Separate images (.jpg) or background images (.css) for list pages?

[AdenaSEO]

Hi,

We all know that you should optimize your images as much as possible. We're talking about filesize, filename, alt tag, etc....

If we take a look at large websites with large listpages (overview pages / categorypages) I wonder, what the best practice is regarding images.

What is your view on listpages / overview pages?
So, I'm talking about a page with 40 products in a certain category, or 25 holiday homes in a certain region.

Is it negative / bad for SEO when using background images (which are loaded through CSS and optimizing the seperate elements is not possible) instead of using 'normal' optimized images (for example .jpg images wich do have optimized filenames, alt tags, etc..).

Will it negatively impact listpages / overview pages?
What are your thoughts?

Regards,
Tom

[jasongmcmahon]

In my opinion, the 'normal' optimised images would be better because this would allow you to insert keywords in both the image name & alt tag. In both instances, I always recommend that you name the image file name using a keyword. In all instances make the images as small as possible WRT file size, that faster your site loads; the more Google will 'reward' you.