What is the Purpose of Alt Tags in SEO? - Silvermantle

Have you ever wondered how search engines know what’s in an image? That’s where alt tags come into play! Imagine searching for a recipe and finding the perfect one because the image looks delicious. But what if that image didn’t load? You’d still know what it’s supposed to be because of a little thing called an alt tag. Fun fact: 94% of content with relevant images gets more views, and alt tags help make sure those images are understood by search engines. Let’s dive into the world of alt tags and understand what is the purpose of alt tags in SEO.

What is the Purpose of Alt Tags in SEO?

Alt tags, also known as alt attributes or alt descriptions, are text descriptions added to images on a website. They serve two main purposes:

1. Accessibility: Alt tags describe the content of images for visually impaired users who rely on screen readers. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can understand the context of the images on your site.
2. SEO: Search engines can’t see images like we do. They rely on alt tags to understand what an image is about. By including relevant keywords in your alt tags, you can help search engines index your images properly and improve your website’s search rankings.

Here’s a quick example:

• Without Alt Tag: <img src="cookie.jpg">
• With Alt Tag: <img src="cookie.jpg" alt="Delicious chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven">

Adding descriptive alt tags helps in several ways:

• Improves Image Search: Images with alt tags are more likely to appear in image search results.
• Enhances User Experience: Users understand what an image is about, even if it fails to load.
• Boosts SEO: Helps search engines understand and index your images, contributing to better overall SEO performance.

In short, alt tags are tiny text descriptions that pack a big punch for both accessibility and SEO.

What Does Alt Text Look Like in HTML Code?

Alt text is added to an image’s HTML tag to describe the image. Here’s what it looks like:

• Without Alt Text: <img src="cookie.jpg">
• With Alt Text: <img src="cookie.jpg" alt="Delicious chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven">

The alt attribute within the image tag (<img>) holds the description of the image. This description helps search engines and screen readers understand what the image is about.

How to Write Good Alt Text for Images?

Writing good alt text is crucial for both accessibility and SEO. Here are some tips to help you write effective alt text:

1. Be Descriptive: Clearly describe what’s in the image. Imagine explaining the image to someone who can’t see it.
   • Example: Instead of “dog,” use “Golden Retriever playing fetch in a park.”
2. Keep It Concise: While being descriptive, also keep the text concise. Aim for a brief yet informative description.
   • Example: “A slice of pepperoni pizza on a white plate.”
3. Use Relevant Keywords: If possible, include relevant keywords that fit naturally into the description. This can help improve your SEO.
   • Example: “Sunset over the Grand Canyon.”
4. Avoid Keyword Stuffing: Don’t overuse keywords or stuff the alt text with unnecessary words. It should sound natural.
   • Example: Instead of “buy cheap shoes online shoe store,” use “Red running shoes on a wooden floor.”
5. Describe the Function: If the image serves a specific function (like a button or link), describe the function rather than the visual details.
   • Example: For a search icon, use “Search” as the alt text.
6. Skip Redundant Phrases: Avoid starting with phrases like “image of” or “picture of.” It’s already understood that it’s an image.
   • Example: Instead of “Image of a smiling child,” use “Smiling child holding a balloon.”

By following these tips, you can write alt text that enhances accessibility and boosts your SEO, making your website more user-friendly and easier to find in search engines.

How to Add Alt Text to Images?

Adding alt text to images is simple and can be done directly in the HTML code of your website. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Find the Image Tag: Locate the <img> tag for the image you want to add alt text to.
2. Add the Alt Attribute: Within the image tag, add the alt attribute followed by your descriptive text in quotation marks.
3. Save and Check: Save your changes and check your website to ensure the alt text has been added correctly.

Here’s an example:

• Without Alt Text:htmlCopy code<img src="cookie.jpg">
• With Alt Text:htmlCopy code<img src="cookie.jpg" alt="Delicious chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven">

If you’re using a content management system (CMS) like WordPress, adding alt text is even easier:

1. Upload Your Image: Upload the image to your media library.
2. Edit Image Details: In the media library, click on the image to edit its details.
3. Add Alt Text: Enter your descriptive text in the “Alt Text” field.
4. Save Changes: Save your changes and the alt text will be added to the image automatically.

Is There an Ideal Alt Text Format?

While there’s no one-size-fits-all format for alt text, following some best practices can help you create effective and SEO-friendly descriptions:

1. Be Specific and Descriptive: Clearly describe the image. Specificity helps both search engines and users understand the content.
   • Example: “Golden Retriever puppy playing in a grassy park.”
2. Keep It Short and Sweet: Aim for concise descriptions that are still informative. Typically, a good length is around 125 characters or less.
   • Example: “A family of four hiking on a mountain trail.”
3. Include Keywords Naturally: Use relevant keywords if they fit naturally into the description. This can help with SEO without sounding forced.
   • Example: “Freshly baked blueberry muffins on a cooling rack.”
4. Focus on Functionality for Functional Images: If the image serves a specific function, describe what it does rather than what it looks like.
   • Example: For a “submit” button, use “Submit” as the alt text.
5. Avoid Redundant Phrases: Skip phrases like “image of” or “picture of.” It’s already implied that it’s an image.
   • Example: Instead of “Image of a sunset over the ocean,” use “Sunset over the ocean.”
6. Think About Context: Consider how the image is used on the page and provide context that might not be immediately obvious.
   • Example: “Doctor smiling at a young patient during a checkup.”

By following these guidelines, you can write alt text that is not only helpful for users and accessible for those using screen readers but also optimized for search engines, enhancing your overall SEO strategy.

Is Alt Text a Ranking Factor?

Yes, alt text is a ranking factor in SEO. While it might not be the most significant factor, it plays an important role in how search engines understand and index your website’s content. Here’s why alt text matters:

1. Improves Image SEO: Alt text helps search engines understand the content of your images, making it more likely that your images will appear in image search results. This can drive additional traffic to your website.
2. Enhances Accessibility: Alt text makes your website more accessible to users with visual impairments who rely on screen readers to describe images. This can improve user experience and site usability, which are factors that search engines consider.
3. Boosts Overall SEO: By providing context and relevant keywords through alt text, you help search engines better understand your page’s content. This can contribute to better overall page rankings.

While alt text alone won’t skyrocket your site to the top of search results, it is a valuable part of a comprehensive SEO strategy. Ensuring all your images have descriptive, keyword-optimized alt text can contribute to improved visibility and user experience.

Conclusion

Alt text may seem like a small detail, but it has a big impact on both accessibility and SEO. By adding descriptive, concise, and keyword-rich alt text to your images, you can help search engines understand your content better, improve your chances of appearing in image search results, and ensure your website is accessible to all users. Remember, every little bit helps in the world of SEO, and optimizing your alt text is a step in the right direction.

How Can We Help?

At Silver Mantle Solutions, we specialize in optimizing all aspects of your website, including alt text, to ensure you achieve the best possible search engine rankings. Our team of SEO experts can help you craft effective alt text, enhance your site’s accessibility, and improve your overall SEO strategy.

Ready to optimize your website’s SEO? Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your business succeed. Visit our website or reach out to our team for a free consultation. Let Silver Mantle Solutions be your partner in achieving digital success.