Why images matter for SEO
Images can support content, explain ideas, improve trust, and make a page easier to use. They can also slow a page down, create accessibility gaps, or leave useful context unlabeled.
Google's image best practices recommend descriptive filenames, titles, and alt text where appropriate. The real-world version is simple: if an image adds meaning, describe it. If it is purely decorative, mark it as decorative.
Alt text vs decorative images
Alt text is a text alternative for an image. It helps screen readers and can help search engines understand what an image represents in context.
Good alt text is specific and useful. "SEO audit report card illustration in a crystal ball" is better than "image." But not every image needs keyword-heavy alt text. A decorative sparkle divider can use empty alt text so screen readers skip it. Do not turn every image into a keyword cauldron.
Image size and loading
Large images can slow pages. Match the source to its rendered size, compress it carefully, and choose a format that supports the image's job. WebP and AVIF can reduce weight, while PNG may still suit some transparent assets. Whatever the format, preserve real alpha transparency instead of baking in a checkerboard background.
Internal links and anchor text
Internal links help visitors and crawlers move through your site. Anchor text tells people what they will get when they click. "Click here" is usually weak. "Learn how SEO audits work" is stronger.
Good internal links connect related topics. A metadata guide should link to headings and content. A score guide should link to prioritization. A Crystal Ball scan finding should point to the guide that explains how to fix it.
How to fix images and links by platform
Most platforms place alt text in the media library, image block, product-image settings, or content editor. Start with the image's purpose: describe meaningful content, use empty alt text for decoration, and avoid repeating nearby text without adding context.
Links usually live in the content editor, navigation, footer, or a reusable component. If many pages share the same broken or vague link, fix the template instead of patching each page.
Helpful official starting points include Shopify SEO fields and image alt text, Squarespace alt text, Webflow SEO tools, and Duda SEO/AEO settings.
How to fix images and links on static/custom sites
Use descriptive alt text on meaningful images, empty alt text on decorative images, width and height attributes to reduce layout shift, and <picture> when serving WebP with fallback.
<picture>
<source srcset="/assets/img/audit-report.webp" type="image/webp">
<img src="/assets/img/audit-report.png" alt="SEO audit report card illustration" width="900" height="900" loading="lazy" decoding="async">
</picture>For links, use plain anchor tags and meaningful text:
<a href="/education/what-does-an-seo-audit-check/">Learn what an SEO audit checks</a>Official platform references
For exact menu names and platform-specific controls, start with the official docs: WordPress, Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, Webflow, HubSpot, Duda, GoDaddy, Framer, Joomla, and Drupal.
Give Every Image and Link a Clear Job
Review meaningful images, repeated components, and the paths between priority pages. Run a scan when you need to locate missing context or unstable links across the page.
Run a Scan