SEO and Accessibility: Ways to Use the “ALT” Attribute

January 3, 2010 | Posted by Carma | Filed Under How To, Learning Center, images

It is simple enough to do, but so many people (myself included) forget to do it: use the “alt” attribute in their image tags.

This attribute isn’t required for the image to show up clearly, but it is required for website usability. And, on top of that, it can give your website a search engine boost.

Let me explain.

Google Image Search
Google is now displaying image results when people search for information. So, you can use the alt tag to add key words and phrases to your web pages. In fact, adding the alt tag can enhance your on-page search engine optimization.

Use the Tag Wisely
The alt attribute is an attribute of the “img” tag and was created as an alternative for non-visual browsers when they come across images. In other words, the text is meant to be used when the image is not visible on the page. Instead, what is displayed (or read) is the alternative text.

In addition, many browsers display the alt text when the customer rests their mouse on the image.

So, you don’t want to put a string of key words in the alt tag. You want that text to be easy to read and describe the image in some way.

How To Use the Alt Tag
Adding alt text is simple:

Picture 1

Some Quick Tips for Writing Alt Tags

Be Concise
An alt tag that is too long can be broken by some browsers. Also, if you try to stuff too many keywords in your alt tag, you’ll get penalized by Google. Basically, your alt tag text should include only those words that will help put the image in context — not be a full description of the image.

Be Clear
Of course, you don’t want to be so concise that your alt tag text has no meaning or is confusing. Remember, it is not only the search engines that will be reading your alt tag text, but real people, as well. For example:

  • Dog – decent
  • Swedish Valhund – Better
  • Swedish Valhund with red scarf and a tilted head – probably a bit too much

Remember Context
Don’t describe the image if the image is part of the context. For example, the alt text for your company logo would be your company name … not “Company Name Logo”.

Disregard Non-Essential Page Elements
You don’t need to include alt tags for images that aren’t important for the context of the page, such as spacer images, bullets and the like.


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