Alt text, short for alternative text, is a hidden gem on your webpage. Those brief descriptions behind your images hold immense power, unlocking accessibility for visually impaired users and potentially boosting your website’s SEO. Let’s learn how to craft exceptional alt text descriptions that go beyond the basics with these 10 alt text tips.
10 Advanced Alt Text Tips for SEO
1. Be Specific:
Don’t settle for generic descriptions like “picture1.jpg.” Instead, describe the image’s content in detail. For example, instead of “Flowers,” write “A close-up photo of a red rose in full bloom with dewdrops on its petals.”
2. Match the Context:
Think about how the image connects to the surrounding text. Does it illustrate a concept? For example, if the image is a graph about website traffic growth, the alt text could be “Line graph showing a steady increase in website traffic over the past year.”
3. Target the Right Keywords:
While keyword stuffing is a big no-no, strategically including relevant keywords can help search engines understand your content. But remember, clarity is key. Aim for a natural flow that incorporates keywords seamlessly.
4. Embrace Unique Descriptions:
Resist the urge to copy-paste alt text. Each image deserves its own unique description tailored to its specific content.
5. Consider Emotions (Subtly):
Images can evoke emotions. If a photo portrays a joyful family reunion, capture that essence in your alt text without going overboard. For example, “A happy family gathers for a reunion, laughing and embracing outdoors.”
6. Descriptive vs. Evocative:
Tailor your approach to the image type. For clear-cut images like product photos, a descriptive approach works best. But for artistic images like abstract paintings, a more evocative description that captures the feeling might be more effective.
7. Descriptive File Names:
While not directly alt text, using descriptive file names for your images can further improve accessibility and SEO. Instead of “img_001.jpg,” try “red-rose-in-bloom.jpg”.
8. Complex Images Need Context:
If your image has intricate details or requires additional explanation, consider incorporating that information within the alt text description, but keep it concise.
9. Benefit-Oriented Approach:
When possible, highlight the benefit the image provides to the user. For example, for an image of a delicious pizza, the alt text could be “A mouthwatering thin-crust pizza topped with melted cheese, pepperoni, and fresh vegetables.”
10. Maintain Consistency:
Develop a system for crafting alt text descriptions to ensure consistency across your website. This might involve templates or style guides that outline your preferred approach.
By embracing these advanced alt text tips, you can transform your website into a more inclusive and SEO-friendly space, while creating a richer experience for all your visitors.
Final Thoughts
Ready to take your website’s SEO and accessibility to the next level? Silver Mantle Solutions can help! Our team of SEO and digital accessibility experts can create a comprehensive strategy that includes optimizing your website’s images and alt text descriptions. We’ll ensure your website is sending the right signals to search engines and reaching the target audience you deserve, while also providing a user-friendly experience for everyone. Contact Silver Mantle Solutions today and unlock the full potential of your online presence!