If you've got a website, and particularly if you are doing a DIY website, you have likely come across the words 'Alt Text'. So what the heck is Alt Text and why is it important to a website?
Alt text (short for alternative text) is a brief description added to images on a website. It’s there for two main reasons:
1. Accessibility: Alt text helps visually impaired users understand an image through screen readers.
2. SEO: Search engines like Google use it to understand what the image is about, boosting your site's visibility.
Alt Text on Images – Why It Matters for SEO
Did you know Google can't "see" the images on your website? Instead, it relies on the alt text to understand their relevance. This makes image optimisation a vital part of SEO!
Here’s how you can make your images work harder for you:
✅ DO:
Write descriptive, SEO-friendly alt text using relevant keywords.
Rename your files with meaningful, keyword-rich names (no more "image001.jpg").
Use captions to provide context and subtly include additional keywords.
Examples:
For an image of a dog playing in a park, your alt text might be:"Golden retriever happily running in a grassy park with a frisbee."
For an image the relates to your business e.g. if you are a massage therapist and it’s someone receiving a massage, your alt text might be:"Woman receiving a relaxation massage by [name], massage therapist Mount Maunganui."
For an image the relates to your business e.g. if you are a local builder, your alt text might be:"New kitchen renovation by XYZ Builders."
It's a simple but powerful way to make your website more inclusive and improve your search rankings. 😊
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