Favicon and SEO: why do you need a small label on a website?

The small icon that appears in front of the site name in the browser bookmark is known to many. This miniature element, although often unnoticed, has become an integral part of any resource. Previously, the favicon was treated as an unimportant detail, used simply to fill empty space, but these days, when every improvement matters to conversion, the favicon serves an important role. This is not only a branding element, but also a factor that search engines take into account.

What is a favicat?

For those who are not familiar with this term, let us explain: a favicon is a graphic element (16x16 pixels in size) that is placed in the site code and displayed in search results next to the title. Most often, a logo or a simple picture (letter, number or icon) is used. In order for search engines and other services to recognize this file as a favicon, it should be named “favicon.ico”.

Interestingly, support for favicons began in the distant past, when this format first began to work in the Internet Explorer 5 browser. Initially, favicons served exclusively for technical needs and were a simple label for website addresses. Eventually, in the early 2000s, they were officially included in -markup as a standard element.

What is a favicon for?

Although the favicon was originally an element for user convenience, its role now goes beyond the technical aspect. It is important for both end users and search engines. Let's consider where and how the favicon is used, and whether it is possible to do without it.

• Helps you remember the site. At a time when finding a short and accessible domain is becoming increasingly difficult, a bright and visible favicon helps users remember the site, even if its name is long and unclear.
• Makes it easier to search among many tabs. When there are many tabs open in the browser (30-40 at a time), having a memorable favicon helps you quickly find the site you need. Likewise, in your browsing history, it's preferable to search by shortcut rather than scroll through dozens of URLs.
• Highlights the site in search results. In some search engines, the favicon is displayed in a snippet (for example, in Yandex). This allows your site to stand out from others, which increases click-through rates and therefore conversions.

Installing a favicon on the site

To begin, select an image to use as your favicon and rename it favicon.ico. It is recommended to use PNG format to avoid white background. The most common icon size is 16x16 pixels, but other formats exist:

• 32x32 - for older versions of Internet Explorer and Safari;
• 57x57 - for iPhone devices;
• 72x72 - for iPad tablets;
• 114x114 - for high-quality Retina screens;
• 144x144 - for iPad with Retina display.

Once the image is prepared and renamed, it needs to be uploaded to the root of the site using an FTP client or hosting panel. Check that the favicon is available at: sitename.ru/favicon.ico.

To add a favicon to -code, use the following template: . It is important to note that for older versions of IE browsers you may need to add the attribute rel="shortcoat icon".

If your site is targeted at Apple mobile devices, add the attribute rel="apple-touch-icon"so that the favicon is displayed correctly on iPhone and in the list of frequently visited sites on MacOS.

Which image to choose for the favicon?

Choosing an image for your favicon is important because it is what will be associated with your site. A good favicon should be simple but memorable. Let's look at several types of favicons:

• Simple images. For example, letters, numbers or geometric shapes. Such images are easy to recognize and remember, especially if other sites use complex or small elements.
• Thematic images. For some areas (medicine, construction, etc.) it is logical to use recognizable symbols, such as a cross or a helmet. It is important that users can quickly associate these images with your site.
• Brand book elements. If your company has a brand book, you can use its elements, for example, a logo. However, keep in mind that a complex logo may be difficult to see in a small format.
• Contrasting images. If most sites in search results use similar favicons, a contrasting element will help you stand out among competitors and attract the attention of users.

Conclusions

Despite its small size, a favicon is of great importance for a website. It helps in resource identification and improves user experience. Its use improves the convenience of searching, especially when opening many tabs. In order to improve the visibility of a site in search results and increase click-through rates, it is recommended to pay attention to the choice of favicon and its correct configuration.

For additional consultations on SEO and web development, you can contact the SEO COMPUTER studio for any question by email info@seo.computer.

ID 1687