The Complete Image Optimization Checklist

Use this checklist to audit your website's images and ensure they are fully optimized for performance, SEO, and user experience. Check off each item to track your progress.

Format Selection

  • [ ] Convert photographs to WEBP (or JPG as fallback)
  • [ ] Convert graphics/logos to SVG where possible
  • [ ] Use PNG only when transparency is truly needed
  • [ ] Implement <picture> element with WEBP source and fallback

Compression and Size

  • [ ] All JPG images compressed to 70-80% quality
  • [ ] All PNG images run through lossless optimizer
  • [ ] All WEBP images at 75-85% quality
  • [ ] No image larger than 200KB (ideally under 100KB for web)
  • [ ] Hero images preloaded with <link rel="preload">

Dimensions and Responsive Images

  • [ ] All images resized to maximum display dimensions
  • [ ] srcset implemented for images shown at multiple sizes
  • [ ] width and height attributes on all <img> elements
  • [ ] Mobile-specific images provided where significantly smaller

SEO and Accessibility

  • [ ] All images have descriptive alt text
  • [ ] Image file names are descriptive with keywords
  • [ ] Images included in XML sitemap
  • [ ] ImageObject schema markup on key images

Loading Performance

  • [ ] loading="lazy" on all below-fold images
  • [ ] Images served from CDN or edge network
  • [ ] Server-side image caching enabled
  • [ ] No images blocking render path

Privacy and Security

  • [ ] EXIF metadata stripped from user-facing images
  • [ ] GPS data removed from location-sensitive images
  • [ ] No copyrighted images used without license

Tools You Need

Use our free tools to complete this checklist:

Conclusion

A fully optimized image strategy can cut your page weight in half and dramatically improve load times. Work through this checklist systematically using the free tools above and measure your progress with Google PageSpeed Insights.