Alt Text

Alt text (alternative text) is a short written description of an image, added in the page’s code. Screen readers read it aloud for visually impaired users, and search engines use it to understand what an image shows.

Why it matters

Alt text is first an accessibility essential — it’s how blind and low-vision visitors experience your images. It also helps images rank in Google Images and gives context that supports the page’s relevance. A rare win that serves both inclusion and SEO.

Common misreading

Stuffing alt text with keywords. Describe the image plainly and accurately — that’s what helps both a screen-reader user and a search engine.