4 ways to reduce costs and improve ROI with image optimization and Strapi

Image optimization, often overlooked, is emerging as a key technology in driving cost savings. In this article, we will explore the 4 reasons why image optimization helps businesses reduce costs and immediately improve their productivity.

Reason 1: Image optimization increases revenue

Revenue is the first component of any ROI analysis. For businesses looking to increase profitability and maximize the effectiveness of their websites and apps, boosting conversion is paramount.

Faster Page Speed and Higher Conversions By using visual media processing, businesses can achieve faster page speeds, which leads to higher conversion rates. According to a study by Amazon, for every 100ms improvement in page speed, there is a 1% incremental revenue increase. As images are overall the biggest contributors to page weight across the internet, optimizing images is crucial to achieving faster page speeds. Between June 2012 to June 2022, the median page weight increased by 221%, or 1.6 MB, for desktop page loads, 594%, or 1.7 MB for mobile page loads.

If you haven’t optimized your images, your image sizing could contribute to page bloat and slower loading times. The best image processing tools can intelligently compress images, serve them at the optimal sizes and Device Pixel Ratios (dpr), and take advantage of modern formats like AVIF where possible. Finally, if you use a powerful visual media CDN that natively optimizes images, you can ensure fast image and video delivery, no matter where your users are and what devices they use.

Improved SEO Image optimization can also improve SEO by reducing the time it takes for a page to load. With Google's Core Web Vitals, fast page speeds are crucial for search engine ranking. In a study by Neil Patel, a 20% slower page speed can mean the difference between position 6 and position 1 on search engine result pages. Additionally, a faster page speed can decrease the bounce rate, which further improves SEO.

More Responsive Design User experience is a crucial factor for conversion rate optimization. A responsive design that delivers quality visual media across all devices can significantly improve the user experience. This, in turn, leads to higher conversion rates and more revenue. With advanced optimization software, you can automatically adjust image resolutions and page design compositions.

Reason 2: Best-in-class visual media processing reduces bandwidth costs

Delivering content using legacy providers can carry a hefty price. Legacy CDNs often don’t include image optimization by default. And when they do, the service is very basic and layered under complicated pricing. This often leads to sub-optimization, bloated bandwidth consumption, and, ultimately, much higher costs. In contrast, platforms like imgix can easily reduce monthly bandwidth costs by up to 90% with fast content delivery and robust visual media optimization.

• For starters, you can automatically convert your images from JPEG or PNG to a next-gen format, such as AVIF. Unsplash deployed this type of conversion and slashed their image weights by nearly 60% with no loss in quality.

• Next, you can automatically compress and resize images. Using the imgix Rendering API, we reduce the image size by 93% in this example using just 3 simple imgix operations.

• Furthermore, adaptive bitrate streaming can ensure the best video quality for all users at every possible bandwidth.

• Finally, advanced platforms like imgix use Brotli to compress non-image elements, including HTML, CSS, and Javascript. On average, Brotli offers 82% compression rates.

Reason 3: On-the-fly image processing reduces storage costs

With the proliferation of visual content, cloud storage is another fast-growing cost item. If you use a backend processing solution, your storage costs could quickly multiply.

Our analysis below compares two scenarios for a business. If the business uses a backend processing solution, it can optimize the derivative files down by 75% from the originals, resulting in an average size of 0.5 MB per image. But if this business generates 10 derivative files per original image, it will lead to 700,000 GB in monthly storage consumption. What's dangerous is that the cost can skyrocket quickly if this company generates more original images each month.

In contrast, an on-the-fly solution has the advantage of transforming images without creating derivative copies. As a result, it consumes only 200,000 GB of storage, a 71% reduction compared to the backend solution. If you pay $0.022 per GB for storage, which is the blended rate of Amazon S3, you can save up to $10,800 per month using on-the-fly image processing tools.

Reason 4: Best-in-class visual media processing saves time

The final cost component, time, is often the most important yet intractable. Visual media workflow, from creation, transformation, reviewing, optimization, and delivery, can be extremely time-consuming and effort-intense. Even the most agile and coordinated teams can be mired in repetitive tasks without the right tools.

The right visual media platform can save time and eliminate repetitive work for engineers, designers, and marketers, so they can focus on revenue-driving activities.

• With a proven solution that’s out-of-the-box, engineers can avoid the hassle of building, troubleshooting, and cobbling together custom packages. Instead, they can focus on building the core applications. With imgix, you can automatically take advantage of the latest optimizations, generate srcset attributes, process user-generated images, and more.

• Designers can focus on coming up with the most creative ideas and bringing them to fruition, instead of tediously generating derivative files. For example, with the imgix Video API, designers no longer need to manually create video thumbnails, preview gifs, or storyboards. With background removal and replacement, designers can highlight products and adopt imagery based on the seasons and latest trends. With generative fill AI, marketers can tailor their images to any aspect ratio and generate the pixels needed to transform their vision into the ideal format for diverse platform requirements.

• With the Strapi imgix plug-in, you can easily integrate imgix directly in the Strapi Media library for an easy-to-configure in-app experience

Techniques for Reducing GIF MB Size

Use Online Compression Tools
Online platforms like EZGIF and Compress-Or-Die offer straightforward solutions for shrinking GIFs. Upload, adjust settings, and download a leaner GIF—no fuss required.

Optimize with Software
For more control, software like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP allows detailed adjustments. Tweak color depth and dithering for optimal balance between size and quality.

Convert Formats
Converting GIFs to formats like MP4 can drastically reduce size without losing quality. CloudConvert handles this transition smoothly, making GIFs more Discord-friendly.

Resize Dimensions
Smaller resolutions mean fewer pixels and a reduced file size. This method works wonders for GIFs that don't need high resolution.

Lower Frame Rate
Reducing frame rate can also help. While it might affect smoothness, it's a worthy trade-off for a GIF that uploads without issues.

Choosing the Right Compression Tool

Feature Comparison
Look for tools with batch processing, adjustable compression levels, and previews. EZGIF and Compress-Or-Die are notable for their robust features.

Ease of Use
Select intuitive tools with clean interfaces for a hassle-free experience.

Privacy and Security
Ensure tools delete files post-processing and encrypt data during transfers.

Compatibility
Choose tools that align with Discord's requirements, optimizing GIFs for social media platforms if needed.

Conclusion

Visual media optimization is essential if you are looking to reduce costs and improve ROI. Platforms like imgix increase your revenue by increasing conversion rate, improving SEO, and automating responsive designs. Furthermore, you can reduce costs significantly by decreasing bandwidth consumption, cutting storage costs, and saving valuable time.

Image Optimization for Cost Reduction

Image optimization, beyond Discord, drives cost savings and boosts productivity. Let's explore four reasons why it's beneficial for businesses.

Reason 1: Increases Revenue

Faster Page Speed
Optimized images boost page speed, enhancing conversion rates. Amazon's study shows a 1% revenue increase per 100ms speed improvement.

Improved SEO
Optimized images improve SEO by reducing load times. Faster pages rank higher on search engines, as shown by Neil Patel's study.

Responsive Design
Quality visuals across devices improve user experience, leading to higher conversions.

Reason 2: Reduces Bandwidth Costs

Legacy CDNs can be costly. Platforms like imgix reduce bandwidth costs by up to 90% with advanced media optimization.

• Convert images to next-gen formats like AVIF for weight reduction.
• Compress and resize images using imgix's Rendering API.
• Use adaptive bitrate streaming for optimal video quality.
• Leverage Brotli for compressing non-image elements.

Reason 3: Reduces Storage Costs

On-the-fly image processing saves storage costs by transforming images without creating duplicates. This approach significantly cuts storage use compared to backend solutions.

Reason 4: Saves Time

Efficient media platforms save time for engineers, designers, and marketers, allowing focus on revenue-driving activities. Tools like the imgix Strapi plugin integrate seamlessly for streamlined media management.

Getting Started Resources

Follow imgix Quick Start Guide Install imgix Strapi plugin