**Optimize Images:** Use Descriptive Alt Text For All Your Images. This Helps Search Engines Understand The Content Of Your Images And Improves Your Overall SEO.

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Post on Oct 22, 2024

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Stop Hiding Your Images! How Descriptive Alt Text Can Boost Your SEO

You've got killer images on your website. They make it look amazing, they tell your story, they even get your readers excited! But are you making the most of them for SEO? You might be missing out on a huge opportunity if you're not using descriptive alt text.

What is Alt Text?

Think of alt text as a caption for your image, but one that's hidden from view on your website. It's a short description that tells search engines, screen readers, and even people with visual impairments what your image is about.

Why It Matters for SEO

Search engines can't "see" your images like we do. They rely on alt text to understand what they're looking at. By using descriptive alt text, you're giving search engines the info they need to index your images, which can:

• Increase your organic search ranking: When your images are properly indexed, they show up in image search results, driving more traffic to your website.
• Improve accessibility: For folks who use screen readers, alt text is crucial. It allows them to understand the content of your images and navigate your website.
• Boost user experience: Imagine finding a blog post about amazing hiking trails, but the images have no alt text. It's like someone stole the caption! Using descriptive alt text ensures that everyone gets the full picture.

Writing Effective Alt Text:

So, how do you write alt text that's both effective and helpful?

1. Be descriptive: Don't just say "Image of a cat." Instead, say "A fluffy, ginger cat sitting on a windowsill, looking out at the garden."
2. Keep it concise: Short, sweet, and to the point is best. Nobody wants to read a novel in your alt text!
3. Focus on the image content: Don't use alt text to sneak in keywords that aren't relevant to the image. It'll look unnatural and could hurt your SEO.
4. Use keywords sparingly: While it's important to include relevant keywords, don't go overboard.
5. Write for a human, not a machine: Alt text should be clear, informative, and helpful to both search engines and humans.

Examples of Good Alt Text:

• Image: A photo of a delicious chocolate cake

• Alt Text: A slice of chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and sprinkles, topped with whipped cream

• Image: A graphic showing steps for changing a tire

• Alt Text: Step-by-step instructions on how to change a flat tire, showing each step with an illustration

The Takeaway:

Using descriptive alt text is a simple but powerful SEO strategy that can make a big difference. It's a win-win situation, improving your website's accessibility, user experience, and overall SEO. So, go forth and make your images shine!