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The Ultimate Guide to Favicons: SEO, Size, and Format

Published by on in category SEO

Favicon examples and SEO benefits

Unlock the Secrets of Favicons: Boost Your SEO and Web Design

Welcome to our ultimate guide about favicons, small but mighty elements that influence both SEO and user experience. From their impact on search engine rankings to design best practices and file formats, we'll cover it all. So, whether you're new to SEO or a seasoned developer, this guide provides valuable insights into the world of favicons.

Does a Favicon Improve SEO?

Impact of favicon on SEO

While not a direct ranking factor, having a favicon can potentially improve your website's SEO. This is because Google attempts to access the favicon's URL when crawling a site. Missing favicons may result in 404 errors, which could be seen as poor site maintenance.

What is the Optimal Resolution for a Favicon?

Optimal favicon resolution

The ideal resolution for favicons is 16x16 pixels. However, it's recommended to create favicons in multiple sizes to ensure they appear correctly across various platforms and devices.

PNG vs ICO: Which Format to Use?

PNG versus ICO for favicon

Both PNG and ICO formats are commonly used for favicons. ICO is supported by all major browsers and is generally smaller in size. PNG is more commonly used for iOS, Android, and Windows 10 devices. Choose the format that best suits your audience's needs.

Best DPI for a Favicon

Best DPI for favicon

For a favicon, a resolution of 72 DPI (Dots Per Inch) is generally adequate. This is the standard web image resolution and is suitable for most applications.

Optimal Favicon Size for SEO

Optimal favicon size for SEO

For SEO purposes, it is advised that your favicon should be a multiple of 48x48 pixels, such as 48x48px, 96x96px, or 144x144px. SVG files are also supported, but their URL should remain stable.

Is ICO Format for Favicon Outdated?

Is ICO format for favicon outdated

Although ICO was widely used in the past, modern browsers support other formats like PNG, GIF, and even SVG. ICO is not necessarily outdated, but PNG has become the more popular choice due to its versatility.

SVG or PNG: Which is Better?

SVG or PNG for favicon

SVG offers flexibility but is not universally supported across all browsers. PNG is the safer choice, especially when considering SEO. Google recommends using an icon that is a multiple of 48x48 pixels for best results.

Boost Your SEO and User Experience with Favicons

As you've learned, favicons have a subtle yet significant impact on your website's SEO and user experience. While they may not be direct ranking factors, they contribute to site health and should be optimized accordingly. Choose the right size, resolution, and format for your favicon to maximize its benefits. With this guide, you're well-equipped to make informed decisions.

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