Optimizing category images for Google carousel display

(RadekR)SEO optimization
Optimizing category images for Google carousel display

When you want to significantly increase the chances that your chosen image will appear in Google search results (including the image carousel for a given category), you need to optimize both the category page and the image itself. Here are the key steps to ensure your images get maximum visibility in Google’s search results.

Strategic file naming and image attributes optimization

Descriptive file names Instead of using generic names like IMG_1234.jpg, use descriptive filenames that include your target keywords:

preschool-furniture-4-seat-table.jpg

Alt and title attributes Add alt and title attributes containing your main keywords:

html

<img src="…/preschool-furniture-4-seat-table.jpg"
     alt="4-seat table – preschool furniture"
     title="Preschool furniture – 4-seat table">

The alt attribute is crucial for accessibility and SEO, while the title attribute provides additional context that search engines can use.

Open Graph and Twitter Cards metadata implementation

In the <head> section of your category page, add meta tags that tell Google and social media platforms which image is representative:

html

<meta property="og:image" content="https://yourdomain.com/img/preschool-furniture-4-seat-table.jpg">
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image">
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://yourdomain.com/img/preschool-furniture-4-seat-table.jpg">

These tags help search engines understand which image should be used when your page appears in search results or is shared on social media.

Schema.org structured data for enhanced visibility

Use structured data to indicate the image as the main visual for your product list. Here’s an example for a category page using „ItemList”:

html

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "ItemList",
  "name": "Preschool Furniture",
  "itemListElement": [
    {
      "@type": "ListItem",
      "position": 1,
      "url": "https://yourdomain.com/category/preschool-furniture/4-seat-table",
      "image": "https://yourdomain.com/img/preschool-furniture-4-seat-table.jpg"
    }
  ]
}
</script>

This structured data helps Google understand your content better and can improve your chances of appearing in rich results.

Image optimization for carousel performance

Pixel dimensions Minimum width: Google recommends images be at least 1200px wide, especially if you want them to appear in carousels or rich results.

Optimal size ranges:

  • Standard: 1200 × 800px (3:2 aspect ratio)
  • Widescreen: 1600 × 900px (16:9 aspect ratio)
  • Square (for thumbnails): 800 × 800px

Responsive images Implement responsive images using srcset and sizes attributes:

html

<img 
  src="img/preschool-furniture-table-1200x800.jpg" 
  srcset="
    img/preschool-furniture-table-600x400.jpg 600w,
    img/preschool-furniture-table-1200x800.jpg 1200w,
    img/preschool-furniture-table-1800x1200.jpg 1800w
  "
  sizes="(max-width: 600px) 600px, (max-width: 1200px) 1200px, 1800px"
  alt="4-seat table – preschool furniture">

Advanced carousel optimization techniques

File format and compression

  • Use modern formats like WebP when possible, with JPEG fallbacks
  • Compress images to reduce file size while maintaining quality
  • Keep file sizes under 200KB for faster loading

Image context

  • Ensure the image is relevant to the surrounding content
  • Place images near related text content
  • Use captions when appropriate to provide additional context

Technical considerations for WordPress sites

WordPress specific optimization

  • Implement lazy loading for images below the fold
  • Use a CDN for faster image delivery
  • Ensure images are accessible on mobile devices
  • Test your images in Google’s Rich Results Test tool

Elementor integration

  • Use Elementor’s built-in image optimization features
  • Configure proper alt text in Elementor’s image widgets
  • Set up responsive breakpoints for different screen sizes

Measuring carousel success and performance

Monitor your image performance using:

  • Google Search Console’s Performance report
  • Google Analytics for image-related traffic
  • Regular searches for your target keywords to see if your images appear in carousels

By following these optimization strategies, you’ll significantly improve your chances of having your chosen images appear prominently in Google’s search results and image carousels, driving more traffic to your category pages.