I created this video to show how to add and optimize featured images for your WordPress posts — a simple task that can have a huge impact on click-through rates, shareability, and visual branding.
Featured images are what show up in:
- Your blog homepage and archive pages
- Social media previews (Twitter/X, Facebook, LinkedIn)
- Google Discover and rich snippets
Yet so many people either skip them or upload the wrong size and format. Here’s how to do it properly.
Step 1: Choose the right image
Your featured image should:
- Represent the content clearly
- Be high-quality (but optimized)
- Have a consistent look across your brand
In the video, I show how I design mine in Canva, using a simple branded template that keeps font, colors, and layout consistent.
Step 2: Upload it to your post
While editing a post in WordPress, go to the right sidebar and scroll down to Featured Image. Click Set featured image, upload your file, and hit Set.
Make sure the image size is appropriate. I recommend:
- 1200 x 628 px for horizontal layouts (perfect for sharing)
- PNG or JPG under 250KB for faster load times
Step 3: Add alt text and title
When uploading, always add:
- Alt text for accessibility and SEO
- A short title that matches your post topic
Bonus tip: I use RankMath’s social preview feature to test how the featured image looks on Twitter and Facebook.
Step 4: Test the display
Not all WordPress themes treat featured images the same. Some display them above the post, some don’t show them at all. You can check your theme settings under Appearance > Customize to control this.
In the video, I also show how to use OG image debugger tools to make sure your featured image is showing up correctly on social platforms.
Are you using branded, strategic featured images — or just uploading stock photos as an afterthought?