branding ensures that people will immediately relate your favicon to your website.
Follow Google’s guidelines regarding which format and size to use for your favicon. Google’s latest guidelines require favicons to maintain a 1:1 aspect ratio and a minimum size of 8×8 pixels. While the minimum size offers a baseline, Google strongly recommends using a resolution of at least 48×48 pixels to ensure clarity and visual appeal across various devices.
You should review and adjust your favicons to align with these guidelines. Make sure that your brand remains effectively represented in search results.
Do these have SEO benefits?
Are there real SEO benefits? The importance of these icons certainly increased since they are present in the search results. While adding a favicon won’t directly make your page rank higher, it might increase the click-through rate to your page when it is shown next to your URL in the search results. It adds professionalism to your site, enhancing user perception and trust. This might indirectly contribute to better engagement metrics.
Of course, this only works if people feel positively about your brand or website. In practice, you should invest time in holistic SEO: making your website (and product/service) awesome in every way!
Favicons in WordPress
If you use WordPress, you might know that there’s a favicon functionality in WordPress. You can use this default functionality without hassle. It’s located in the General Settings and is called Site Icon. Here, you can read step-by-step instructions on how to change your site’s favicon in WordPress.
These icons are small powerhouses
Favicons might be small, but they impact how people see your website. Your favicon can represent your brand by keeping your design simple and following the latest guidelines. It helps attract attention and makes your site look more professional. While they don’t directly boost search rankings, they can lead to higher click-through rates and better brand recognition. These benefits can support your overall SEO strategy. Spending a little time on a great icon can strengthen your connection with visitors.
Read more: 5 tips on branding »
Edwin is an experienced strategic content specialist. Before joining Yoast, he worked for a top-tier web design magazine, where he developed a keen understanding of how to create great content.
