The Importance of Alt Tags for Images

You've probably heard that your website needs to be optimized in many different ways. One easy but often overlooked part of this is something called "alt tags" for images.

This article will break it down for you in simple terms and explain why alt tags matter for your business website.

What is an Alt Tag?

An alt tag (short for "alternative text") is a brief description that you add to an image on your website. It's not something visible to your visitors unless the image doesn't load, but it's crucial for a fewreasons.

Accessibility

First, alt tags help describe your images to users who are visually impaired and rely on screen readers. If someone can't see the image, their screen reader will read the alt tag out loud, so they can understand what's there.

SEO Benefits

Alt tags help search engines, like Google, understand what your images are about. This can improve your website's ranking in search results, making it easier for potential customers to find you online. It's a small step that can have a big impact on your visibility.

Image Load Fail-Safe

Sometimes images don't load properly due to slow internet connections or browser issues. When this happens, the alt tag will display in place of the image, letting visitors know what should have been there.

How to Write Good Alt Tags

Here are a few quick tips for writing effective alt tags. ---make this bigger

1. Be Descriptive, But Brief - You want to describe the image clearly, but you don't need a long sentence. Keep it simple.
2. Mention Relevant Keywords - If the image is related to something your business offers, include relevant keywords. But don't go overboard! For example, if the image is of a product you sell, include the product name naturally.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Keyword Stuffing - Adding too many keywords in the alt tag can make it sound unnatural and could hurt your SEO rather than help it.
   
2. Leaving Alt Tags Empty - Not adding any alt tags means missed opportunities for both accessibility and SEO. Even if an image seems unimportant, a simple alt tag can still help.
   
3. Describing the Image Incorrectly - Be sure the alt tag describes what's actually in the image. Misleading alt tags can confuse users and search engines alike.

Examples

It's important to consider both the context and purpose of the images, as well as providing clear and concise descriptions. Here's an example of how to write appropriate alt tags for each image:

1. Top image - "Two children laughing and playing a pillow fight on a bed, with feathers scattered in the air."
2. Bottom-left image - "Vintage Polaroid instant camera placed on a white surface."
3. Bottom-right image - "Green backpack with leather straps held up in front of a mountain landscape."

By writing alt tags like these, you ensure the images are accessible, describing their content accurately while considering the surrounding context.

Easy Steps to Add Alt Tags

If you're using platforms like WordPress or Shopify, adding alt tags is super easy. Here's how you can do it:

1. WordPress - When you upload an image, you'll see a box labeled "Alt Text." Just type your description there, and you're done!
2. Shopify - After adding an image, click "Edit," and you'll find an option to add alt text in the image settings.

If your website was made by us, we've got you covered! For all our clients, we create custom admin tools. If your website supports a blog, you'll find a field labeled "alt tag" next to every image. Filling in this field is all you need to ensure your alt tags are set correctly.

The Easiest Way to Check an Image's Alt Tag

One of the simplest ways to check an image's alt text is by using the right-click method, which is accessible to anyone using a desktop browser. This method requires no technical background and is perfect for non-developers who want to quickly view the alt text of any image on a webpage.

Here's a step-by-step guide for Google chrome browser:

1. Go to the webpage containing the image you want to check.
2. Right-click on the image.
3. From the menu that appears, click on "Inspect".
4. A panel (called Developer Tools) will open on the right side or bottom of your screen.
5. In the panel, select the "Inspect Element" tool (see image below).
6. Hover over the image in question.
7. You will see the name field, this is image alt tag (see image bellow).

Conclusion

Alt tags might seem like a small detail, but they play a big role in making your website more accessible and improving your SEO. The good news? You don't need to be a tech expert to add them. A few minutes spent on adding descriptive alt tags can make a big difference in how people and search engines experience your site.

If you have any questions or need help with this, feel free to reach out to our team, and we'd be happy to assist!