question on image file names and seo

syphlix

hey there

i was reading that google will rank images higher when it finds a descriptive file name as opposed to something like IMG_9292

first question - is that true?

next, i've noticed that when i try to get a link to a photo, smugmug has actually assigned a new filename to my images. i.e. something named imgdesc.jpg after i upload it it's path becomes imgdesc/xxxxxxx_xxxx.jpg

2nd question - does that mean it doesn't really matter what the filename is anyways since it seems smugmug changes it?

richpepp

syphlix wrote:

i was reading that google will rank images higher when it finds a descriptive file name as opposed to something like IMG_9292
first question - is that true?

Yes but it is only a very small part of the seo picture so by itself it won't do much. There is a lot of info. on this if you search on this forum but Smugmug also has some info. here http://www.smugmug.com/help/search-engines and you need to read it all. It can be hard work but it does pay off.

next, i've noticed that when i try to get a link to a photo, smugmug has actually assigned a new filename to my images. i.e. something named imgdesc.jpg after i upload it it's path becomes imgdesc/xxxxxxx_xxxx.jpg
2nd question - does that mean it doesn't really matter what the filename is anyways since it seems smugmug changes it?

Yes Smugmug does change it but as far as I know it just adds some numbers in front of the picture. So if you upload 'Richard.jpg' it becomes something like 802207841_Richard.jpg. You only see the full filename when you try and download the picture - the web page link just has the number and a 6 or 7 digit random string to make guessing for picture names difficult. So yes, use descriptive filenames if you can and if you do use them then consider switching on automatic filename keywording (in Control panel)

Good luck

Richard