7 Tips to Help Your Image Alt Text Boost SEO

What is Image alt text?

Also known as alt attributes or alt tags, Image alt text is a text alternative to an image that is displayed when the image cannot be loaded or when a user hovers over the image. Alt text serves several important purposes, including improving accessibility for visually impaired users and providing additional context to search engines about the content of the image.

Here's how to ensure your image alt text will be seen favourably for SEO:

• Be Descriptive:

• Describe the content or purpose of the image accurately and succinctly. Use descriptive language that conveys the meaning or context of the image to someone who cannot see it.

• Include Keywords Naturally:

• Incorporate relevant keywords into the alt text, but ensure that they are included naturally and contextually within the description. Avoid keyword stuffing or over-optimization, as this can detract from the user experience and may be seen as spammy by search engines.

• Provide Relevant Details:

• Include relevant details about the image that are important for understanding its content or purpose. This may include the subject of the image, its context within the page or article, or any key information that the image conveys.

• Prioritize Accessibility:

• Remember that alt text serves as a textual alternative for visually impaired users who rely on screen readers to navigate the web. Write alt text that provides meaningful information about the image to ensure accessibility for all users.

• Use Concise Language:

• Keep alt text concise and to the point, aiming for a brief description that captures the essence of the image. Use clear and straightforward language that is easy for users and search engines to understand.

• Avoid Redundancy:

• Avoid duplicating information that is already present in the surrounding text or captions. Instead, focus on providing additional context or details that enhance the understanding of the image.

• Test for Effectiveness:

• Regularly review and test your alt text to ensure it accurately represents the images and effectively improves accessibility and SEO. Use accessibility tools and screen readers to evaluate the effectiveness of your alt text in providing meaningful descriptions for visually impaired users.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your image alt text is descriptive, keyword-rich, and accessible, contributing to a better user experience and improved SEO for your website.

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