Story Based Question
Imagine you’re designing an e-commerce website for a trendy sneaker brand. The site has a clean design and high-quality product photos that highlight every detail of the sneakers. However, a customer who relies on screen readers to navigate the web emails you saying they can’t tell what the images on your site represent. At the same time, your SEO consultant points out that your website isn’t ranking well for “white running sneakers” even though you’ve uploaded dozens of product photos.
The consultant asks, “Are you using alt attributes for these images?” You realize you don’t know what they are or why they matter. What are alt attributes, and how do they impact SEO?
Exact Answer
Alt attributes, also known as alt text, are HTML attributes used to describe the content of an image. They are crucial for:
- Accessibility: They help screen readers interpret images for visually impaired users.
- SEO: Search engines use alt text to understand image content and index them correctly, boosting visibility in image search results.
- Fallback Content: Alt text appears when images fail to load due to poor internet or technical issues.
Explanation
Alt attributes play a dual role in improving user experience and boosting SEO performance.
1. Accessibility
For users who can’t see images due to visual impairments, screen readers rely on alt text to describe images. This makes your content more inclusive, which isn’t just ethical but also legally required in some regions (like under the ADA in the U.S.).
2. Improved SEO
Search engines can’t “see” images but rely on alt text to understand what they depict. By using descriptive and keyword-rich alt text, you improve your chances of ranking in image searches. For example, instead of using “IMG123.jpg,” write “white running sneakers with black soles.”
3. Fallback for Broken Images
When images fail to load, alt text appears in place of the image, ensuring users still understand its context. This maintains a smoother user experience.
Writing Effective Alt Attributes
- Be Descriptive: Summarize the image clearly and concisely.
- Use Keywords Naturally: Include relevant keywords without stuffing them.
- Avoid Generic Phrases: Avoid phrases like “image of” or “picture of.”
Why It Matters for Your Sneakers Site
Your trendy sneaker store’s website missed ranking for “white running sneakers” because the alt attributes were either missing or poorly written. Search engines didn’t know what those images represented. Worse, users relying on screen readers couldn’t access the product info effectively, causing frustration and potential legal risks.
Example
Let’s go back to your sneaker website. You upload a photo of a sleek white running sneaker. Initially, the HTML for the image looks like this:
<img src=”white-sneaker.jpg”>
This lacks alt text, so screen readers and search engines have no idea what’s in the image. After optimization, it looks like this:
<img src=”white-sneaker.jpg” alt=”White running sneakers with breathable mesh and black soles”>
Now:
- A visually impaired user hears, “White running sneakers with breathable mesh and black soles.”
- Search engines understand the image context and index it for “white running sneakers.”
- Users with slow internet see the alt text if the image doesn’t load.
As a result, your page climbs in the rankings for that keyword, and you create a more inclusive experience for all users.
Alt attributes may seem like a small detail, but they have a huge impact on accessibility, SEO, and user experience. Taking the time to write clear and descriptive alt text ensures your site is not only inclusive but also ranks better in search engines.