Stop Overlooking Image Alt Text!

Why Alt Text is a Must for SEO

Elevating your website’s search engine rankings involves more than just keyword-rich content and backlinks; it includes optimizing every component—right down to the images. Alt text, short for ‘alternative text,’ provides a text description which helps search engines and assistive technologies understand image content. This often-overlooked detail is crucial for both accessibility and SEO. In this exploration of image alt text, we uncover why it’s an indispensable tool for anyone serious about boosting their online presence.

Understanding Image Alt Text

Alt text serves as a concise description attached to an image on a website, fulfilling two primary functions: accessibility and SEO. Specifically, for individuals with visual impairments, alt text is read by screen readers as a substitute for images, conveying the content visually depicted. For SEO, alt text aids search engines in understanding the image’s context and its relevance to the surrounding content, thereby enhancing your site’s visibility in search results.

Best Practices for Writing Image Alt Text

1. Be Descriptive and Specific

Provide a clear and detailed description of what the image shows, emphasizing details pertinent to your content. For instance, for an e-commerce site, instead of “shoe,” use “Red women’s running shoe with reflective stripes.”

2. Keep the Alt Text Concise

Aim for descriptions under 125 characters as screen readers typically cut off alt text at this length.

3. Incorporate Keywords Strategically

When relevant, include keywords that align with the image and the SEO targets of your page. Ensure the usage feels natural—avoid keyword stuffing as it can negatively impact your SEO.

4. Avoid Redundant Phrases

Eliminate unnecessary phrases like “image of,” as screen readers already indicate the content type. Instead, go straight into describing the image itself.

5. Use Proper Context

Ensure that the alt text complements the topic discussed on the page and enhances the reader’s understanding.

Examples to Guide You

To clarify these guidelines, here are specific examples tailored to different website contexts:

For a culinary blog

“A chef preparing sushi at a high-end Japanese restaurant” provides a vivid description that enhances both SEO and user understanding.

For a travel blog

“Panoramic sunset view over Santorini, showcasing white-washed buildings with blue domes” captures the essence of the image and the allure of the destination.

For a technology-focused site

“Infographic comparing iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy S21 features side-by-side” offers precise and useful information about the image content.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Leaving Image Alt Text Blank

This misses a significant opportunity for SEO. Moreover, without alt text, you lose a valuable chance to be properly indexed by search engines for the image content.

Generic Descriptions

Avoid vague descriptions such as “photo” or “image.” These do not provide any context or value to search engines or users.

Over-Optimizing Image Alt Text

While keywords are important, over-optimizing alt text with keyword stuffing can lead to penalties from search engines. Keep it natural and relevant.

Ignoring Branding Opportunities

If the image is directly related to your brand, include your brand name in the alt text where appropriate. This can enhance brand recognition and relevance in search results.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while alt text was originally devised as a means to enhance web accessibility for visually impaired users, its role has evolved significantly over time. It not only facilitates a better web experience by allowing screen readers to describe images but also plays a crucial role in SEO by helping search engines understand and index image content. As such, alt text stands as a vital component of both accessible web design and effective SEO strategy.

By embracing thoughtful, descriptive alt text, businesses and content creators can ensure their digital content is both inclusive and optimized for search engines. Partner with us at Digital Rise Lab to master these essential skills, ensuring your website reaches its full potential in both visibility and accessibility.

For more insights on creating effective alt text for accessibility, you can read this comprehensive guide from Harvard’s Digital Accessibility site: Describing Content in Images.

---