The 3-step image prep before every upload

The 3-step image prep before every upload

Huge images are the number-one reason beginner sites load slowly. Prepare each image before it ever touches WordPress.

1. Resize it. Most website images never need to be wider than about 1600 pixels. Use any free photo tool to shrink the dimensions.
2. Compress it. Run it through a free image-squeezing site to cut the file size, often by half, with no visible quality loss.
3. Rename the file to plain words like "blue-running-shoes.jpg" instead of "IMG_4821.jpg." Search engines read filenames.

Then upload, and add alt text (a short description for screen readers and search engines) in the right-hand panel.

In plain words: resize, squeeze, and rename before uploading, your visitors and Google both thank you.