Google Graphics is known to most of us as an image search engine, including photos, infographics and screenshots. We can search for a given image in two ways. The first, most common way is to search using keywords. By entering a given phrase, eg “internet marketing“, graphics related to that phrase will appear. Graphic positioning is influenced by several factors, including: link to the image, ALT parameter, graphic title attribute or image file name. The second way is image search. In this post, we will look more closely at the latter.
Google Image Search – how does it work?
You can search the image on your computer in 4 ways! Below is a small instruction on how to do it.
The first and easiest way, however, available only to Google Chrome owners. All you have to do is click the right mouse button on the selected graphic and select the “Search image on Google” option while browsing the website. After clicking you will be taken to the results.
By entering Google Graphics we have two very similar options. First, we can upload the image from our folder on the computer. In response, we get websites and similar photos. In addition, the results include information about the size of the photo and other available sizes, as well as about visually similar graphics (having e.g. similar elements, composition or colors). There is also a keyword after which we can find a similar search.
We also have a second and third, very similar option to the previous one., very similar option to the previous one. Just in Google Graphics drag the selected photo from the folder on our computer or drag the image from any browser window.
The fourth method is to search the image by pasting the url address where the graphic is located. So if you find graphics posted on the website, all you have to do is right-click the “copy link address” option and paste it into Google Graphics.
What to do when image search does not work?
If photo search does not work, first of all make sure you are using Google search. Then check if you have the option to use Google Chrome. It is with the use of this browser that you have the most image search options and it should be the simplest on it. As we wrote earlier, the first option “search image on Google” after clicking the right button is only available for Google browser. However, the Safari and Firefox browsers also have image search options.
How do you find a similar image in Google Graphics?
By uploading the photo to Google Graphics the results will appear after a while. No matter which photo search method you use, these results will always look the same. There will be links to websites where you will find a given photo and suggestions for similar graphics. Google also suggests the keyword that is most related to the uploaded image. It happens, however, that with lower quality photos, the system does not recognize the elements and suggests words that do not correlate with the photo.
What to watch out for when downloading a graphic with a sophisticated image? – About graphics for commercial use.
Searching for a similar image may be useful when, for example, you find interesting graphics on a page that is not yours, but you would like to place a similar one on your blog or website. Remember, however, to always check exactly where the photo comes from and whether you have the right to publish it. To see photos that are published and can be used for commercial purposes, use the filter: advanced search. Three options will appear here:
– graphics for free use or sharing
– graphics for use, sharing or
modification
– graphics for commercial use –
these are the ones that you can easily put on your blog or use in publications.
When searching for images, it’s important to remember about their size and resolution. If you are going to use graphics on your website, make sure that it is saved correctly. Name it and put it in a folder on your computer. Images downloaded from Google very often have names that are limited, e.g. only to a set of numbers, and this will not affect positively e.g. the positioning of this graphic. Also pay attention to image quality and resolution. If you intend to use a photo, e.g. for publication on a blog or social media, check which dimensions will work best.
How are graphics added to Google and how do they affect website positioning?
It is not possible to add graphics directly to Google Graphics. All photos or images appear there after uploading to the website. The fact that a given image will appear higher or lower in searches depends largely on the positioning of the graphics, i.e. the aspects we described above. So if you want your image to be included in the search, take care of its quality and to describe it properly, using, among others, titles, captions, file names and adding text. Graphic positioning will also be affected by the website itself, where you will place it. If you care about valuable traffic that will flow from this graphic, please include its structural data in the description, i.e. Product, Film, Recipe. It often happens that we upload the image to the site without having a clue how important it is for our website and how many positive changes its quality and appropriate description can bring. So, before you upload a photo, read the Google tips!
