Definition
Alt Text (alternative text) is descriptive text applied to an image’s HTML tag. Initially created to enhance web accessibility for visually impaired users, Alt Text informs screen readers of what an image depicts or represents. This practice can also support better search engine understanding and ranking by improving site accessibility and context.
What is it?
In a website’s code, images include an alt attribute, which carries the written description of what the image shows. Screen readers rely on this attribute to convey the visual content to users who can’t see it. For instance, if there’s a photo of a person running, the alt text might read “A woman jogging on a park trail.” This level of detail is especially important when the image conveys essential information, such as a chart, diagram, or product image. While Alt Text primarily serves an accessibility purpose, it also has SEO benefits: search engines use these descriptions to better understand the content of a page, which can indirectly influence how the page is indexed and ranked.
How is it used?
Web developers and content managers insert Alt Text during image uploads or within HTML code, ensuring each image is accurately described. Clear, concise phrasing works best—avoid keyword stuffing or irrelevant text. When properly applied, Alt Text helps improve overall user experience, as visually impaired readers gain access to the same information as sighted users. Additionally, search engine crawlers can interpret the page’s thematic relevance more accurately, which can contribute to stronger visibility for related keywords. Maintaining consistent alt attribute usage across all images also signals that a site values inclusivity and user-friendliness.
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