Compression means reducing the file size of an image by removing unnecessary data with little or no visible quality loss.
Optimization is a broader process. It includes:
- Choosing the best image format
- Resizing images to proper dimensions
- Using modern formats like WebP or AVIF
- Enabling lazy loading
- Delivering via CDN (Content Delivery Network)
Optimized images = Faster website = Better user experience + More sale.
Which Images Should You Use (and Why)?
Format: WebP or AVIF
Why:
Clean visuals, small file sizes, fast loading on all devices
What Is WebP Format?
WebP is a modern image format developed by Google that provides superior compression for images used on the web. It helps web pages load faster by producing smaller file sizes while maintaining excellent visual quality.
Benefits of Using WebP
- Faster Page Load Speeds:
Smaller image sizes mean your site loads quicker. - Better SEO:
Google loves fast websites — WebP helps improve rankings. - Reduced Bandwidth Usage:
Lower file sizes = less data used, especially helpful for mobile users. - High-Quality Visuals:
Keeps your product images or graphics looking sharp. - All-in-One Format:
Supports transparency, animation, and both lossy lossless compression.
What Is AVIF Format
AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) is a next-generation image format developed by the Alliance for Open Media — the same group behind the AV1 video codec. It offers even better compression than WebP, with superior image quality at significantly smaller file sizes.
Benefits of Using AVIF
- Maximum Compression Efficiency
Smaller files = faster site = better performance. - Superior Visual Quality
Maintains image sharpness, color depth, and gradients better than JPEG/WebP. - Perfect for Mobile
Saves mobile data while ensuring fast image loading. - SEO & Core Web Vitals Friendly
Smaller image payload helps improve loading times and user experience. key for SEO. - Future-Proof Format
Built for the next generation of high-resolution, HDR, and 4K+ displays.
Banners or Slideshows
Format: WebP or AVIF
Why: These are large visuals — so optimized formats are crucial to avoid slowdowns.
Key Benefits Compressing and Optimizing Images:
- Lightning-Fast Page Loads
A website that loads in under 3 seconds retains more customers and lowers bounce rates. - Improved SEO Rankings
Google favors faster websites and images have a huge impact on speed. - Better Mobile Performance
With most online shopping done on mobile, lightweight images ensure a seamless experience. - Lower Hosting Costs
Smaller images = less storage = reduced server and bandwidth fees. - Higher Conversion Rates
Fast-loading product pages lead to higher trust and quicker checkouts.
SVG format keeps your logos sharp on all screen sizes
Icons and Logos
Format: SVG
Why: Scalable without losing quality — ideal for sharp design
WHAT IS SVG
SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics. It is an XML-based image format used to describe two-dimensional graphics. Unlike raster formats like JPEG or PNG, SVG is a vector format, which means it uses mathematical shapes (points, lines, curves) rather than pixels. This
allows SVG images to be infinitely scaled without losing quality.
Key Features of SVG
- Scalable: Perfect for responsive design — looks sharp at any resolution (great for retina displays).
- Lightweight: File sizes are often smaller, especially for logos, icons, and illustrations.
- Editable: Can be edited with a text editor or software like Adobe Illustrator, Figma, or Inkscape.
- Interactive & Animatable: SVG supports interactivity and animation using CSS and JavaScript.
- Web-Friendly: Supported by all modern web browsers.
Advantages:
- No pixelation when resized
- Easily customizable (colors, shapes, text)
- SEO-friendly (text in SVG is searchable)
- Can be compressed for faster loading