If your WordPress website is still using JPEG or PNG images, you’re missing out on faster load times, better SEO rankings, and improved user experience. WebP – a modern image format developed by Google – offers superior compression without sacrificing quality, making it a must-have for any high-performing site.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ What WebP is and why it’s better than JPEG/PNG
✅ How WebP improves site speed & SEO
✅ How to convert your images to WebP (plugins & tools)
✅ Why fast hosting matters for image optimisation
What Is WebP?
WebP is a next-gen image format that provides:
✔ Smaller file sizes (25-35% smaller than JPEG/PNG)
✔ Same (or better) quality with advanced compression
✔ Transparency & animation support (like PNG/GIF)
Developed by Google, it’s now supported by all major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
3 Reasons to Switch to WebP for WordPress
1. Faster Page Load Times
- Large images slow down your site—WebP cuts file sizes dramatically.
- Example: A 500KB JPEG can shrink to under 200KB as WebP with no visible quality loss.
- Faster load times = better user experience & lower bounce rates.
🚀 Pro Tip: Pair WebP with a fast WordPress host like our optimised NZ hosting plans for maximum speed.
2. Better SEO Rankings
Google’s Core Web Vitals penalise slow-loading sites. Since WebP improves:
✔ Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)
✔ Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)
…it directly boosts your search rankings.
🔍 Bonus: Google prefers sites using modern formats like WebP.
3. Lower Bandwidth Usage
- WebP reduces server load, saving bandwidth (critical for mobile users).
- Great for eCommerce sites with lots of product images.
How to Convert Images to WebP in WordPress
Option 1: Use a Plugin (Easiest Method)
- ShortPixel or EWWW Image Optimizer – Automatically converts uploads to WebP.
- WebP Express – Creates WebP versions while keeping originals.
Option 2: Manual Conversion (For Bulk Images)
- Use free tools like:
- Squoosh.app (Google’s online tool)
- Photoshop (Save As > WebP)
- Convertio (Batch conversion)
- Upload WebP files to WordPress.
Option 3: Let Your Hosting Handle It
Some optimised WordPress hosts (like ours) auto-convert images to WebP at the server level.
Important: Check Browser Compatibility
While 96% of browsers support WebP (CanIUse.com), some older devices don’t. Solutions:
✔ Use a plugin like WebP Express to serve WebP only to supported browsers.
✔ Keep original JPEG/PNG as fallbacks.
Maximize WebP Benefits with Fast Hosting
Even with WebP, slow hosting can bottleneck performance. Our WordPress Hosting Plans include:
✅ Server-level caching (faster image delivery)
✅ Free CDN integration (global speed boost)
✅ Automatic optimisations (less manual work)
Ready to Speed Up Your WordPress Site?
Switching to WebP is one of the easiest wins for performance and SEO.
🚀 Need help optimising your site? Get a Free Speed Audit from our NZ experts!
FAQ
Q: Will WebP hurt my image quality?
A: No! WebP uses smart compression – quality stays high even at smaller sizes.
Q: Do I need to replace all old images?
A: Not necessarily. Plugins can auto-convert new uploads while gradually optimising old ones.
Q: Does WebP work with all WordPress themes?
A: Yes, but some caching plugins need configuration. We can help!
Upgrade your site’s performance today – start using WebP! 🚀