Introduction

In the world of search engine optimization (SEO), staying up to date with Google’s latest guidelines and announcements is crucial. Recently, there has been some confusion regarding the indexing of WebP images. To clear the air, Google’s John Mueller addressed these concerns and provided valuable insights. In this article, we will delve into Mueller’s explanations and discuss the implications for website owners and SEO professionals.

Understanding WebP Image Indexing

WebP is an image format developed by Google in 2010. It offers superior compression and faster load times compared to other formats like JPEG and PNG. However, there have been questions about how Google indexes WebP images.

Mueller clarifies that WebP images are not indexed as HTML pages because they are image files, not webpages. Therefore, they will not appear in search results as standalone pages. Instead, they are indexed as part of the overall website content. This means that if your website has WebP images, Google will crawl and index them accordingly.

“Crawled – Currently Not Indexed” Report

One Reddit user raised concerns about the presence of numerous “Crawled – currently not indexed” entries related to WebP images in their Google Search Console reports. Mueller addressed this issue by explaining that these entries appear when something looks like a webpage link going to the URL or if the extension appears unclear. It is not limited to WebP images alone.

This clarification highlights the importance of ensuring clear and accurate extensions for image files. If an image file’s extension is ambiguous, it may end up in the “Crawled – currently not indexed” report. Website owners and SEO professionals should pay attention to these details to avoid any confusion or misinterpretation in search console reports.

Benefits of Using WebP Images

Despite the indexing considerations, WebP images offer several benefits for website owners and SEO professionals. Let’s explore some of these advantages:

1. Smaller File Sizes

WebP images are known for their smaller file sizes compared to other formats like JPEG and PNG. This compression capability allows websites to load faster, improving user experience and potentially boosting SEO rankings. Faster-loading websites are favored by search engines, as they provide a better browsing experience for users.

2. Flexible Image Rendering

WebP supports both lossy and lossless compression, transparency, and animation. This versatility makes it suitable for various image needs, whether it’s displaying product images, illustrations, or animated graphics. Having the flexibility to choose the appropriate compression level and image type can significantly enhance the visual appeal of a website.

3. Improved Website Performance

As mentioned earlier, faster load times contribute to better website performance. WebP images, with their smaller file sizes, can help optimize website speed and overall performance. This optimization can positively impact SEO rankings and provide a competitive edge in search results.

Challenges and Considerations

While WebP images offer numerous advantages, there are a few challenges and considerations to keep in mind:

1. Browser Compatibility

Not all browsers support the WebP image format. It is essential to consider fallback options for browsers that do not support WebP. By providing alternative image formats like JPEG or PNG, website owners can ensure that all users can view the images regardless of their browser choice.

2. Image Quality

The lossy compression used in WebP images can result in a slight degradation in image quality. Website owners should find the right balance between file size and image quality to maintain an optimal user experience. Testing and optimizing image quality can help strike the right balance.

3. Conversion and Storage

Converting and storing both original image files and WebP versions can complicate image management for websites. It is crucial to consider the storage requirements and the impact on website performance. Additionally, implementing the necessary processes and tools to automate the conversion and storage can streamline the workflow.

Leveraging WebP Images for SEO

To make the most of WebP images for SEO, consider the following tips:

1. Implement Responsive Image Strategies

Use the <picture> element in HTML to serve different images to different devices. This technique ensures that WebP images are delivered to browsers that support the format while falling back to JPEG or PNG for browsers that don’t. This approach optimizes image rendering across various devices, improving the overall user experience.

2. Optimize Image File Names and Alt Text

As with any image on a website, it is essential to optimize the file names and alt text for WebP images. Descriptive file names and alt text can help search engines understand the content of the images and improve their relevance in search results. Additionally, consider incorporating relevant keywords into the alt text to enhance SEO.

3. Monitor Performance and Loading Times

Regularly monitor website performance and loading times, paying special attention to the impact of WebP images. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights can provide valuable insights and suggestions for optimizing website speed. Continuously improving website performance contributes to better user experience and SEO rankings.

Conclusion

Google’s John Mueller’s clarification on WebP image indexing brings much-needed clarity to website owners and SEO professionals. WebP images offer significant benefits in terms of smaller file sizes, flexible image rendering, and improved website performance. Understanding the challenges and considerations associated with WebP images allows website owners to leverage this image format effectively. By implementing best practices and closely monitoring website performance, one can harness the power of WebP images to enhance user experience and optimize SEO rankings.