If image file names differ by a sequential number, is that enough to avoid issues?
If image file names differ by only a sequential number, is that enough to avoid redundant content issues?
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I'm a photographer creating a photography page focusing on a specific location and looking to rank well locally. My question is in regards to image names within a gallery of images.
I plan to name my image files with a description of the image that includes location; something like family-portrait-green-beach-ab0001.jpg. However my concern is that I might create a redundant content issue with similar names. Is it a problem if other image files in the gallery have almost identical names but differ numerically like: family-portrait-green-beach-ab0002.jpg?
Answer:
For a best practice approach, it's best if you use image file names that are more unique than just a different sequential number. Try to be as descriptive as you possibly can and yes, we know that's easier said than done. Something like: family-portrait-green-beach-side-view.jpg, fun-with-family-green-beach.jpg etc.
I'll give you an example for a bit of inspiration. Recently we worked on a charter yacht site where, instead of using names like boatname-exterior-1.jpg, boatname-exterior-2.jpg, we opted to use boatname-bow-side.jpg, boatname-starboard.jpg, boatname-stern.jpg, boatname-main-deck.jpg.
Yes, it takes a little more time but we've found the extra work is usually worthwhile in regards to how Google treats the images. And here are a few SEN resources on image optimization for more in-depth advice:
