When we are building high-performing websites, visuals play a huge role , but unoptimised images can quietly sabotage our efforts. Oversized, heavy files slow your site down, frustrate users, and even hurt your search engine rankings. Thankfully, optimising images is a straightforward step that can instantly improve your website’s speed, SEO, and overall experience.
At GSL Media, we know the difference image optimisation can make. Whether you’re running an online shop, promoting services, or showcasing your brand, properly optimised images keep your website fast, functional, and looking its best.
Why Image Optimization Matters
Statistics show nearly 70% of users say slow-loading websites influence their decision to stay or leave. Worse still, around 45% will abandon their purchase altogether if a page lags or fails to load often caused by unnecessarily large images weighing the site down.
Un-optimised images don’t just slow page load times they drain server resources, frustrate users (especially on mobile), and damage your SEO performance. A fast, responsive site improves user experience, encourages engagement, and can even help boost your rankings on Google.
Recommended Image Sizes for a Faster Website
One of the simplest ways to optimise your site is by ensuring images are appropriately sized:
Full-Width Banners: Aim for 1920 pixels wide to maintain quality on larger screens without unnecessary file weight.
Product & Decorative Images: Keep these at a maximum of 1000 pixels wide, with a proportional height. For most website content, images larger than this will only slow down your pages without adding visual value.
Uploading oversized, high-resolution files straight from a camera or design program adds unnecessary weight to your site. Large image files increase page load times and consume storage space, slowing down your website for all users — particularly those browsing on mobile devices or slower connections.
The Power of Compression and Modern File Types
Fortunately, you can maintain high visual quality without sacrificing performance by using compression tools and modern image formats.
Image Compression reduces file sizes while preserving clarity. Free tools like TinyPNG, ImageOptim, or Squoosh allow you to compress images quickly and efficiently, stripping away excess data while keeping your visuals sharp.
WebP Format is another smart choice. Developed by Google, WebP delivers superior compression compared to traditional formats like JPEG or PNG, reducing file sizes significantly while maintaining high image quality. By switching to WebP, your website can load faster, use less bandwidth, and provide a smoother experience for visitors.
Additional Benefits of Image Optimisation
Optimising your images provides more than just faster load times:
👉Enhanced SEO: Faster pages improve your search ranking potential. Plus, adding keyword-friendly alt text to every image helps with search visibility and accessibility.
👉Better Mobile Experience: With over half of internet traffic coming from mobile devices, optimized images ensure your site remains fast and responsive for all users.
👉Reduced Server Strain: Smaller images free up storage space, ensuring your server performs efficiently, even as your content library grows.
Optimising Images with GSL Media
If you already have a website with GSL Media or you’re looking to improve an existing site we can help. From resizing and compressing images to implementing WebP files and SEO-friendly alt tags, our team ensures your website remains fast, polished, and high-performing.
We understand how important visual content is but we also know that large, un-optimised files can quietly hold your website back. Our approach ensures your images look great while keeping your site fast, search-friendly, and accessible across all devices.
Let’s Make Your Website Work Smarter
Need help optimising your website images? Whether it’s a full content review or targeted performance improvements, GSL Media has the expertise to boost your site’s speed and functionality.
Get in touch with us today — and let’s make your website faster, leaner, and ready to impress.
