Image Alt text: Importance, Usage, and Best Practices

Alt text, short for alternative text, is a crucial attribute used in HTML and other web development contexts to provide a textual description of images. Its significance extends beyond mere description; it enhances accessibility, user experience, and search engine optimization (SEO). This article delves into what alt text is, its various applications, and how to effectively write and implement it.

What is alt text?

Alt text is a piece of text that describes the content and function of an image on a webpage. It is included in the HTML code using the alt attribute within an <img> tag. For example:

<img src="image.jpg" alt="A beautiful sunrise over the mountains" />

If an image cannot be displayed for any reason (e.g., broken link, slow connection), the alt text will be shown in its place. This ensures that users still understand what the image represents.

Why is alt text important?

Accessibility

The primary purpose of alt text is to improve accessibility for visually impaired users who rely on screen readers to navigate the internet. Screen readers read the alt text aloud, allowing these users to understand the content and context of images on a webpage. Without alt text, screen readers would simply skip the image, depriving users of potentially crucial information.

SEO benefits

Alt text also plays a significant role in SEO. Search engines like Google cannot “see” images but can read and index the alt text. By including relevant keywords in your alt text, you can help improve your website’s search engine rankings and make your content more discoverable.

User experience

Even for users who are not visually impaired, alt text enhances the user experience. If an image fails to load due to technical issues, the alt text provides a fallback, ensuring that users still receive the intended message or information.

Applications of alt text

On websites

Alt text is most commonly used in HTML for websites. It’s essential for all images, including those in blog posts, e-commerce product listings, and informational graphics.

On social media

Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter have integrated alt text features to make images more accessible. For instance, on Instagram, you can add alt text to your photos by going to the “Advanced Settings” before posting.

In documents

Alt text is also used in documents such as PDFs and Word files. This ensures that documents are accessible to users with disabilities, complying with various accessibility standards and regulations.

How to write effective alt text

Be descriptive

Good alt text should provide a clear and concise description of the image. It should convey the same information that a sighted person would get from looking at the image. For example, instead of writing “dog,” you could write “Golden Retriever playing in a park.”

Keep it concise

While it’s important to be descriptive, alt text should also be concise. Aim for a length of around 125 characters or less. This ensures that screen readers can easily convey the information without overwhelming the user.

Avoid redundancy

Avoid using phrases like “image of” or “picture of” in your alt text. Screen readers already announce that there is an image, so there’s no need to repeat it. Instead, focus directly on the description.

Use keywords wisely

Incorporating relevant keywords can help with SEO, but avoid keyword stuffing. The primary goal of alt text is accessibility, so it should always make sense to human readers. For example, instead of writing “best running shoes running shoes for men running shoes sale,” you could write “blue and white running shoes for men on sale.”

Implementing alt text

In HTML

Adding alt text in HTML is straightforward. Simply include the alt attribute within your <img> tag:

<img src="path/to/image.jpg" alt="A scenic view of the Grand Canyon at sunset">

On Instagram

To add alt text on Instagram:

1. Upload your photo and edit.
2. Tap “Edit” at the top.
3. Tap “Write Alt Text” under the Accessibility section.
4. Enter your alt text and save.

In WordPress

 

 

WordPress makes it easy to add alt text to images:

1. Upload your image to the Media Library.
2. Click on the image to open the Attachment Details.
3. Enter your alt text in the “Alt Text” field.
4. Save your changes.

In Microsoft Word

To add alt text in a Word document:

1. Right-click on the image and select “Edit Alt Text.”
2. Enter your description in the Alt Text pane.
3. Close the pane to save.

Best practices for alt text

Context matters

• • The context in which an image is used should guide your alt text. For instance, an image of a pie chart should have alt text that describes the chart’s data rather than just saying “pie chart.

Decorative images

• • If an image is purely decorative and adds no informational value, you can leave the alt attribute empty (e.g., alt=""). This tells screen readers to skip the image, avoiding unnecessary distractions.

Regular audits

• • Regularly audit your website or content for missing or incorrect alt text. This ensures ongoing accessibility and SEO benefits. Tools like Google’s Lighthouse can help identify images without alt text.

Collaboration

• Work with content creators, web developers, and accessibility experts to ensure that all images are appropriately described. This collaborative approach helps maintain high standards of accessibility and usability.

Conclusion

Alt text is a small but mighty attribute that significantly impacts accessibility, SEO, and overall user experience. By understanding its importance and following best practices for writing and implementing alt text, you can make your content more inclusive and discoverable. Whether you’re a web developer, content creator, or digital marketer, prioritizing alt text is a step toward a more accessible and user-friendly internet.