An image carousel is a web design element that allows multiple images to be displayed within a single space, typically rotating automatically or enabling user interaction through navigation controls. This feature is commonly used on websites to showcase products, portfolios, or galleries while conserving valuable screen real estate.
To optimise image carousels for search engines:
1. Alt Text: Each image should have descriptive alt text that conveys its context and relevance. This helps search engines understand the content of the images while also improving accessibility for visually impaired users.
2. Loading Speed: Ensure that images are optimised for fast loading times as slow-loading pages can negatively impact both user experience and search rankings.
3. Mobile Responsiveness: With an increasing number of users accessing websites via mobile devices, it’s important that carousels function seamlessly across different screen sizes without compromising visual quality or navigability.
4. Content Hierarchy: Use clear headings and accompanying text with each carousel item to provide additional context and maintain a logical flow of information.