In the digital age, where images play a pivotal role in content, it's essential to ensure that all users can access and understand the visuals you present. Alt text (alternative text) not only improves accessibility for individuals with visual impairments but also enhances your SEO efforts. In this post, we'll explore the best practices for writing alt text and provide examples to guide you.

What is Alt Text?

Alt text is a descriptive text that explains the content of an image on a webpage. Screen readers use alt text to convey information to users who cannot see the images. Additionally, search engines utilize alt text to understand the context and content of images, impacting your site's SEO ranking.

Best Practices for Writing Alt Text:

• Be Descriptive: Use clear and concise language to describe the image. Aim to capture the essential details without overwhelming users with excessive information.

  Example: For an image of a golden retriever playing fetch in a park, a suitable alt text could be: "A golden retriever retrieving a tennis ball in a sunny park."

• Keep it Relevant: Ensure that the alt text is relevant to the context of the content. Describe what is significant about the image in relation to the article.

  Example: If the image is used in a blog about dog training, the alt text could read: "A trained golden retriever demonstrating obedience by returning a tennis ball."

• Avoid Keyword Stuffing: While it's beneficial to include keywords, do not overstuff them in your alt text. Write naturally to enhance the user experience.

  Example: Instead of writing, "Golden retriever training tips," simply state: "Golden retriever waiting for a command during training."

• Keep It Short: Aim for concise descriptions, typically under 125 characters. This length is accessible for screen readers and ensures clarity.

  Example: "A vibrant sunset over the mountains with silhouetted trees."

• Decorative Images: If an image is purely decorative and does not add value to the content, you can use an empty alt attribute (alt="") to allow screen readers to skip it.

  Example: An image of decorative confetti in a birthday blog could have: alt="".

• Use Unique Descriptions: Avoid generic phrases and provide unique descriptions for each image, improving context and user engagement.

  Example: Instead of using "Image of a cat" for every cat image, describe each one specifically, such as "A fluffy Maine Coon cat lounging on a windowsill."

• Test and Revise: Regularly test your alt text by using screen readers to ensure it conveys the intended information. Revise as necessary to improve clarity and comprehension.

Implementing these alt text best practices not only promotes accessibility but also enhances your site's SEO performance. By providing meaningful descriptions for your images, you foster a more inclusive online environment while boosting your chances of ranking higher in search engine results. Start crafting effective alt text today and watch your content thrive!

Scenario: An image of a woman working at a laptop in a cozy coffee shop with a cappuccino next to her.

Scenario 2: A bar chart comparing monthly revenue for three products from January to June.