What is an Image Alt Text? 

Alt text is a description of the subject matter of the image. It helps search engines and screen readers understand the context of the image. However, this description can vary depending on the context of the image. Let’s take a look at a few examples of different types of image alt text.

(Gilbert SEO services are here to help you mitigate these factors by enlightening you about the possibilities with our expert WordPress web design and SEO company. Contact us today! Click here: Gilbert SEO)


Describes the subject matter of an image 

When writing an image description, make sure to describe the subject matter of the image. This is important if the image is complex, or if the viewer needs more context. Make sure to use several sentences for detailed descriptions. Also, include the location of the long description in the image alt text. 

The alt text should also include your target keyword. For example, you want to use the words “baseball” and “Fenway Park.” You’d also include the words “David Ortiz” or “Red Sox” if the image was of David Ortiz hitting a baseball. Google needs this information to index the image. 

Another reason to include alt text is to make your site more accessible. People with disabilities can use screen readers to read this information. It will help them understand what the image is and can guide them to relevant content on your site. Search engines also read this information and use it as a ranking signal for your website. 

Helps search engine crawlers understand the subject matter of the image 

Putting a caption below an image is crucial to search engine optimization. Google says that captions under images are read 300% more than text and offer a great way to engage readers. Not only that, but Google admits that it uses them to better understand images. While a crawler cannot read an image, it can understand the text, and captions tell the AI what the content is about. 

Adding alt text to images not only helps search engines understand what the image is about, but it also helps people with disabilities view your content. In addition, alt text can be used to make the images more accessible for people with low-bandwidth connections and screen readers. 

Helps screen readers understand the context of the image 

Screen readers can’t read images, so they rely on alt text to describe them. The alt text is a short label (up to 125 characters) that describes the image for people who can’t see it. The alt text will show up in the absence of an image and can include targeted keywords, which can help improve search engine optimization. 

Adding a screen reader description to an image is a good way to make it more understandable to people who have visual impairments. A description should not overwhelm the reader and give them the wrong impression. It should give them a general idea of what the image is and what it’s for. Ideally, you should be able to convey this in two words, or even fewer. 

While the use of screen reader software has improved the accessibility of web content for people with visual impairments, it’s still not as effective as a text description provided by the content author. This is because the content author knows exactly what the image is and how it’s used.