Does including images on a webpage improve it’s chances of ranking higher up the SERPs within Yandex?
This is a debate that has been around the forums for as long as Yandex has probably been around. We know that images can help create great, engaging content, but is the consensus that images have a direct benefit?
As side benefits, we know that user engagement metrics play a part in the algorithm – this is why the PF filter exists – and we know that Yandex is a lot stricter than Google when it comes to duplicate, over-optimized, and spammy content pieces.
So where do webmasters stand on images? Do unique images correlate with better rankings? The consensus from the latest round of forum chatter is yes.
_________________________________________________
Maxim-KL of MaximGroups.net:
They do, but not in the same way that links do.
Lastwarrior (anon):
They can, precisely due to the fact that they are unique for search engines, but then, if such pictures are not liked by users, then search engines will drop such pages in the SERP, giving way to others with higher rates of behavioral factors.
oxojeck (anon):
Low frequencies have a good effect, but if the pictures are completely unique, and not copied from somewhere else.
Arkvel (anon):
Yes, good presentation of the article affects the promotion. Pictures (unique – even better), normal formatting, headings, tables, quotes – only a plus.