Alt text (alternative text) is a textual description of an image on a website that appears when the image cannot be displayed or if the user is using a screen reader. This element is not only useful for accessibility but also plays a crucial role in SEO optimization, helping search engines better understand the content of images on your website.
What is Alt Text?
Alt text is a short description that explains the content of an image. When an image cannot be displayed (due to loading issues or the use of assistive technologies like screen readers), the alt text is shown in place of the image. Screen readers use alt text to help users with visual impairments understand the content of images.
Why is Alt Text Important for SEO?
Search engines like Google cannot “see” images on a website, so they rely on alt text to understand what images represent. Well-crafted alt text helps in the following ways:
- Improves search engine rankings: If an image has relevant alt text, it’s more likely to appear in image search results, potentially bringing additional traffic to your site.
- Optimization for keywords: Alt text is a great place to include relevant keywords related to the page’s content, which boosts SEO.
- Better indexing of content: Search engines can better understand the context of an image on the page and relate it to the overall content of the site.
How to Write Good Alt Text?
- Be precise and descriptive: Make sure your alt text clearly describes what’s in the image. For example, instead of “image1”, write “brown cat sleeping on a sofa”.
- Use keywords, but don’t overdo it: Adding keywords can help SEO, but overusing them can make the text seem spammy. Ensure your alt text is natural and relevant.
- Keep it short and clear: Alt text should be concise yet informative. The ideal length is around 8 to 12 words.
- Don’t use “image” or “photo” in alt text: It’s redundant since search engines already recognize it’s an image. Focus on describing what the image depicts.
Alt Text and Accessibility
For people with visual impairments, alt text enables them to understand the content of images on a website. By using proper alt text, you allow them to enjoy your site’s content just as much as other users. This contributes to making your website more inclusive.
Conclusion
Alt text is not just for users with visual impairments—it’s also crucial for SEO optimization on your website. Proper use of alt text can help improve your search engine rankings and increase the accessibility of your site. Be sure to add descriptive alt text to every image on your website and focus on quality, not just quantity.
For additional information or help, feel free to contact us at webpark@carpen-rebuild.hr .
