Alt text, short for “alternative text,” is a key element for photographers to optimize their images for both accessibility and SEO. It’s not just about writing a description, though—it’s about crafting an engaging, concise description that serves multiple purposes. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a hobbyist, learning how to write great alt text is essential in the realm of SEO for photographers, as it can improve your site’s search engine ranking and make it more accessible to everyone.
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What is Alt Text?
Alt text is the written description of an image that appears in your website’s HTML code. This text is used by screen readers to describe an image to people with visual impairments, and it also shows up if an image fails to load. It’s not just about accessibility, though. Alt text is also indexed by search engines like Google to understand and rank your images in search results. Think of it as a bridge between your image and the people (and search engines) who can’t see it.
Importance of Alt Text
For SEO
Alt text plays a significant role in SEO. Search engines rely on alt text to understand the content of images and how they relate to the page. When written effectively, alt text helps your images rank in search engine image results. This means more traffic to your site and greater visibility for your work.
For Accessibility
Beyond SEO, alt text is essential for accessibility. Screen readers use it to describe images to people who are visually impaired or have low vision. This allows them to fully experience your content, even if they can’t see it. Including alt text is a simple way to ensure your site is inclusive and usable for all visitors.
Top Rules for Crafting Perfect Alt Text
Examples of Alt Text for Photographers
Here are some alt text examples that demonstrate how you can improve your image descriptions:
Okay: “Top table”
Better: “Top table decorated and ready for wedding reception at venue name”
Okay: “Bride holding flowers”
Better: “Bride on her wedding day at venue name, holding a vibrant bouquet”
OK: “Mum holding toddler and kissing by a lake with a mountain in the background”
Better: “Mum kissing her toddler during a family photo shoot by a lake in Wales, with a mountain in the background”
OK: “Woman on a sofa”
Better: “Woman lying on a sofa, posing for a portrait with soft natural light”
OK: “Cat in a garden”
Better: “Cat headshot in a sunlit garden, sitting among green plants”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many photographers make mistakes when writing alt text. Here’s what to watch out for:
Alt Text and Image Search Strategies
Want to rank higher in image searches? Alt text is essential. To optimize your images for search, use relevant file names and alt descriptions. Don’t forget about modern file formats and schema markup to help search engines fully understand the context of your images.
Google’s visual search tools are improving, but alt text still gives you the control to describe the focus and elements you want search engines to prioritize. This improves both your SEO and user experience.
Do You Need Alt Text for Every Image?
Not every image needs alt text. Decorative images that don’t add meaning to the content (like borders or purely aesthetic elements) should be left out of the alt text. Focus on writing alt text for images that add value or context to the page. When in doubt, ask yourself: “Would someone miss this if they couldn’t see it?”
Tools and Resources for Optimizing Alt Text
If you’re looking to optimize your alt text efficiently, several tools can help. Here are a few worth checking out:
Frequently Asked Questions About Alt Text for Photographers
How long should alt text be?
There’s no official limit, but 15 words is a good target. Keep it short and specific.
Should I add alt text to my portfolio images?
Yes, especially if they highlight your best work. Alt text boosts visibility in search engines.
Can I use the same alt text for multiple images?
No. Each image should have unique alt text. Even if similar, each image adds a different value or focus.
Does alt text affect my website’s load time?
No. Alt text is just a small string of text within your HTML code, so it won’t slow your site down.
