You know that little box you skip when you’re adding a picture to your website? The one labeled “Image alt text” or “alt attribute”? Most people click past it. I did too, for years.
Big mistake.
Here’s the thing: that tiny box is a powerhouse. It’s a bridge. It’s a helper. It’s even a quiet salesman for your site. You’re losing out in ways that go well beyond SEO if you ignore it.
Let’s discuss what alt text is, why it matters to actual people, and how to write it in a way that is truly beneficial.
So, What Is Alt Text Exactly?
Let’s get past the lingo first. You may hear “What is an alt tag, alt attribute, “or “alt text for images? They all refer to the same straightforward concept.
Imagine this: The sound stops while you and a friend are viewing a movie. “Okay, now he’s picking up the red mug, looking really confused,” you would mutter as you leaned over. Alt text is that. It offers a brief and helpful description for people who cannot view an image.
Technically speaking, it’s the HTML code that you add to an image (“alt=”description here”). Its main job? To describe the image when it fails to load. Or, crucially, to be read aloud by screen readers for visually impaired visitors.
But here’s the fresh perspective: Alt text is context for everyone. In a fast-scrolling world, sometimes everyone benefits from that clear label. It’s not a niche SEO trick. It’s fundamental web manners.
Why Alt Text Is Actually Important
We used to say SEO alt text was important for SEO. And it is; Google’s bots can’t “see” pictures. They need your description to understand what’s there and how it relates to your page. This helps your alt text images and your site show up in search results.
But let’s be truthful. It seems like an effort if that’s the sole motivation. It feels robotic.
Do it for these reasons instead:
- It Helps Real People. Millions use screen readers. Without alt tags for images, Your article is full of holes. The reader hears “image” or, worse, a long, confusing file name like “IMG_02394.jpg.” Good alt text turns that into valuable information. It’s inclusion. It’s basic kindness.
- It fixes broken images. We’ve all seen that broken image icon. Good alt text tells them what they’re missing. It saves their experience.
- It Keeps Content Clear. It keeps your website organized. You’ll remember what that image was for. It’s a note to yourself.
When you write for people first, the SEO benefits come naturally. Google wants to reward good, helpful websites. This is how you build one.
How to Write Alt Text the Right Way
This is where most guides get it wrong. They give you a dry formula. Forget that. Let’s talk principles.
Explain the image like a human would.
Look at an image and ask, “What’s the point of this being here?”
- Is it decorative? A purely fancy border or divider? Use an empty alt attribute (alt=“”). This tells the screen reader to skip it. That’s helpful too.
- Does it convey meaning? This is the big one. Describe what matters.
Let’s look at some alt text examples that show the difference.
- Bad: alt=“coffee”
- Okay: alt=“a mug of coffee on a wooden table”
- Good: alt=“A steaming mug of fresh coffee beside a laptop, showing a website draft.”
See the difference? The good one sets a scene. It connects to ideas of work, creativity, or morning routines. If this image was in a blog about remote work & freelancing, those alt text examples would be perfect. It’s relevant.
The golden rule is to be straightforward but specific. Try to be clear, not poetic. 125 characters is typically a good limit. Say enough, then stop.
Common Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes
- Keyword Stuffing: alt SEO services Toronto, best SEO services Toronto, affordable SEO.” This is terrible. It helps no human. Google might even penalize it. Avoid doing this.
- Beginning with “Image of,” it is already announced as an image by screen readers. You are merely repeating yourself.
- Over-Explaining: Use the alt attribute for a brief overview and describe the image in the surrounding text if a thorough explanation is needed.
- Leaving It Blank: The worst mistake. An empty alt tag is better than a missing one, but a good description is best.
Alt Text in Remote Work & Freelancing
If you work online, alt text for images is part of professionalism.
Consider this:
- You describe your home office setting in a LinkedIn post. The image needs alt text so everyone in your network can engage.
- You build a portfolio website. Every project screenshot and every headshot needs a clear description. It shows attention to detail.
- You use images in client reports or proposals. Alt text ensures your communication is accessible and professional.
It’s a small skill that speaks volumes about how you work. It shows you think about the whole audience. Moreover, using proper image alt text shows attention to detail.
A Simple Check Before Publishing
- Look at your image. What’s the first thing you notice? Start there.
- Why is this image here? What job does it do?
- Read your alt text out loud. Does it sound natural? Does it describe the image to a friend?
- Did you cram in keywords unnaturally? Remove them.
- For decorative images, did you use alt?
Why This Really Matters
Writing good image alt text isn’t about gaming a search algorithm. It’s about building a web that works for more people. It’s about not leaving anyone out in the dark.
When you write that simple description, you’re saying, “I see you. This is for you, too.”
That’s the perspective that lasts. That’s what makes a website not just visible but valuable. The SEO boost? That’s just the bonus. The real win is connection.
And honestly, in a world of remote work & freelancing, isn’t that what we’re all trying to do? Connect clearly and meaningfully, despite the distance.
Start with your next image. Be a good narrator. The web will be better for it.
Conclusion
That’s the truth about image alt text, then. It’s not a technical task. It’s a discreet method of ensuring that nobody is excluded. You’re creating a more comprehensive and insightful web when you describe your photos.
Start with the photograph from your portfolio or the following blog post. Give yourself an additional minute. Write a brief yet useful alt attribute. Long-term benefits include improving your website for both consumers and search engines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is alt text only for SEO?
No, it’s mainly for accessibility, but it helps SEO too.
How long should alt text be?
Keep it short—think under 125 characters.
Should I describe every single detail?
No, just describe what’s important to the context.
What if my image is just for decoration?
Use an empty alt tag: alt=””.
Can I stuff keywords into alt text?
Please don’t—it sounds spammy and hurts accessibility.