Image ALT tag refers to the “alternative text” attribute that can be added to an HTML image tag. The ALT tag serves as a description or alternative text for an image, providing textual information about the image’s content for users who may be unable to view the image or for search engines that cannot interpret visual content.
The ALT tag has a couple of primary purposes in SEO:
Accessibility: by including descriptive ALT text, you ensure that visually impaired users utilizing screen readers can understand the image content. ALT text helps them comprehend the image even if they can’t see it.
2. Image SEO: Search engines rely on textual content to understand images since they cannot “see” images themselves. By providing relevant and descriptive ALT text, you can help search engines comprehend the image’s subject matter and improve its visibility in image search results.
When optimizing ALT tags for SEO, consider the following best practices:
1. Be Descriptive: Write concise, accurate, and descriptive ALT text that conveys the image’s content. Include relevant keywords when appropriate, but avoid keyword stuffing.
2. Maintain Relevance: Ensure the ALT text is directly related to the image and the surrounding content. It should provide meaningful information without misleading users or search engines.
3. Keep it Concise: Aim for a brief and concise description within the recommended character limit (ideally under 125 characters). Long ALT text may be truncated or overlooked.
4. Avoid Keyword Stuffing: While it’s acceptable to include relevant keywords, avoid excessive keyword usage solely for SEO purposes. Focus on providing valuable information to users and maintaining readability.
5. File Naming: Additionally, when uploading images, try to use descriptive file names that convey the image’s content. This can further assist search engines in understanding the image.
Remember, ALT tags are meant to enhance accessibility and provide useful information, both for users and search engines. By following these best practices, you can improve the accessibility of your website and enhance its SEO efforts.