Page content
What are alt tags?
Alt tags are brief descriptions embedded within an image’s HTML code that describe what the image depicts. These descriptions serve multiple purposes: they provide essential information to people who cannot see the images, ensure that search engines understand the content of the images, and appear on the page when images fail to load due to connectivity issues.
To put it simply, alt tags are the key to making sure that images are not just decorative elements but informative and accessible to all users.
The role of alt tags in digital accessibility
The web should be a place where everyone can access information equally. For people with visual impairments, screen readers are essential tools that interpret web content. However, without alt tags, screen readers cannot convey what an image represents, effectively leaving users in the dark. This exclusionary practice can harm a brand’s reputation and alienate a significant portion of the audience.
Alt tags ensure that visually impaired users can fully engage with content by providing descriptions of images that might otherwise go unnoticed. For instance, instead of a screen reader announcing “image,” it can convey “man doing yoga in front of the ocean”, offering context and meaning. But if you run a company focused on personal workout coaching, for instance, you might want to add which muscle(s) this person is stretching and how he’s doing that.
The SEO benefits of alt tags
Beyond their accessibility advantages, alt tags also serve as a vital component of SEO strategies. Search engines like Google use alt text to understand the content of images, which can help improve a website’s ranking in search results. For example, if you run a blog about travel gear, including the phrase “best carry-on luggage” in your alt text can make your site more discoverable for related searches.
This dual function of alt tags — as a tool for accessibility and a means to enhance SEO — makes them indispensable in modern web design.
Best practices for writing effective alt tags
Creating alt tags that are both descriptive and concise is an art. Here are some best practices to ensure your alt tags are impactful:
- Prioritize context: Describe the image in a way that adds value to the surrounding content. For example, “labrador playing in the park” might be appropriate for a pet care blog, whereas “adopt a labrador puppy” could be more relevant for an adoption site.
- Avoid redundancies: Skip phrases like “image of” or “photo of,” which are unnecessary. The alt tag should go straight to the point, focusing on what’s essential about the image.
- Incorporate keywords thoughtfully: While it’s important to include keywords to boost SEO, they should be used naturally within the description. Keywords should not compromise the clarity and usefulness of the alt text.
- Omit decorative images: Not all images need alt text. If an image is purely decorative, it’s better to use an empty alt attribute (alt=””) so that screen readers can skip over it. This prevents confusion and keeps the focus on content that adds value.
Conclusion: alt tags as a pillar of digital inclusivity
In today’s digital age, where inclusivity is no longer just a buzzword but a necessity, alt tags are a simple yet powerful tool to ensure that your content is accessible to everyone. By thoughtfully crafting alt text, you can make your website more welcoming to users with visual impairments and improve your visibility in search engine results.
Incorporating alt tags into your content strategy is not just a technical task, it’s a commitment to making the web a more inclusive space. As you build and grow your digital presence, remember that accessibility starts with the details, and alt tags are one of the most important details you can focus on.
