Adding alt tags to images is a simple yet impactful way to improve website accessibility and SEO. Alt tags, also known as alternative text, help search engines understand what your images are about and ensure that users with visual impairments have access to your content. In this post, we’ll explore what alt tags are, why they matter, and how you can use them effectively to boost your website’s performance and inclusivity.
What are Alt Tags for Images?
Alt tags, also known as alternative text, are HTML attributes applied to image tags to describe the content and function of the image on a web page. Alt tags are displayed in place of images if the image file fails to load and are read by screen readers used by visually impaired users.
Why Are Alt Tags Important for SEO?
Alt tags play a significant role in search engine optimization by providing context for search engines and helping them understand the content of your images. Here’s how effective use of alt tags can enhance your website’s SEO:
1. Improved Search Engine Rankings
Alt tags help search engines understand what an image is about, contributing to better indexing and potentially higher rankings in image search results. For example, an alt tag for an image of a red apple could be "A bright red apple on a wooden table," which provides context for the search engine.
2. Enhanced Keyword Strategy
Incorporating relevant keywords into alt tags can significantly enhance your website's keyword strategy and boost SEO performance. Effective keyword research allows you to identify terms like 'healthy snacks,' which you can then use in alt tags. For example, using an alt tag like 'A healthy snack option - a bowl of fresh fruit' aligns with your keyword research and improves visibility.
3. Image Search Visibility
With proper alt tags, your images are more likely to appear in image searches, driving additional traffic to your site. An image of a modern office chair, for example, could have the alt tag "Modern ergonomic office chair for home offices."
Why Are Alt Tags Crucial for Accessibility?
Alt tags are not just important for SEO; they also play a critical role in making your website accessible to all users. Here’s how well-written alt tags can improve accessibility and enhance user experience:
1. Aid for Visually Impaired Users
Alt tags provide descriptive text for screen readers, allowing visually impaired users to understand the context and content of images. For instance, a screen reader might read "Group of diverse friends enjoying a picnic in the park" as a description for an image showing friends at a picnic.
2. Improved User Experience
Well-written alt tags enhance the user experience by offering context when images cannot be viewed, ensuring that all users have access to the same information. A missing image of a product might still be described as "Blue running shoes with white stripes," helping users know what they should be seeing.
How to Write Effective Alt Tags for Images
Creating effective alt tags involves more than just describing the image. It requires a thoughtful approach to ensure clarity, relevance, and utility. Here are some tips for writing alt tags that are both informative and beneficial:
1. Be Descriptive
Make sure to clearly describe what the image shows and its purpose. Figure 1 illustrates an example of a descriptive alt tag done correctly.
2. Include Keywords Naturally
Incorporate relevant keywords naturally, rather than stuffing them in, as shown in our example in Figure 2.
3. Keep It Concise
While clarity and context are important, it's equally essential to keep alt text concise. Avoid unnecessary verbosity and focus on the image's main elements and purpose. In Figure 3, you can see examples of both good and bad alt text related to a project in an office setting.
4. Avoid Redundancy
Do not repeat information already provided in surrounding text or captions.
5. Skip Meaningless Words
Eliminate unnecessary phrases like "Image of" or "Picture of" that do not contribute to the understanding of the image.
Conclusion
Alt tags for images are a powerful tool in your digital marketing strategy, serving both SEO and accessibility purposes. By crafting well-thought-out alt tags, you can improve your website’s search engine visibility and ensure a more inclusive experience for all users. Start optimizing your images today and see the difference it makes in your website's performance.
If you're looking to improve your website's performance on search engines, our Columbus Ohio SEO services can help you achieve your goals.
