Images play a crucial role in enhancing the visual appeal of a website and conveying information effectively. However, encountering broken images can be a common issue that not only affects the user experience but also has a significant impact on SEO. In this article, we’ll explore how to find and fix broken images to ensure a seamless online experience for your audience.
What is an Broken Image?
Broken images refer to instances where the intended image cannot be displayed on a web page. This can occur due to various reasons such as changes in file paths, image deletions, or alterations in website structure. Addressing these issues promptly is vital for maintaining a positive online presence. Below is an example of broken image.
How to find Broken Images?
Finding a broken image on a website can be a headache if your website has lot of pages, below are few methods which can help you find one.
Using Website Auditing Tools
One effective way to identify broken images is by utilizing website auditing tools. These tools scan your website and generate reports highlighting any issues, including broken images. Popular options include Google Search Console and SEMrush. Using tools for finding broken images can save a lot of your time.
Manually Checking Image Links
For a hands-on approach, manually checking image links can be beneficial. This involves inspecting the HTML code of your web pages and ensuring that the image URLs are correct and lead to valid files.
Utilizing Browser Extensions
Browser extensions such as ‘Check My Links’ for Chrome can expedite the process of detecting broken images. These tools automatically scan web pages for broken links, including image links, providing a quick overview of potential issues.
Impact of Broken Images on SEO
The presence of broken images can have detrimental effects on both user experience and SEO. Let’s delve into the specific impact on SEO and why addressing this issue is crucial for the overall health of your online presence
- Decreased User Experience
When visitors encounter broken images, it diminishes the overall user experience. Images contribute to the visual appeal of a website, and their absence or non-display can leave a negative impression for your website.
- Negative Impact on Search Engine Rankings
Search engines consider user experience as a crucial factor in determining rankings. Websites with broken images may be penalized, resulting in lower search engine rankings, which will gradually result in decreasing traffic.
- Potential Loss of Website Credibility
A website with frequent broken images may be perceived as unprofessional or unreliable. Users are less likely to trust a site that does not maintain the integrity of its visual content.
Common Causes of Broken Images
Understanding the root causes of broken images is essential for effective resolution.
- Image File Deletion or Relocation
If image files are deleted or moved to a different location without updating the corresponding URLs, broken images may occur.
- Changes in Website Structure
Modifying the structure of your website, such as renaming directories or restructuring pages, can lead to broken image links.
- Incorrect Image File Paths
Incorrectly specifying image file paths in the HTML code can result in broken images. Verifying and correcting these paths is crucial for proper image display.
Preventive Measures
Taking proactive steps to prevent broken images can save you from potential issues in the future.
- Regularly Check and Update Image Links
Perform routine checks on your website’s image links, ensuring they are up-to-date and lead to the correct files. This is especially important after making any changes to your site.
- Use Relative Paths for Image URLs
Utilize relative paths for image URLs instead of absolute paths. This makes it easier to manage and update image links without encountering issues.
- Implement Proper Redirects When Necessary
If you need to move or rename image files, implement proper redirects to ensure that existing links still lead to the correct images. This helps maintain a seamless user experience.
Fixing Broken Images
Once broken images are detected, prompt action is necessary for resolution.
- Updating Image URLs
Correct any outdated or incorrect image URLs by updating them in your website’s HTML code. This ensures that the images are retrieved and displayed correctly.
- Reuploading Missing Images
If images are missing or deleted, reupload them to the appropriate directory and update the corresponding image links.
- Implementing Redirects and Corrections
For cases where image files have been moved or renamed, implement redirects and corrections in the HTML code to redirect the old URLs to the new ones.
Benefits of Addressing Broken Images
Addressing broken images positively impacts your website’s overall performance.
- Improved User Experience
By ensuring all images are displayed correctly, you enhance the overall user experience, making your website more engaging and user-friendly.
- Enhanced SEO Performance
A website with no broken images is more likely to rank higher in search
