Alt Text
Quick Definition
Alt text (alternative text) is an HTML attribute that describes the content of an image for screen readers and search engines. Writing descriptive alt text improves accessibility and helps images rank in Google Image Search.
Why It Matters
Alt text (alternative text) describes images for screen readers and search engines. Since Google cannot see images directly, alt text tells it what an image shows. It is essential for accessibility compliance and image SEO. Images with descriptive alt text can rank in Google Image Search, driving additional traffic.
Real-World Example
For a product image of a red silk saree on an Indian e-commerce site, good alt text is Red Banarasi silk saree with gold zari border. Bad alt text is image1.jpg or just saree. The descriptive version helps Google understand the image and rank it for relevant image searches.
Signal Connection
Relevance -- alt text signals what an image is about, adding topical relevance to your page. Well-written alt text reinforces the page topic and helps Google understand visual content in context.
Pro Tip
Write alt text as if describing the image to someone who cannot see it. Be specific and include relevant keywords naturally. Keep it under 125 characters. Do not start with image of or picture of as screen readers already announce it is an image.
Common Mistake
Stuffing keywords into alt text. Writing buy cheap shoes online India best shoes discount shoes as alt text is spam. Alt text should accurately describe the image content, with keywords only if they naturally apply to what is shown.
Test Your Knowledge
What is the primary purpose of alt text?
Show Answer
Answer: B. To describe images for screen readers and search engines that cannot see them
Alt text describes image content for screen readers (accessibility) and search engines (SEO). It enables Google to understand what images show and rank them in image search results.