In an era where user experience and digital inclusivity are paramount, business owners who prioritize alt text are not just meeting compliance standards—they are actively enhancing their brand’s reputation and reach in the vast landscape of the internet.
First off, what is Alt Text?
Alt text, short for alternative text, is a brief and descriptive text associated with an image on a website. It serves as a textual alternative to the image, providing information about its content for those who may not be able to see it, such as people with visual impairments.
Alt text is essential for web accessibility and helps ensure a better user experience for all. Not only that, alt text also plays a role in SEO (Search Engine Optimization) by providing search engines with information about the content of images.
How do you add alt text on different platforms?
To add alt text to an image, follow these general steps:
HTML Method:
In HTML, use the “alt” attribute within the “img” tag. For example:
Wordpress:
Insert an image into your post or page.
Once the image is uploaded, click on it, and a menu will appear.
Look for the option to add alt text or description; the wording may vary depending on the version.
Enter a concise and descriptive alt text for the image.
Microsoft Word:
Select the object and then select the format menu for the object, for example, “Picture Format”.
Go to the “Alt Text” tab.
Enter the alt text in the “Description” field.
Image from Microsoft support page.
Social Media Platforms:
When uploading an image, most platforms provide an option to add alt text during the upload process.
Look for accessibility settings or image descriptions, and provide a brief, informative description of the image.
Some platforms even let you enable automatic alt text features.
Remember to keep alt text concise, descriptive, and relevant to the content of the image. This ensures better accessibility for users who rely on screen readers and enhances overall user experience.
Creating Alt Text for different kinds of images
Crafting alt text depends on the type and purpose of the image. Remember to tailor the alt text to the specific content and context of each image, ensuring that users gain a clear understanding even without visual input.
Descriptive Images: Provide a straightforward description of the image, focusing on its key elements.
Informative Graphics or Charts: Summarize the main information or data presented in the graphic.
Product Images: Include essential details such as the product name, features, and any unique selling points.
Decorative or Spacer Images: If the image serves a decorative purpose, convey that it’s decorative by leaving the alt value blank, for example: alt = “ ”
Functional Images (Icons, Buttons): Clearly describe the function or action associated with the image.
Complex Scenes: Break down the image into its main components and describe them in a logical order.
Photographs of People: Mention the number of people, their actions, and any relevant details.
Animated Images or GIFs: Describe the key frames or actions within the animation.
Infographics: Summarize the main points and key visual elements in the infographic.
Images with Text: If the image contains text, include that text in the alt description.
At this point, you’re an alt text expert! Here are more tips you should remember:
Be Descriptive. Provide a concise and accurate description, imagining you’re explaining the image to someone who cannot see it.
Relevance is Key. Ensure alt text is directly related to the content, contributing to the overall context of the page.
Keep it Concise. Aim for brevity while maintaining informativeness, focusing on the most crucial aspects of the image.
Avoid Keyword Stuffing. Include relevant keywords naturally; avoid overloading alt text for SEO, ensuring it sounds natural.
Use Punctuation Sparingly. Screen readers may interpret punctuation differently; use it sparingly for clear, concise language.
In conclusion, integrating meaningful alt text into your digital content is not just a matter of accessibility; it’s a strategic move for any kind of business. By embracing alt text, you open the doors to a broader audience, ensuring that your online presence is inclusive and welcoming to users with varying abilities. The positive impact extends beyond accessibility; it resonates with search engines, contributing to improved SEO and potential business visibility.
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About the Author
Bryan Alipar
Founder, Creative Director at Hatchbloc
Passionate about business, design, and digital marketing. With a keen eye for detail and boundless creativity, Bryan offers a unique perspective on the fusion of aesthetics and strategy in the corporate landscape. When not dissecting business trends, he explores nature, fueled by his love for travel, music production, and coffee.
