Glossary

An alt tag, also known as an alt attribute or alt text, is a descriptive text attribute that can be added to an HTML image tag to provide alternative information about an image when it cannot be displayed. Alt tags serve multiple purposes, including improving website accessibility for visually impaired users, enhancing search engine optimization (SEO) efforts, and providing context to search engines about the content of the image.

One of the primary functions of alt tags is to assist visually impaired users who rely on screen readers to navigate websites. When an image fails to load, the screen reader will read out the alt text, allowing the user to understand what the image represents. This makes the web more inclusive and ensures that visually impaired individuals can access and comprehend the content effectively.

Alt tags also play a significant role in SEO. Search engines like Google and Bing use various factors to determine the relevance and ranking of web pages in search results. While search engines have become sophisticated in understanding textual content, they still struggle to interpret images accurately. By providing descriptive alt tags, website owners can help search engines comprehend the images and improve their chances of ranking higher in search results.

When crafting alt tags for images, it is essential to keep them concise, descriptive, and relevant. The alt text should accurately reflect the content and purpose of the image, using relevant keywords whenever possible. However, it's crucial to strike a balance and avoid keyword stuffing, as search engines may penalize websites for excessive optimization attempts. Instead, focus on providing meaningful and accurate descriptions that genuinely help users and search engines understand the image.

In addition to aiding accessibility and SEO, alt tags are also used by browsers to display a tooltip when a user hovers their cursor over an image. This tooltip provides additional information about the image, enhancing the user experience and providing further context.

To optimize the alt tags for SEO, it is recommended to follow a few best practices. Firstly, ensure that alt tags are included for all images on the website, including product images, graphics, and illustrations. Each alt tag should be unique and specifically describe the content of the image, avoiding generic or repetitive phrases.

It is important to note that alt tags are not intended to be a space for keyword stuffing or deceptive practices. Search engines value user experience and relevancy, so it is crucial to use alt tags ethically and responsibly.

Overall, alt tags are descriptive text attributes that can be added to HTML image tags. They serve as alternative information when images cannot be displayed, aid website accessibility for visually impaired users, improve SEO efforts by providing context to search engines, and enhance the user experience by displaying tooltips. By crafting accurate and meaningful alt tags, website owners can optimize their websites for search engines, increase their visibility in search results, and improve overall accessibility for all users.