Writing alt text that helps users and SEO
Introduction. Alt text is the invisible voice that explains images to screen readers, search engines, and curious visitors who may not load pictures. A well‑crafted description bridges accessibility gaps and signals relevance to crawlers, boosting page ranking and user trust. This guide walks you through practical steps—from choosing keywords to balancing detail—so every image becomes a contribution to content quality rather than an afterthought. By the end, you’ll know how to write alt text that reads naturally for people and satisfies algorithms.
Why alt text matters beyond accessibility
Search engines index alt attributes as part of the page’s textual context, influencing image search visibility and overall ranking signals. For users who rely on assistive technology, concise yet descriptive alt ensures comprehension of visual content. A strong alt strategy reduces bounce rates, improves dwell time, and aligns with best SEO practices.
- Provides contextual clues to crawlers about page topic
- Improves user experience for visually impaired visitors
Crafting effective alt: a step‑by‑step approach
Start by identifying the image’s purpose—informational, decorative, or functional. Then embed relevant keywords naturally, avoiding keyword stuffing. Keep the description under 125 characters to match screen reader limits and maintain clarity.
| Item | What it is | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Contextual relevance | Matches surrounding text | Signals intent to search engines |
| Keyword inclusion | Natural placement of primary terms | Boosts image ranking potential |
| Descriptive brevity | Under 125 characters | Fits screen reader constraints |
Mini workflow for quick alt creation
1. Examine the image and note its main subject.
2. Draft a sentence that conveys function or meaning.
3. Insert one keyword if it fits naturally.
4. Review for clarity and length; adjust as needed.
Avoiding common alt text mistakes
Many writers fall into the trap of generic labels like “image” or “picture.” Others over‑optimize with repetitive keywords, confusing both users and crawlers. Remember that alt should read like a helpful sentence, not a list of tags. Skip decorative images entirely—use alt=" " (empty) to let assistive tech skip them.
Conclusion. Alt text is a small element with outsized impact on accessibility and SEO. By focusing on context, relevance, and brevity, you can turn every image into an asset that informs users and signals intent to search engines. Start applying these guidelines today, audit your existing pages, and watch both user engagement and search performance rise.
Image by: Tobias Dziuba
