Realization through experience
While working on my travel blog Travel Piq, I started noticing a persistent problem that pages were taking longer than expected to load. It wasn’t that the content lacked value but the user experience was being affected. And that’s when I decided to convert images to WebP in WordPress.
Like many bloggers, I use a lot of images to tell visual stories, especially in my travel posts.
During my research, I found that one of the contributing factors was image size. More specifically, I was using a lot of .jpg images, which are bulky, compared to newer formats like WebP. This led to a learning curve and a search for ways to increase my site speed and user experience without losing image quality.
Note: This is one of the reasons why page speed can be slow, not the only one. Hosting quality, theme structure, and plugin conflicts also matter.
Why Image Format Matters: It’s Not JPG’s Fault
Let me clarify – JPG isn’t a “main reason.” It’s a useful and versatile format. But for blogs, especially with dozens of high-resolution images, it does tend to slow down page load speed. With growing attention to performance (like Core Web Vitals), image optimization has become essential.
A better approach is to convert your images to WebP, which allows the same visual quality with a smaller file size. It doesn’t mean JPG is bad – it just means there’s a better alternative for web usage.
If you’re looking to convert images to WebP in WordPress, you’re on the right track for better site speed and SEO.
You can analyze your website’s loading speed and performance using Google PageSpeed Insights. It offers helpful metrics and suggestions to improve your site.
What is WebP and Why Is It Preferred?
WebP is a newer image format introduced by Google that helps reduce file size while keeping image quality intact. It offers:
- Both lossless and lossy compression
- Reduced file size (without affecting quality)
- Faster website loading times
- Transparency support like PNG
- SEO benefits due to improved performance
For anyone looking to convert images to WebP in WordPress, the benefits it offers can really help bloggers boost site performance.
For a content-heavy site like mine, WebP was a logical solution.
My Blogging Series of Mistakes & Fixes
This blog is part of my ongoing Mistakes & Improvements Series, where I share what went wrong in my blogging journey and how I fixed it. Check out:
All of them reflect real problems and solutions.
The Challenge of Manually Replacing Old Images
The issue wasn’t just uploading new WebP images. I had already written and published many blog posts with existing JPG images. Replacing them manually would mean:
- Downloading all images
- Converting them to WebP using an external tool
- Uploading them again one by one
- Replacing them in each post
If you’re wondering how to convert images to WebP in WordPress without this hassle—don’t worry, I’ve got you covered in the next section.
Decision to Use a Plugin
After testing various methods, I decided to try a free plugin named:
Converter for Media – Optimize images | Convert WebP & AVIF By Mateusz Gbiorczyk
You can read more and decide if this suits your site here:
Official Plugin Page → Converter for Media
This decision was based on my personal journey and research. I encourage you to explore all options before settling on one. If you’re ready to convert images to WebP in WordPress, this plugin simplifies the process.
How I Installed and Used the Plugin
Step-by-step setup
- Go to your WordPress Dashboard
- Navigate to Plugins > Add New
- Search: “Converter for Media – Optimize images | Convert WebP & AVIF”
- Install and activate
Configuration
- Set output format to WebP (you can also enable AVIF)
- Enable bulk conversion of existing media
- Choose compression level (I used Lossless)
Conversion
Once configured, click “Start Bulk Optimization” and the plugin starts converting your old images automatically.
With this setup, I could convert images to WebP in WordPress without touching each blog post individually.
After Installation: What Changed?
I didn’t experience a dramatic boost, but I noticed improvements in:
- Slightly faster image rendering
- Better user experience on mobile
- Improved page speed indicators on Google
I’m not going to hype it up. This is not magic, but it helped. Especially when combined with other optimizations.
This method to convert images to WebP in WordPress proved effective when paired with caching and other tools.
Other Tips That Helped Improve Speed
Image optimization was just one part of the puzzle. Here are others:
- Use a caching plugin (like WP Fastest Cache or LiteSpeed Cache)
- Implement lazy loading
- Resize images before upload
- Use a CDN
- Choose a lightweight theme
But the foundation was set when I decided to convert images to WebP in WordPress for better performance.
Why This Plugin Worked For Me
Pros
- Free and easy to use
- Retains original images
- Converts in bulk
- Doesn’t break layout or gallery
Cons
- Some themes may not support AVIF or WebP fully
- Not a complete solution; pair it with caching/CDN
And remember, I use it because it suits my current needs. You may have different preferences, so compare and test before deciding. But for most bloggers, the easiest way to convert images to WebP in WordPress is through a plugin like this.
What I Learned from This Mistake
Mistakes are the best teachers. Here’s what I learned:
- Don’t ignore image sizes
- Speed affects SEO and user trust
- There are always free tools to help you start
- Keep testing and improving
And most importantly, never underestimate how much your blog will benefit when you convert images to WebP in WordPress.
Amazon Products That Help Bloggers
Here are some Amazon products I personally find useful as a travel blogger and content creator:
Affiliate Note: These are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, it supports my blogging journey at no extra cost to you.
FAQs
A modern image format by Google with smaller size and same quality.
Yes, especially with plugins to convert images to WebP in WordPress.
No, if you choose lossless conversion.
No, this plugin keeps originals.
Yes, easily convert images to WebP in WordPress with the plugin.
No, there are many other optimizations.
Yes, but with some limitation
Rarely, but test to be safe.
Yes, it helps with performance.
Definitely, indirectly.
Dive Deeper into Travel + Blogging on My Website
If you’re a fellow blogger or someone who just enjoys travel and digital stories, don’t stop here. I’ve shared tons of helpful content on Travel Piq
- From real travel experiences to practical blogging lessons
- From earning tips to photography and gear insights
- All written with honesty, storytelling, and personal journey
Don’t miss out! Read my Travel Blogs and Blogging Tips – perfect if you’re chasing freedom, growth, and a life beyond 9-to-5.
Cheers to New Adventures: Join Us at Travel Piq
Hello all adventurous travelers!
Thank you all for joining me on this wonderful journey through the blog of “Convert Images to WebP in WordPress without Losing Quality”
At Travel Piq, we are all about sharing our passion for travel, photography and exploring new places. Whether you are planning your next vacation or just love absorbing travel inspiration, you will find plenty to satisfy your travel cravings here.
Connect with us
Don’t forget to connect with us on social media! It’s the best way to stay updated on our latest adventures, photography tips.
Discover new additions to our vibrant stock image collection. Capture the essence of your travels with high-quality images. These images bring destinations to life and are available for purchase right here on our website.
Plus, you’ll be part of a vibrant community of fellow travel enthusiasts who share your excitement for exploring the world.
Until next time, keep snapping those pictures, keep exploring new horizons, and keep making memories that last a lifetime.
Safe travels, and see you soon on Travel Piq!
