Alternative text for an image in HTML code is called “alt text”. The text that is given on the HTML page for the image is an alternative text that the web gives to users for accessibility. People who are unable to see images or use screen readers find alternative texts helpful to know about the image. Example: image.jpg description and title in HTML
Importance of Alt Text Accessibility: Alt text allows the text to be visible visually. It makes it easy for access to search engines and it helps in making a web inclusive. Thus, making it accessible to the visually impaired through screen readers.
Search Engine Optimization
Essentially, search engines can see images. Unfortunately, the search engine can only read the alt text so that is all they see.
Alt texts help search engines comprehend the images, enhance page relevance, and help in ranking. Images whose alt text is properly optimized can rank for the image on Google Images.
Traffic for the image also increases.
When images are used as links, the alt text serves as the anchor text. Search engines read the linked pages as content with alt text.
Best Practices for Alt Text.
Use a tool such as Site Audit or Webmaster Tools to help find images with missing or empty alt text, focusing on important pages. It is best not to stuff the keywords. Make sure that the alt is relevant and descriptive. Neglecting false keywords to alt text can be viewed as an unethical practice.
Ensure to use an appropriate fitting word or two for the image’s content. The perfect length of alt text descriptions is 100 characters. Keep the description of the image content in focus. Don’t go for long and detailed descriptions.
