Does Alt Text Help SEO?

Introduction

Every element of your website can play a critical role, including the often-overlooked alt text for images. But does alt text help SEO? Let’s dive into the world of image optimisation and explore how alt text contributes to your website’s SEO performance.

What is Alt Text?

Alt text, short for alternative text, is a textual descriptor attached to image tags in HTML. It serves two main purposes: improving web accessibility for users with visual impairments and aiding search engine crawlers in understanding the content of images​.

The Importance of Alt Text in SEO

1. Enhancing Accessibility

Alt text is essential for making your website accessible to all users, including those using screen readers due to visual impairments. By providing a descriptive text of what the image shows, you ensure a more inclusive user experience, which is a key aspect of modern web design​.

2. Assisting in Image Interpretation

Search engines use alt text to understand the context and content of images on your site. This is crucial since search engines can’t “see” images the way humans do. The descriptive text helps them categorize and index images properly, improving your site’s relevance in search results​.

3. Supporting Google Image Search Rankings

While alt text in itself may not directly boost your rankings in standard search results, it’s a significant factor in Google Image Search. By correctly using alt text, you enhance the likelihood of your images showing up in relevant image searches, which can drive additional traffic to your site​.

Best Practices for Writing Alt Text

1. Be Descriptive and Concise

Your alt text should offer a clear description of the image. Keep it brief yet informative, ensuring it aligns with the context of the surrounding content. Avoid generic descriptions and focus on what’s essential about the image​.

2. Use Relevant Keywords

Incorporating relevant keywords into your alt text can improve your images’ visibility in search results. However, avoid keyword stuffing. Use keywords naturally and only when they accurately describe the image​.

3. Avoid Redundant Phrases

Phrases like “image of” or “photo of” are unnecessary since screen readers and search engines already know they are processing an image. Instead, jump straight into the description​.

4. Keep Accessibility in Mind

Always write alt text with the end user in mind, especially those relying on screen readers. Make sure your description conveys the same message or emotion that the image would for someone who can see it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Leaving Alt Text Blank: This missed opportunity can negatively impact both SEO and accessibility.
2. Overuse of Keywords: Keyword stuffing in alt text can be flagged as spammy by search engines.
3. One Size Fits All: Avoid using the same alt text for multiple images. Tailor the text to each specific image to enhance its SEO value​.

How Does Alt Text Fit into Overall Image SEO?

1. File Size Optimisation

Smaller file sizes for images mean faster loading times, which is a critical factor in SEO. Compressing your images without sacrificing quality is essential for optimal performance​​.

2. Image Format and Dimensions

Choosing the right format and resizing images to fit your website design helps in faster loading and better user experience. JPEGs work best for photographs, while PNGs are ideal for graphics with sharp lines or transparency​​.

3. Mobile Optimisation and Lazy Loading

With the increasing use of mobile devices, ensuring your images load efficiently on all platforms is crucial. Implementing lazy loading can also improve page speed by loading images only as they come into the viewport​​.

Conclusion

Alt text is a small but mighty component of your SEO strategy. It plays a key role in making your website more accessible and helps search engines understand and correctly index your images. By adhering to best practices and avoiding common pitfalls, you can harness the power of alt text to boost your site’s overall SEO performance. Remember, in the world of SEO, every little bit counts, and the proper use of alt text can be a step toward achieving your digital marketing goals. Curious to know more about alt text in SEO? Click here to message us right away!