How to Compress Images for Squarespace

Written By Christina Dean

Image Optimization 101: How to Make Your Squarespace Site Purr

Let's chat about images on your Squarespace website. They're not just pretty decorations; they're a crucial part of your website's performance and your visitor's experience. You know how you wouldn't wear shoes that are three sizes too big? Well, uploading oversized images to your site is kind of the same thing.

Here's why image optimization is so important (and often overlooked, especially if you're rocking the DIY Squarespace route):

  • Website Speed: Large images = slow website. And a slow website is a visitor repellent. People are impatient; they'll click away faster than you can say "buffering."

  • SEO Goodness: Google (and other search engines) favor fast websites. Optimizing your images is like giving your site a speed boost, which can help it rank higher in search results.

  • Happy Visitors: A sluggish website can frustrate your visitors. We want them to have a smooth, enjoyable experience so they can focus on your awesome content, not on watching a loading bar.

  • Professionalism: A fast, well-functioning website reflects well on your brand. It shows you're detail-oriented and care about providing a quality experience.

So, what does "optimizing your images" actually mean? It's all about making them web-friendly:

  • Making the file size smaller (so they load quickly).

  • Using the right format (so they look good).

  • Naming them descriptively (so search engines know what they are).

  • Adding alt text (for accessibility and SEO).

It might sound like a lot, but trust me, once you get the hang of it, it'll become second nature.

Resizing and Compressing: The Dynamic Duo

The biggest culprits behind slow websites are often images that are simply too big. We need to resize them and compress them. Think of your website like a recipe. You need all the right ingredients in the right proportions for it to turn out perfectly. Images are a key ingredient, but if they're too large, they throw off the whole balance, making the site load slowly. We're optimizing them to get that perfect blend of visual appeal and performance.

General Guidelines:

  • Resizing: Aim for these dimensions:

    • Banner images: No wider than 2000-2500 pixels.

    • Most other website images: 500-1500 pixels wide.

  • File Size: Keep things lean:

    • For banner images or large visuals: Under 500KB.

    • For general website use: 100-400KB is a good target.

    • For smaller images (like blog post screenshots): Aim for 10-300KB.

The goal is always to get the file size as small as possible without sacrificing image quality. We want them to look crisp, not pixelated or blurry.

How to Actually Do It: Tools of the Trade

Here's how to resize and compress your images using tools you probably already have or can easily access:

Resizing:

  • Mac: Preview

    • Open your image in Preview.

    • Go to Tools > Adjust Size.

    • Enter the pixel width (use the guidelines above) and make sure "Scale proportionally" is checked.

  • Windows: Paint/Photos

    • Open your image in Paint or Photos.

    • Use the resize option to set the pixel dimensions, and ensure the aspect ratio is locked to prevent distortion.

Compression (for both Mac and Windows):

  • Online Compressors:

    • Tools like TinyPNG and CompressJPEG are your friends. Just upload your resized image, and they'll work their magic to shrink the file size. Easy peasy.

A Note on File Formats:

  • .JPEG (.jpg): Your go-to for most photos. They compress efficiently and look great on the web.

  • .PNG: Best for images that need to be transparent (like logos) or those with sharp edges (like illustrations).

  • .SVG: Ideal for logos and icons.

Beyond Size: Naming and Alt Text

Optimizing images isn't just about size; it's also about helping search engines understand what your images are and making your site accessible.

  • Naming Your Images:

    • Before you upload, give your image a descriptive filename. Instead of "IMG_4728.jpg," use something like "your-business-name-location-service-photo.jpg". Use hyphens (-) to separate words.

  • Adding Alt Text:

    • Alt text is a short description of the image. It's crucial for screen readers (for visually impaired users) and also helps search engines understand the image.

    • In Squarespace, you can add alt text in the image block settings.

    • Write clear, concise descriptions. Example: "A bright and airy yoga studio with people in a vinyasa pose."

Why This All Matters (Even Before You Launch)

Optimized images =

  • A faster website

  • Happier visitors who stick around

  • Better search engine visibility

  • A more professional online presence

  • An accessible website for everyone

Basically, good images make a big difference, and optimized images make sure they're working for you, not against you.

Image Optimization Checklist:

  • Choose the right format (JPEG for photos, PNG for transparency/sharp lines, SVG for logos/icons).

  • Resize your images (1500-2500px wide for most images).

  • Keep file sizes under 500KB (ideally closer to 250KB).

  • Name your image files descriptively (and don’t keyword stuff!)

  • Add descriptive alt text to every image.

Follow these guidelines, and you'll be well on your way to a faster, more effective Squarespace website.

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Christina Dean