Alt text, also known as alternative text or the alt tag, is a descriptive text added to the HTML code for images on a webpage. The alt text is used to provide a textual description of the image, which is displayed if the image cannot be loaded for some reason. It is also useful for screen readers, which help visually impaired users understand the content of the images on a webpage.
Why is alt text important?
Alt text plays a crucial role in several aspects of web development and user experience:
- Accessibility: For visually impaired users who use screen readers, the alt text makes it possible for them to understand what an image depicts or represents.
- SEO: Search engines use alt text to understand the content of images, which can improve your page's visibility in image searches. Good alt text can contribute to better rankings in search results.
- Error handling: If an image cannot be loaded due to an error or slow internet connection, the alt text will be displayed instead, giving the user an idea of what the image was supposed to show.
How do you write effective alt text?
Writing effective alt text requires precision and relevance. Here are some tips:
- Be descriptive and specific: Describe exactly what the image shows. Instead of "dog," write "black Labrador retriever playing in the park."
- Keep it short: Alt text should be precise and concise, typically no more than a couple of sentences.
- Use keywords for SEO: Include relevant keywords, but avoid keyword stuffing, as it can harm the user experience and your SEO.
Example of alt text
Here is an example of how you can write alt text for an image:
<img src="hund-park.jpg" alt="Sort Labrador, der leger med en bold i parken">In this example, the alt text describes the image in a way that is useful for both visually impaired users and search engines.
Often-overlooked benefits of alt text
Beyond the primary benefits, alt text also helps with:
- Improve the user experience: By ensuring that all users, regardless of their abilities or technical issues, can understand the content on your page.
- Strengthen your branding: By consistently describing your images clearly and coherently, you can foster a better understanding of your brand.