Images enhance the visual appeal and attractiveness of your website. In addition, the alternative text for images, known as Alt Text, can significantly improve user experience and website accessibility. However, before properly using this feature, you need to understand what the Alt Tag in seo is and how it works.
What is an image Alt Tag in seo?
The Alt Text attribute for images is added to the HTML code of the image to describe its content. Moreover, when an image fails to load correctly, the Alt Tag will be displayed alongside the image icon.
These descriptions help individuals who cannot view the screen to understand the content depicted in images. Additionally, search engine bots use this information to interpret and index the images on a page.
In the HTML code, an Alt Tag is placed within the image tag, providing a brief explanation that indicates the purpose of the image on the page. The code for this feature will look similar to the following:
<img src=”turbomake seo.jpg” alt=”seo agency in Canada”/>
The image Alt Tag is sometimes mistaken for the image title; however, they are distinct features and tags. When a user hovers the mouse over the image, the title appears in a small pop-up. In some websites, the title is displayed below or within the image frame, providing additional context about the picture. On the other hand, the content of the Alt Tag is usually not visible to users under normal conditions.
How to complete Alt Tags for images via HTML
If you’re using a different platform where completing Alt Tags visually is not an option, you can use HTML code directly. For platforms like WordPress, the HTML code is automatically generated based on the changes you make in the visual editor.
To access this section, simply click on the text tab within the editor. You’ll then see the code generated for the Alt Text attribute of the image.
Why Use Alt Tags in Images?
Alt Tags are utilized for various reasons. While you are not obligated to use them, there are compelling arguments for doing so. These tags are visible to both search engine crawlers and screen-reading tools for visually impaired users. Therefore, they contribute significantly to improving the accessibility and SEO optimization of your website.
Enhancing Website Accessibility
Alternative text for images ensures that users have a positive experience on your website. When a visually impaired person visits your website, screen-reading tools read out the textual content available on your website. Upon encountering an image, they refer to the Alt Tag to describe the image’s content.
If the Alt Text for an image is not completed, there is a chance that the screen-reader might instead read the file name of the image. This not only fails to describe the image accurately but can also be misleading, particularly if the file name is not optimized for SEO. Sometimes, when the Alt Tag field is left empty in platforms like WordPress, screen-readers might skip the image altogether without providing any explanation. In such cases, the images are assumed to be purely decorative and meaningless.
Alt Tag in seo Can Improve Your Search Rankings
If you’re aiming to rank for a specific keyword in search results, Alt Tags for images can be very useful. While search engine bots are intelligent, they aren’t advanced enough to interpret visual aspects of an image the way humans do.
Image attributes like Alt Tag in seo serve as an effective replacement for translating image content into a language comprehensible to bots. The more closely the description aligns with your content’s keywords, the better your chances of appearing in image search results.
Tips for Writing Better Alt Tag in seo
When filling in an Alt Tag for an image, it’s important to know what to write so it is both SEO-friendly and serves as an appropriate description. Below are a few key points to consider:
Be precise and descriptive
The purpose of an Alt Tag is to describe the image, so provide as accurate a description as possible. If you’re unsure what phrase would be suitable, ask yourself whether the description helps someone imagine something similar to the photo.
Avoid overusing keywords
While it’s necessary to use keywords in Alt Tags for SEO purposes, overusing them can lead to penalties.
Don’t add unnecessary details
Avoid redundant words that aren’t needed. For instance, instead of writing “an image of an HTML code sample,” simply write “HTML code sample.” The simpler, the better.
Use related keywords
In addition to the main keyword, consider using synonyms or related keywords (LSI keywords) in your image tags. This increases your chances of appearing in other search results.
Keep it short
While it’s essential to provide a good description of the image, avoid writing paragraphs. Limit your Alt Tag to a maximum of 100–125 characters.
When filling out the Alt Text field, remember that the goal is to describe the image for individuals who cannot view it. Pay attention to SEO and the use of keywords in the Alt Tag, but prioritize writing for users rather than search engine bots.
