We all know the Internet is famous for cat pictures and memes, but when it comes to adding an image to your very own website, there are few things you need to be mindful of.

When used well, images and graphics can enhance the content on your page and create a positive user experience. They can also be used to engage your audience and break up large chunks of text. However, our web guidelines call for you to err on the side of caution when adding images. Think of the phrase – less is more.

This article will help you be a master of adding images to your site.

Where to find images

We recommend using La Trobe’s media library, Cumulus. It is a searchable library with a range of La Trobe imagery that can be used. However, always check the notes of the image – it will tell you if copyright approval is required before usage.

If you are desperately seeking an image for an event or research project, you may be required to use a stock image (although this is not encouraged). We suggest you look at Unsplash and Pixabay to find images that work for your site.

Before adding images to your site

Checking your image against this checklist will help you ensure that your images are in tip-top shape before you add them to your site:

  • is your image the right size? Our guidelines specify that images should be no larger than 2560 pixels x 1700 pixels, or the dimensions 16:9 if you are using the Squiz Matrix CMS image editor. Oversized images reduce responsiveness of your page across devices and a user’s page load time.
  • does the image relate to or enhance the information you are presenting?
  • is the image the best way to present your information? Should what you are trying to convey be text instead?
  • is the image good quality and do you have copyright approval and consent?

Don’t use images if they:

  • contain words or branding
  • are fuzzy or distorted
  • don’t have copyright approval or consent
  • use colour as the only way to convey image. Example- rail map using colours only to differentiate rail lines is not acceptable
  • are stock images used as fillers and are not adding value to your page
  • contain moving parts.

Best practice for uploading images to your site

  • ensure graphics follow La Trobe’s brand guidelines
  • always include descriptive alternative text (alt-text)
  • select the Version 6 (v6 or 250 version) image size to insert the image on standard content pages
  • make sure your image is live and published.

How images can boost your SEO

Did you know the way you set up your images can boost your Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)? Search engines (e.g. Google, Bing) have specific algorithms for graphics. This affects your page’s SEO ranking. Original graphics will give you the best opportunity for a high search ranking. To ensure your images are boosting the SEO of your pages, consider the following:

  • does the alt-text (or alternative text) describe what’s in the image? (10-15 words is sufficient for alt text)
  • are target keywords included?
  • is the image file name optimised with keywords?
  • is your image title short?
  • is your image high quality and optimised for web (72dpi)?
  • Do you have copyright approval and consent to use the image?

For more information see how to insert an image.

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