What are the best practices for image alt text?
Incorporating effective image alt text is a crucial aspect of both SEO and website accessibility. Alt text, which describes the content of an image, helps search engines understand the image context and improves the user experience for those using screen readers. Using well-crafted alt text ensures that your website reaches a broader audience and performs better in search rankings.
Creating concise and accurate descriptions of your images supports website inclusivity and complies with accessibility standards. Additionally, good alt text enhances page relevance, contributing positively to your overall SEO efforts. It is important to balance brevity with clarity to make alt text both informative and user-friendly.
Best practices for writing image alt text include being specific and relevant to the image content without overloading keywords. Aim to reflect the function and context of the image within the page, keeping descriptions succinct yet descriptive. Avoid using phrases like image of or picture of, as screen readers already identify the element as an image.
When an image is purely decorative and adds no informational value, it is best to use empty alt text (alt=””) to prevent unnecessary announcements by screen readers. This improves user experience by reducing redundant information. For complex images such as charts or infographics, more detailed descriptions elsewhere on the page are advisable.
Regularly reviewing and updating image alt text helps maintain SEO effectiveness and accessibility compliance. Consistency across your site ensures that images contribute positively to navigation and content comprehension. Remember, well-implemented alt text not only aids search engines but also fosters a more accessible web environment.
In summary, writing clear and meaningful alt text supports both SEO and inclusivity. It enhances your website’s search visibility while making content accessible to all users. By following these best practices, you can improve the performance and usability of your web pages effectively.
Always tailor alt text to the specific content and purpose of each image, keeping user needs in mind. Avoid keyword stuffing and focus on helpful descriptions that complement the surrounding text. Thoughtful alt text writing is a small but impactful step towards a better website.
Ultimately, effective image alt text is an essential component of a well-optimised and accessible website. By investing time in crafting appropriate descriptions, you contribute to a superior user experience and stronger search engine performance.