5 min read
Shopify image SEO: alt text, file names, and compression basics
A simple workflow for making Shopify product images easier to understand for shoppers and search engines.
Image SEO starts with product context
Alt text should describe what is in the image in a natural way. For ecommerce, the most useful context usually includes the product name, brand, color, material, and distinguishing feature. Avoid stuffing keywords that do not help a shopper understand the image.
File names should be readable
A file named black-stainless-steel-water-bottle-shopify.png is more useful than IMG_8429.png. Readable file names make asset libraries easier to manage and give search engines another contextual signal about the image.
Compress after you preserve detail
Product images need to load quickly, but shoppers still need to inspect texture, edges, and small details. Resize oversized files first, then compress carefully, and keep a high-quality original for future marketplace or ad exports.