How To Win The SEO Game with ALT Text

What is ALT Text and Why Should You Care?

ALT text, or "alternative text," refers to the written description of an image that appears on a web page when the image cannot be displayed. It plays a pivotal role in improving the accessibility and SEO of your website.

ALT text helps visually impaired individuals using screen readers understand the content of images. It also informs search engines what the image is about, contributing to your website's ranking in search results.

How to Craft Effective ALT Text

Keep it Concise and Clear

Aim for ALT text that is brief and easy to comprehend. Describe the image's essential elements, avoiding unnecessary details or jargon.

Be Descriptive and Accurate

Provide a detailed description of the image's content, focusing on its primary purpose or function. Avoid generic terms like "image" or "photo." Instead, specify the objects, people, or actions depicted.

For example, instead of writing "Image of a cat," use "A playful tabby cat sits on a windowsill." Avoid biased or subjective language.

Use Keywords Sparingly

While it's beneficial to incorporate relevant keywords into your ALT text, avoid keyword stuffing. Search engines prioritize the accuracy and relevance of your descriptions over keyword density.

Consider Context

Keep the surrounding text and the image's purpose in mind when writing ALT text. Ensure consistency between the image's description and the page's content.

How ALT Text Contributes to SEO

Improved Search Ranking

Search engines use ALT text to understand the content and context of images on your website. By providing descriptive ALT text, you enhance the relevance of your page to specific search queries.

Accessibility Compliance

Compliant ALT text makes your website accessible to all users, including those with visual impairments. This not only improves the user experience but also fulfills legal requirements and ethical obligations.

Conclusion

Optimizing your ALT text is essential for boosting your website's accessibility, SEO, and overall user experience. By adhering to the best practices outlined in this article, you can effectively convey the content of your images to both users and search engines, leading to improved search rankings, increased website traffic, and a more inclusive online presence.

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