According to the adage, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” But what if you can’t see it?
Images are found all over the web, with most sites using them to break up the monotony of text, provide clarity, or get the point across. Regardless of how it is used, that image plays an important role.
So, what is Alt Text?
Alt text is a description of an image in text form. For those with visual impairments, this is an accessibility feature used with screen readers while surfing the net. But, its magical power doesn’t stop there as alt text is also an important part of SEO for your website.
Never heard of it? That’s ok! Let’s look at what alt text is and how having proper image descriptions can elevate SEO and accessibility.
Understanding Alt Text
Alt text (or alt tags) are brief descriptions that are usually written in HTML when designing your site. They have two main purposes — accessibility and SEO.
Visually impaired users gain an understanding of the images on your website when using screen readers. Not only will this allow you to feel confident that you are complying with any accessibility standards, but alt text also increases the user experience. What’s more, having these descriptions can speak volumes for inclusion as it relates to your website and your company.
But its purpose goes even deeper.
When used properly, alt text can be highly beneficial for SEO. Search engines can understand the image and more accurately index the content on your website, making it essential for those seeking a higher ranking in search results.
As businesses create their digital marketing strategy, the effective use of alt text should never be an afterthought.
Can Alt-Text Really Help SEO? How?
As search engines crawl through your website, they are soaking up everything. Well, everything except your images.
When you include text with your images, you can relay more in-depth understanding, significantly improving your SEO efforts. After all, the search engine receives information from both the written content on your page and the written description of images found throughout it.
The result?
With all of this information, your website visibility has the opportunity to reach new heights. Bring it on!
Using Alt Text to Boost SEO and Enhance Accessibility
Alt text is highly beneficial for both boosting SEO and enhancing accessibility. So, how do you properly use it? It all comes down to knowing how to write alt text most effectively. Check out these tips to help you make the most of it.
Don’t add alt text to all images. Use alt text for those images that matter, not for those whose sole purpose is to elevate your site’s aesthetics. The latter can be left empty so as not to interfere with what you are trying to accomplish.
Use concise descriptions. You want to get the most meaning across in the fewest words based on what you are trying to convey. In other words, do not just describe what is in the image, but the meaning behind it, too. Shy away from using “image of” and just stick to the description.
Describe an image with links. If you have an image that links to another web page, consider using the alt text to let readers know where it will take them.
Add keywords. Using relevant keywords in your organic alt description will help with your SEO.
Remember, the benefit of alt text is two-fold. It is there to help those with accessibility needs have a better user experience when on your website. But, using the right keywords and descriptions can also become another avenue on your journey to great SEO. And that’s all anyone wants, right?
Alt Texts Have Your Head Spinning?
Look, we get it. Writing alt text for your website may not be the highlight of your day — but we love it! (Not sad at all for us.)
So, sit back and relax. DesignInk Digital’s SEO experts can show you how adding the perfect alt text to your images can elevate your site’s accessibility and SEO. Consider it just one more thing we can do to help you grow your business.
What you do today will affect your tomorrow. So, don’t delay! Contact us to get started.
