Image Optimization

Manage image alt text and metadata for better SEO and accessibility

Image Optimization Image optimization is crucial for SEO and accessibility. QueryCatch helps you manage image metadata, particularly [[gloss:alt-text|alt text]], across your WordPress media library and Shopify store. Well-optimized images improve search rankings, user experience, and site accessibility. Why Image Optimization Matters Images appear in Google Image Search results. Alt text helps screen readers describe images. Search engines use alt text to understand image content. Improves page relevance for target keywords. Better user experience when images fail to load Requirements Image optimization works with either a connected WordPress or Shopify site: WordPress: REST API enabled, with an application password that can access the media library. Shopify: a custom app Admin API token with the read_products, write_products, read_content and write_content scopes. Administrator or editor permissions on the connected site Both WordPress and Shopify are supported. On Shopify, product, collection and blog article images are included. Understanding the Dashboard Progress Tracking The dashboard shows your optimization progress: Progress bar showing percentage optimized. Total image count (up to 1000+). Number of images missing alt text. Visual indicators for optimization status Image Grid Each image displays: Thumbnail preview. Image title. Missing Alt Text badge (if applicable). Edit button for metadata management Editing Image Metadata Click 'Edit' on any image to modify: On Shopify, only alt text can be edited. Title, caption and description apply to WordPress media. Title Appears in media library. Used as tooltip on hover. Should be descriptive but concise Alt Text (Most Important) Describes image for screen readers. Used by search engines for context. Should be descriptive and include keywords naturally. Keep under 125 characters Caption Displays below image when inserted in content. Visible to all users. Can include additional context or credits Description Internal reference only. Not displayed publicly. Useful for detailed notes Writing Effective Alt Text Best Practices Be descriptive but concise. Include target keywords naturally. Don't start with 'Image of' or 'Picture of'. Describe the image's purpose and content. Be specific rather than generic Good Alt Text Examples Product: 'Red leather handbag with gold chain strap'. Blog: 'SEO analytics showing traffic growth chart'. Team: 'Marketing team collaborating in modern office'. Logo: 'QueryCatch company logo' Search and Filter Search images by title. Filter to show only images missing alt text. Pagination for large media libraries. 20 images displayed per page Use the 'Missing Alt Text Only' filter to quickly find images that need optimization. CDN Settings If using Kinsta hosting, configure [[gloss:content-delivery-network|CDN]] image compression: Lossless - No quality loss, smaller file size. Lossy - Some quality loss, much smaller files. Off - No compression applied Direct CDN Connection Click 'Settings' button. Enter Kinsta API Key. Enter Environment ID. Choose compression preference. Click 'Save Settings' Current Limitations Be aware of these current limitations: No bulk editing - images must be edited individually. Cannot upload new images. On Shopify, large catalogues are scanned in batches (the first ~150 products, plus collections and articles). On Shopify, theme images and images inside blog post content are not included SEO Impact Properly optimized images can: Improve visibility in Google Image Search. Enhance page relevance for keywords. Boost overall page quality scores. Increase [[gloss:organic-search|organic traffic]]. Improve accessibility compliance Troubleshooting Images Not Loading Check WordPress connection. Verify REST API is enabled. Ensure proper permissions. Try refreshing the page Changes Not Saving Verify you have edit permissions. Check for plugin conflicts. Ensure stable internet connection. Try logging out and back in Pro Tip: Focus on your most important images first - those on high-traffic pages and product images that could appear in Google Shopping results.