Graphics Optimization & Alt Tags...

Often overlooked is the importance of optimization of graphics and images, not only the web page content. This is especially true if the page contains many graphics.

The internet was built for speed so if web site surfers encounter a page that takes too long to load, they will unapologetically move on. Even if you know that the page contains the fantastic imagery, visitors will not because of the lag time.

Flash is a prime example of problems created by graphics that have code or size issues. Optimizing graphics to the smallest file size possible with degrading the image quality is the goal.

Another misconception about search engines is that when a web page is crawled, everything on the page is recognized. This is not the case as search engines only understand text and cannot visualize pictures.

To remedy this an ALT attribute, commonly but incorrectly called the ALT tag is filled in to provide a textual description of the graphic. This also addresses accessibility standards like the W3C consortium.