This article is about images that appear next to organic search results. Google refers to these as “text result images” and says it will show “the most relevant image for that particular webpage for the given query.”
Here’s what they might look like on desktop results:
And on a mobile device:
Other ways you’ll see images appear on the SERPs are carousels, featured images, or within a knowledge panel. Semrush collects information about each type of image-based result differently, which you’ll be able to see in Organic Research reports.
How to Get Your Images to Appear in Organic Search Results
You can get your images to appear in Google’s organic results in a couple of ways.
- Use descriptive file names and alt text to help search engines understand the content of your images.
- Use structured data for images to enhance image search results, including image sitemaps to tell search engines about the images on your site.
- Make sure that your images are properly sized and compressed for fast loading.
- Use images that are relevant to the content of the page and add value to the user experience.
If you follow those steps, you will be giving your images the best chance to appear next to your organic listings.
How Semrush Collects Data about Text Result Images
- When we scan a keyword’s SERP, we identify whether or not text result images are present anywhere on the results page.
- If text result images are present on the results page but the queried domain doesn’t have one beside its result, its icon will appear gray in the SF column.
- If text result images are present as a part of the queried domain’s organic search result, its icon will appear blue beside the number in the Position column.
To learn more about this SERP feature and others, read our SERP Features Guide.