Are You Utilizing Alt Text for Images to Improve SEO?

 Alt text, or alternative text, is a crucial element of image SEO that many website owners and bloggers overlook. It helps search engines understand the content of images while also improving accessibility for visually impaired users. If you’re not using alt text effectively, you’re missing out on an essential ranking factor that can drive more traffic to your blog.

In this guide, we’ll explore why alt text is important, how to write SEO-friendly alt text, best practices for using it, and common mistakes to avoid.

Why Alt Text Matters for SEO

Improves Search Engine Rankings

Search engines like Google cannot “see” images the way humans do. Instead, they rely on alt text to understand what an image represents. When you include keyword-rich alt text, you give Google more context, which improves your chances of ranking in image search results.

Enhances Website Accessibility

Alt text is used by screen readers to describe images to visually impaired users. Without it, these users miss out on important visual elements. Making your content accessible not only improves user experience but also aligns with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

Boosts Image Search Visibility

Google Image Search is a major source of organic traffic. Well-optimized images with descriptive alt text are more likely to appear in image search results, driving additional visitors to your website.

Helps with Page Load Issues

If an image fails to load due to a slow connection or technical issue, alt text will be displayed instead. This ensures that users still get an idea of what the missing image represents.

How to Write SEO-Friendly Alt Text

Be Descriptive and Specific

Your alt text should accurately describe what’s in the image. Avoid vague descriptions and provide enough detail to convey the image’s purpose.

Bad Example: Image1.jpg
Better Example: woman-using-laptop-coffee-shop.jpg

Include Relevant Keywords

Alt text is an opportunity to insert relevant keywords naturally. However, keyword stuffing should be avoided, as Google penalizes spammy content.

Bad Example: best-laptop-best-coffee-shop-best-business-workspace.jpg (keyword stuffing)
Better Example: Freelancer working on a laptop in a coffee shop (natural description with keywords)

Keep It Short and Concise

Alt text should typically be under 125 characters, as screen readers may cut off longer descriptions. Focus on the most important details without unnecessary words.

Bad Example: A freelancer sitting at a wooden table in a modern coffee shop with a large window, working on a silver MacBook while drinking a cappuccino in a white ceramic cup.
Better Example: Freelancer working on a MacBook in a coffee shop.

Avoid Using "Image of" or "Picture of"

Search engines and screen readers already recognize that alt text is describing an image, so there’s no need to start with phrases like "image of" or "picture of."

Bad Example: Image of a businessman shaking hands with a client.
Better Example: Businessman shaking hands with a client in an office.

Match Alt Text to Page Context

Ensure that the alt text aligns with the topic of your blog post. This improves content relevance and SEO value.

For example, if your blog post is about digital marketing strategies, an image of a marketing dashboard should have alt text like:

“Digital marketing analytics dashboard displaying key performance metrics.”

Best Practices for Using Alt Text

Use Alt Text for Every Image

Every image on your website should have alt text, including product images, blog post graphics, and infographics. The only exception is decorative images that do not contribute to the content.

Optimize for Mobile and Voice Search

As voice search becomes more common, clear and descriptive alt text can help search engines understand images in voice-assisted searches.

Use Unique Alt Text for Each Image

If multiple images are used in a single post, ensure each one has unique alt text. Duplicate alt text does not provide additional SEO value.

Prioritize Important Keywords First

Google gives more weight to the beginning of alt text, so place important keywords at the start while keeping the description natural.

Consider Adding Alt Text to Buttons

For image-based buttons (e.g., "Download Now"), alt text should describe the action rather than the image itself.

Example:
<img src="download-button.png" alt="Download free eBook">

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Leaving Alt Text Blank

Many bloggers ignore alt text entirely, which leads to missed SEO opportunities and poor accessibility.

Using Generic or Non-Descriptive Text

Words like "image1" or "photo123" provide no value to users or search engines.

Overloading with Keywords (Keyword Stuffing)

Stuffing alt text with excessive keywords can lead to a Google penalty and make your content seem spammy.

Writing Alt Text for Decorative Images

If an image is purely decorative (e.g., a background image), it does not need alt text. Instead, use CSS to display such images and leave the alt attribute empty (alt="").

Not Updating Alt Text for Old Images

If you update blog content with fresh keywords, ensure that your images’ alt text is also updated to reflect the latest SEO strategy.

Final Thoughts

Alt text is a small but powerful element of SEO that can improve your blog’s search rankings, accessibility, and user experience.

Key Takeaways

• Use descriptive and relevant alt text for all images.

• Incorporate keywords naturally without stuffing.

• Keep alt text concise (under 125 characters).

• Avoid using generic phrases like "image of."

• Optimize for both SEO and accessibility.

• Regularly audit and update alt text on old blog posts.

By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your blog’s SEO performance, increase traffic from Google Images, and provide a better experience for all users.