How to Hijack Your SEO with Product Images: 5 Practical Hacks for E-Commerce
Did you know that search engines index everything written on your product images? When optimized correctly, these images don’t just demonstrate the product; they get you traffic from Google Image Search and even get your listings featured in Google Shopping or Google Lens.
If you’re running a Shopify store or any e-commerce business, it’s time to turn every image into an SEO-driven traffic accelerator!
Below are the 5 practical ways to hijack your SEO using product images:
1. Write Alt Text Like a Product Listing
Alt text is the fundamental element of SEO for images, as it describes your image to Google. Leverage it by writing concise, detailed descriptions!
Add specifics, so the ‘leather crossbody bag’ Alt text becomes ‘Small black leather crossbody bag with gold chain strap.’
The optimal alt text limit is 125 characters; maximize it with a concise description. Tip: never start with ‘image of’ or ‘photo of’ - it’s a waste of characters!
Avoid simply putting a dozen keywords that make no sense. Google is well aware of these ‘techniques’ and skips keyword-stacking Alt texts.
In Shopify, head to Products > Media > Edit Alt Text to update these fields.
<image with Shopify settings for Alt + example of Alt>
2. Rename Files Before Upload
In addition to Alt text, Google checks the file name to understand what is on your product image. Treat this name seriously: instead of IMG_93588.jpg, type womens-blue-high-waist-running-leggings.jpg.
E-commerce platforms save files’ original names (you cannot rename a file on, for example, Shopify), so please update them before uploading the product images to your store.
Here are a few tips for SEO-friendly product image naming:
Use hyphens instead of underscores.
Keep it short, 5 words max.
Describe the product as people search for it.
3. Put Text on at Least 2 Images per Product
Product images are the best place to highlight their value and hijack your e-commerce store SEO!
Pick the two images of your product and convert them into banners with key points in text format.
The best place for your text is the top-left or center-left, where one’s eye starts scanning (especially on mobile).
Avoid placing text over key product details. For example, the text about the shirt’s quality should not disrupt the shirt’s ornament. Also, keep the text and image contrasting colors.
A/B test the banners. Image Dino allows you to generate dozens of similar banners, so you can tweak them, test what works best, and put the winners on your storefront! Save what worked in your assets and reuse to develop a consistent design for your product images.
<Images of banners with text examples>
4. Make Product Captions a Continuation of Image Text
Google reads the text around your images to understand them better. When your pictures and captions harmoniously complement one another, they cannot go unnoticed by search engines!
The optimal solution is to start with the text on your product image and use it as a ‘canvas’ for the caption.
3 steps to reach the perfect balance between product image text and caption:
Concise image text and expanded description formula: ‘high-quality linen’ on the image, and ‘Italian linen you will feel comfortable in even on hottest days.’
Use relevant keywords in product descriptions, headings, and even alt tags. Create a note listing the keywords, ranging by their SEO score, and save it in your ImageDino preset to easily add them to images when needed!
Place your product image near the text that talks about it. Ensure the image and description are together across all devices to make their harmony visible without thoughtful reading.
<Image of a product image with text + caption combo>
5. Go Beyond the Product Page
Images aren’t just for listings. Get creative:
Add optimized banners to blog posts, guides, and lookbooks. Generate these assets in bulk with Image Dino.
Use original, branded visuals (Google favors unique images over stock). Set up your design, logo, and key info, use image-generating engines and Image Dino to add texts, and make perfectly scalable banners!
Ensure that you submit an image sitemap. Some apps can auto-generate this for you, or you can add image data to your existing sitemap.xml. It allows Google to find every image of your e-commerce store.
<Ideally, image of our banners created for different purposes, but for now, image of a store’s blog section with banners>
BONUS: Shopify-Specific Tips & Tools
Shopify makes image SEO easier if you know where to look:
The alt text editor is built in under each product photo.
Rename before upload: Remember that filenames are locked once uploaded.
Export product data from Admin to integrate with Image Dino and create dozens of product images and other banners in bulk!
When done right, your product photos can work as a second salesforce: drawing in new customers from search, converting them on-site, and boosting your brand all at once! Use on-image captions, alt text, file names, and other media content of your store to hijack your e-commerce SEO game!
