An Introduction to Alt Text
What is Alt Text?
Alt text, or alternative text, is a brief description of an image that is included in the HTML code of a web page. It appears in place of an image if the image fails to load and is read aloud by screen readers used by visually impaired users.
Significance in Web Accessibility and SEO
Alt text plays an essential role in both web accessibility and SEO (Search Engine Optimization). It ensures that all users, regardless of their visual ability, can understand the content of your images. Additionally, alt text helps search engines understand the content of your images, contributing to better search rankings.
Why Alt Text Matters
Accessibility for Visually Impaired Users
For visually impaired users who rely on screen readers, alt text is the primary way they can understand the content and context of images on a webpage. Without alt text, these users miss out on crucial information, leading to a less inclusive experience.
Role in Search Engine Rankings
Search engines can’t “see” images the way humans can. Instead, they rely on the alt text to understand the context of an image. Well-crafted alt text can improve your website’s SEO by helping search engines index your images properly, leading to better search visibility.
How to Write Effective Alt Text
Guidelines for Crafting Descriptive and Concise Alt Text
- Be Descriptive and Specific:
- Describe the image as specifically as possible. For example, instead of “dog,” use “golden retriever playing fetch in the park.”
- Keep it Concise:
- Aim for a balance between being descriptive and concise. A good rule of thumb is to keep alt text under 125 characters.
- Avoid Redundancy:
- Do not include phrases like “image of” or “picture of” because screen readers already announce it as an image.
- Include Keywords Wisely:
- If relevant, include SEO keywords naturally, but avoid keyword stuffing, which can lead to a poor user experience and potential SEO penalties.
Tools and Best Practices
Useful Tools for Incorporating Alt Text
- WordPress:
- WordPress automatically includes a field for alt text when you upload an image.
- Yoast SEO Plugin:
- This plugin provides prompts and tips for adding alt text to images in WordPress.
- Web Accessibility Evaluation Tools:
- Tools like WAVE or Axe can help evaluate the accessibility of your website, including the presence of alt text.
Best Practices for Efficient Alt Text
- Batch Process:
- Add alt text to images as you upload them to save time later.
- Regular Audits:
- Periodically audit your site’s images to ensure all have appropriate alt text.
- Collaboration:
- Work with your content and SEO teams to ensure consistency and accuracy in alt text descriptions.
Alt Text in Different Contexts
Applying Alt Text to Various Web Content
- Images:
- Standard images like photos and illustrations should always have descriptive alt text.
- Infographics:
- Summarize the main point or data presented in the infographic.
- Charts and Graphs:
- Describe the type of chart, its axes, and the key data points or trends shown.
- Decorative Images:
- If an image is purely decorative and does not add informational value, use an empty alt attribute (alt=””) to indicate that it can be ignored by screen readers.
13Core Can Help You With Your Alt Texts and All of Your Accessibility Needs
Alt text is a small, yet powerful element that enhances web accessibility and boosts SEO. By understanding what alt text is, why it matters, and how to write it effectively, you can create more inclusive and search-friendly web content. Consistently applying these practices ensures that your site is accessible to all users and optimized for search engines.
Ready to take your alt text game to the next level? Let us audit your existing images and incorporate these best practices today!