Alt Text In Plain English
Alt text is a short written description of an image. Here's what it means, why it matters for SEO and accessibility, and how to write it.
In Plain English
Alt text (short for alternative text) is a short description added to images on your website. It tells search engines and people using screen readers what the image is about.
Example:
- An image of a red running shoe might have alt text: “Red Nike running shoe on white background.”
Think of alt text like a caption written for those who can’t see the image.
Why Alt Text Matters
- Accessibility: Helps people with visual impairments understand your content.
- SEO: Gives search engines context about your images, helping them appear in Google Images.
- Fallback: If an image doesn’t load, the alt text is displayed instead.
Best Practices for Alt Text
- Be descriptive and accurate.
- Keep it short (usually under 125 characters).
- Include keywords naturally if they fit.
- Don’t stuff keywords — clarity comes first.
FAQs
Q: What is alt text?
It’s a written description of an image that helps search engines and screen readers understand it.
Q: Does alt text improve SEO?
Yes, it helps images appear in Google Images and supports overall page relevance.
Q: Should every image have alt text?
Yes, especially important images. Decorative images can have empty alt text if they don’t add meaning.