SVG Image: Vector Image Format for SEO-Based Optimization

The selection of images on website pages is one thing to consider. Of the many choices, the SVG image format can be the right choice to support your website's SEO performance.

SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics. This type of digital image is used in the creation and editing of vector images.

Files with the SVG format are not like digital image files in general. There are things that distinguish it from files such as PNG and JPEG.

To find out more about the SVG image and its use to support website performance, see the guide presented below. 

What is SVG?

SVG is a type of image file that consists of vector graphics. That means this image can be scaled to any size without reducing its quality.

The use of vectors in SVG makes this file smaller in size than files that use pixels, such as PNG and JPEG.

Technically, an SVG image is a group of XML files that have markup tags to define an image.

This type of vector image is easier to edit and personalize. Simply by creating a text editor, you can change the markup tags to make customizations.

For example, changing the color of an SVG file can be done by simply changing the color attribute in the markup tag.

The use of SVG can generally be found in logos, icons, and illustrations that are indispensable for digital marketing needs.

This file is suitable for use on website pages because the size can be adjusted easily without reducing the quality.

SVGs are often found in email marketing and advertising activities. Both of these marketing activities require small files to be easily loaded and accessed by the target audience.

Advantages of SVG Files

Now that you know what SVG is, it's time to understand its advantages. Besides being easy to scale, SVG files also have several other pluses, such as:

1. Smaller File Size

Compared to other types of digital image formats, SVG files are one type that has a small size.

As mentioned earlier, an SVG image is a file consisting of vector graphics with a small size, unlike pixels.

The vector graphics here consist of mathematical equations that create a smaller file size than raster graphics, which are made up of a bunch of pixels.

Using SVG on website pages can speed up loading times, which results in lower First Input Delay scores and higher page speeds in the eyes of search engines and users.

2. Easy to Create and Edit

Compared to PNG and JPEG file types, SVGs are easier to create and edit with tools like Adobe Illustrator.

Program types such as Adobe Illustrator are specifically used for editing images consisting of vectors such as SVG.

By using the editor program, you can develop ideas and adapt your SVG image creations for business and personal needs with ease.

3. Can Be Animated

SVG-format files can be used to create animations using CSS or JavaScript.

It is suitable for interactive applications and websites. Its small size will not have a negative impact on website loading.

4. Supported By Many Browsers

SVG files are one type of digital image that is supported by many browsers. Unlike PNG and JPEG, SVG has taken some time to become widely accepted.

In 2003, the SVG image was accepted for use by the ISO standard. Until now, files in SVG format could be accessed in major browsers such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. 

Disadvantages of SVG Files

After discussing the advantages of SVG, you also need to know its disadvantages as a consideration for its use on your website pages.

Here are some disadvantages to using the SVG image:

1. Not Supported by Old Browsers

While most modern browsers support the SVG format, some older browsers don't yet support this digital image format.

As such, it may be a consideration if you're targeting a broad audience that may be using older browsers that do not support the SVG image.

2. Doesn't Always Look Good

Small sizes can indeed speed up loading and improve the user experience, but sometimes the quality doesn't look good.

In order to solve this problem, you can provide SVG files in various sizes. That way, you can choose which size is suitable for certain situations.

3. Less Suitable for Photos

As mentioned earlier, SVG is a file consisting of vector images. Its use is suitable for logos, icons, and illustrations.

However, this format is not suitable for photos. This is because the photo file consists of many pixels that are not compatible with SVG using the vector graphics method.

The Differences Between SVG, PNG, and JPEG

Recognizing what an SVG image is can help you understand the types of formats commonly used on web pages.

Indirectly, you can also distinguish image formats that are often found today.

SVG, PNG, and JPEG are different file types in terms of their graphics usage. PNG and JPEG use raster graphics, while SVG is a file made up of vectors.

For convenience, PNG and JPEG are pixel files. If the scale is changed drastically, then the quality will deteriorate.

Pixel files usually turn out blurry if they are scaled too large. This does not apply to images in SVG format that use vector graphics.

Images that use vectors can be scaled to any size without drastically reducing the sharpness and quality of the image.

Therefore, the SVG image type is prioritized for marketing activities that require adjustments on a large scale.

SVG Use in SEO Practices

Recognizing what SVG is and its advantages and disadvantages can give you ideas about its use in website optimization activities.

SEO prioritizes the optimal page-loading process. Therefore, the use of SVG files is a natural part of their activities.

Similar to WebP, the use of SVG files on website pages is intended to make pages load quickly without heavy image loads.

Please note that SVG files have also been recognized by well-known search engines such as Google. Images in this format can be indexed and listed in Google Image Search.

Besides being able to adjust images and have small sizes, SVG files can also contain hyperlinks for other documents using XLink.

This can help with link-building activities that can support SEO performance. Therefore, using this file can optimize the website in terms of image SEO and on-page SEO.

This information closes the guide regarding the use of SVG files on web pages. Technically, the SVG image is a suitable file type for SEO practices.

So that your website can continue to be monitored and optimized in a measurable way, you can use SEO services from companies that are experts in their fields.

Input from an SEO specialist can help you make your website work more optimally and increase its visibility on search results pages.