of local SEO. Incorporate keywords that mention Cornwall or nearby areas here and there. Also, geo-tagging your images can help search engines locate you better, giving you a little nudge over others not doing the same in the region.
Image Sitemaps and CDN
If you’re already using a text sitemap, an image sitemap should be your next step. It helps search engines index your images more effectively. Coupled with Content Delivery Networks (CDN) optimised for Cornwall, your images can load faster for users close to your geographical area, further enhancing their experience.
The Bottom Line for Cornwall Solicitors
By focusing on image optimisation, you make sure your site is accessible, quick, and pleasing to the eyes, while being informative. It doesn’t hurt to stay up-to-date with developments in web standards either.
If you need a bit more support, or if you’re ready to level up your online presence entirely, look into our services for Website Design in Cornwall. Let us help take the hassle out of web optimisation, leaving you more time to focus on your clients.
