What Is ALT Text & Why Is It Important for SEO?
Many enterprises disregard an important component of image-based SEO: ALT text. In this context, ALT text describes the picture’s information in HTML. Though it may appear unimportant at first, it affects image accessibility, user experience, and significantly, search engine optimization (SEO).
In this article, we’ll expound on what’s ALT text, its significance, and how proper implementation can improve your overall marketing strategy in the long term. If you are spending on SEO solutions, this is one area you want to pay attention to.
Understanding ALT Text
ALT text is the written description of an image, usually included in the image’s HTML tag. It serves as an alternative for users who can’t view images, such as visually impaired users using screen readers or visitors with slow internet connections.
What Does ALT Text Look Like?
Here’s an example of an image with ALT text in HTML:
html
CopyEdit
<img src=”green-tea.jpg” alt=”Cup of green tea with lemon on a wooden table”>
Key Functions of ALT Text
1.Describes image content for screen readers.
2.Helps search engines understand what the image is about.
3.Displays text when the image fails to load.
Why Is ALT Text Important for SEO?
Search engines like Google can’t “see” images the way humans do. Instead, they rely on ALT text and other metadata to understand image content. When written correctly, ALT text improves SEO by making your content more discoverable and user-friendly.
Boosting Visibility Through Image Search
Images with well-written ALT text are more likely to appear in Google Image Search, which can bring additional traffic to your website.
How to Optimize
1.Use relevant, descriptive keywords.
2.Keep it concise but informative.
3.Avoid keyword stuffing—focus on accuracy.
For example, instead of writing “image1” or “product123,” say “blue cotton men’s shirt with long sleeves.”
Improving Accessibility for All Users
Accessibility is now a ranking factor. Websites that cater to users with disabilities are favored by search engines and appreciated by broader audiences.
SEO and Ethical Design Go Hand-in-Hand
1.Screen readers rely on ALT text to describe visuals.
2.Accessible sites show Google that your business values user experience.
3.A good SEO strategy always includes accessibility considerations.
Enhancing On-Page SEO
ALT text contributes to a page’s keyword relevance. When you use keywords naturally in ALT text, it reinforces the topical authority of your page.
Connect It With Your Content
1.Align ALT text with the page’s primary keywords.
2.Ensure each image supports your written content.
3.A qualified provider of SEO services can help audit and optimize this element site-wide.
Common ALT Text Mistakes to Avoid
Even well-meaning businesses often make critical errors when writing ALT text.
Mistake 1: Leaving ALT Text Blank
Not providing ALT text means losing SEO opportunities and accessibility compliance.
Mistake 2: Stuffing Keywords
Using too many or irrelevant keywords can trigger penalties from search engines.
Mistake 3: Using Generic Descriptions
ALT text like “image1” or “graphic” doesn’t help users or search engines.
Pro Tip
If your website has hundreds of images, a professional SEO services provider can help automate and audit your image optimization process.
ALT Text Best Practices for 2025
ALT text is not just about ranking; it’s about improving overall digital experience. With Google’s increasing focus on Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (EEAT), the importance of well-crafted image content has never been greater.
Practical Tips
1.Write for humans, optimize for search engines.
2.Keep ALT text under 125 characters.
3.Describe what’s in the image and why it matters in context.
How an SEO Expert Can Help
A reliable SEO provider will ensure your images align with both accessibility standards and search engine guidelines. When outsourcing your SEO services, ask if image optimization is included in their audits.
Real-Life Example: ALT Text Done Right
Let’s say you run a fashion e-commerce site. Instead of:
❌ alt=”dress”
Use:
✅ alt=”Red floral summer dress with puff sleeves and waist belt”
This version is descriptive, keyword-rich, and provides context. That’s a win for both users and SEO.
Conclusion: ALT Text Is a Small Step with Big SEO Impact
In the digital marketing realm, SEO is significant, and ALT text is one of the most potent, yet underestimated, performance boosters. ALT text increases accessibility, improves keyword targeting, and provides access to image-based search traffic.
If you’re overseeing your website at a DIY level or have hired a professional SEO agency, ensure that the optimization of ALT text is part of the actions taken through your SEO services checklist. Starting 2025, it will be more than just ‘achieving a higher position’, but rather encompassing ‘a step toward crafting a wholesome digital experience’.