We all know that plagiarism is an awful thing that can negatively affect SEO and site rankings. Well, it is not only about the textual data but also about visual data that people usually ignore. Today's hot question is: Does Google act similarly - if someone steals your images or you post someone's images to your site? Whether you post a blog on guest posting sites, social media post, or any other content online to any channel. If your content is not unique - no one pays attention to it, and if we dig deeper into the context of your site SEO, the thing will remain the same.
In short, duplicate images will negatively affect your SEO. Now, the question is what would be Google's move if it finds your visual content copied. These things will get clear in this post, where we will introduce you to the basics and reverse image search techniques that can help you a lot. So, don't rush or ignore. Scroll down and read on!
What Are Duplicate Images?
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Duplicate images are visual content that’s related or precise copies of content on other sites or various web pages on the same site. Having large numbers of duplicate images on a site can negatively impact SEO and of course Google rankings. Biz Glide also created a complete guide on main SEO reasons for dropping website rankings.
In simple words:
Duplicate images are content that is the same as the content that seems on any place online.
How Does Duplicate Images Impact SEO? - Google's Actions!
In general, Google does not wish to put pages on the rank list containing duplicate content. A recent study showed that Google tries actively to index and display pages with dissimilar info. So if you have pages on your site with outwardly dissimilar information (whether textual or visual) it can damage your search engine rankings. Back in 2013, when Google stated that no page will be ranked containing copied images. Well, that setting has not been changed yet! Google will penalize your site, and all of your efforts will move to trash.
Duplicate Images not only confuses Google. But also people who came across your sites. It can force Google to pick the identical pages it tries to rank in the top results. Besides, everybody will call you a cheater, and this can ruin your reputation. It is just one of the multiple reasons duplicate images are bad for SEO. Here are some more points that will help you know the negative effects of duplicate images on websites.
1: Duplicate Images Affects User Experience
Imagine you are a user who has come across a site where you noticed some of its images or infographics are similar to others. What would be the impression of that site on you? Of course, you won't get impressed and return to your scrolling. That's what your audience does when they find your site images stolen. Pictures are flooding over the web, and anyone can steal them without your permission. You have to make sure from time to time that your site contains no plagiarized images. If you do not pay attention, it would negatively affect user experience (UX) and site rankings.
2: Duplicate Images Ruins Content Value
Many people put hours into research on content optimization and jot down a long-form article on their sites. But one thing they usually ignore is putting the unique images in the content. People don't know that photos play with emotions when the reader is reading your content. If the reader finds your pictures plagiarized or copied, it will give a wrong impression, and they will end up leaving a wrong comment. It will ruin your content value, your efforts, time, and money!
3: Duplicate Images Affects Website Rankings
We all know that Google takes action on the recommendations of online users, and that is why you have to play safely. Duplicate images are similar to duplicate text, Google finds it difficult to rank any of the content that contains the pieces of duplicity in any context. So, whether it is your audience who tells Google or bots who noticed - what's going wrong, plagiarized photos can ruin everything. Your site will be thrown to the lower section of the SERPs, and there will be no chance of returning. So, be careful and post original pics on image submission sites.
Reverse Image Search: A Technique that can keep you safe!
Apart from everything, let's assume a life - in which you can determine who has grabbed your images and where it is circulating. Don't you think it would be a blessing? Come back to the reality now where we want you to know that reverse image search has made this possible. Reverse photo search is a modern technique of search engines that lets you drop a particular image to grab the same and similar results in return.
End Words!
So, readers! What are your thoughts now? Keep a starry eye on your images because anyone can steal them anytime. Consider the discussed things and play safe!