Introduction
Images make your content visually appealing and easier to understand. However, search engines cannot "see" images the way humans do. That’s where alt text (alternative text) plays a critical role. In this article, you’ll learn what alt text is, why it’s essential for SEO and accessibility, and how to use it correctly.
What is Alt Text?
Alt text is a short description added to an image’s HTML tag that explains the content of the image. It serves two main purposes:
Accessibility: Screen readers use alt text to describe images to visually impaired users.
SEO: Search engines use alt text to understand and index image content.
Example:
Why Alt Text is Important in SEO
Improves Image Search Rankings:
Google Image Search drives a large amount of traffic. Alt text helps your images appear in search results.Boosts Page Relevance:
When images have meaningful alt text, it reinforces the topic of the page.Faster Indexing:
Alt text gives search engines context about non-text content, improving your crawlability.Helps with Accessibility Compliance:
Websites must be accessible to all users. Alt text ensures visually impaired users understand the image’s purpose.
Best Practices for Writing Alt Text
Be Descriptive but Concise:
Describe the image in a clear and relevant way.❌ Bad:
image1.jpg✅ Good:
Illustration of a mobile SEO strategy
Include Keywords Naturally:
Use keywords where appropriate, but avoid keyword stuffing.✅ Example:
Google Search Console dashboard showing site performance metrics
Avoid Redundant Phrases:
Don’t say "Image of..." or "Picture of..." — it’s obvious.❌ "Image of a man working on laptop"
✅ "Man working on laptop at coworking space"
Skip Alt Text for Decorative Images:
If the image is purely decorative, leave thealtattribute empty (alt="") so screen readers can skip it.Match the Image Purpose:
Ensure your alt text explains the image’s role in the context of the content.
How to Add Alt Text
In HTML:
In WordPress:
When uploading an image in the Media Library, fill in the "Alt Text" field.
In CMS platforms (like Shopify, Wix, etc.):
Look for the "Alt Text" or "Image Description" field when uploading images.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Keyword Stuffing:
Forcing keywords unnaturally can harm SEO.❌ "SEO, on-page SEO, technical SEO, SEO strategies"
Generic Text:
Vague descriptions don’t help users or search engines.❌ "Nice image" or "Screenshot"
Empty or Missing Alt Attributes:
Ignoring alt tags leaves out valuable SEO and accessibility improvements.
Alt Text vs. Title Tag
Alt Text is used for accessibility and SEO.
Title Tag for images is optional and mostly used for hover tooltips — it has less SEO value.
Benefits of Optimized Alt Text
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| Improved SEO | Better image and page ranking |
| Enhanced Accessibility | Helps visually impaired users |
| Better User Experience | Supports understanding of content |
| Increased Traffic | More visibility in image search |
Conclusion
Alt text is a small but powerful element in on-page SEO. When used strategically, it can boost both your visibility in search engines and your site's accessibility. Always write descriptive, keyword-rich, and user-friendly alt text for every image on your site. This small habit leads to better SEO results and a more inclusive experience for all users.