Why Alt Text Matters: Improve SEO & Accessibility

Image alt text is an often-overlooked element, but it plays a key role in both SEO and accessibility. Let’s explore why alt text SEO is essential for your Webflow site.

What is Alt Text?

Alt text is a description you add to images that helps search engines and screen readers understand what the image represents. It serves as an important tool for both SEO and user experience.

The Role of SEO Image Alt Text

You might wonder if a few words can really impact your site’s performance. Here’s why SEO image alt text matters:

1. Search Engine Understanding: Google uses alt text to interpret your images. It helps search engines index your content correctly.
2. Keyword Use: Alt text provides an opportunity to include relevant keywords, which can improve your rankings.
3. Image Search Visibility: Optimised alt text can increase your chances of appearing in image search results, driving more traffic to your site.
4. Content Context: Alt text helps search engines grasp the context of your page, which can enhance overall rankings.

Accessibility Benefits

Alt text isn’t just for search engines; it also improves accessibility:

• Support for Screen Readers: Visually impaired users rely on alt text to understand visual content.
• Fallback for Missing Images: If an image doesn’t load, alt text provides essential information about what the image is supposed to convey.

Adding Alt Text in Webflow

For those using Webflow, adding alt text is straightforward:

1. Select your image.
2. Go to the Settings tab.
3. Find Image Settings.
4. Enter your alt text in the "Custom Description" field.

Automating Alt Text with AI

If you have many images to manage, consider using alt text AI tools:

• Bulk Updates: Update multiple images quickly without manual entry.
• Smart Suggestions: AI can generate relevant alt text based on the image content.
• Consistency: Ensure all images have high-quality alt text across your site.

Best Practices for Alt Text

Here are some tips for creating effective alt text:

1. Be Descriptive: Clearly describe the image while keeping it concise (aim for under 125 characters).
2. Consider Context: Think about how the image relates to the surrounding content.
3. Avoid Redundancy: If the information is already in the text, keep the alt text brief.
4. Skip Obvious Phrases: You don’t need to start with "Image of..." since screen readers indicate it’s an image.

The SEO Advantage

Websites with well-optimised images, including proper alt text, are more likely to appear in Google Image Search results. This can lead to increased traffic and visibility.

Action Steps for Your Site

1. Audit Your Images: Check for missing alt text using Webflow's tools.
2. Prioritise Important Pages: Focus on pages that drive traffic first.
3. Use AI Tools: Consider leveraging alt text AI tools for efficiency.
4. Make It Routine: Incorporate adding alt text into your content creation process.

In summary, effective alt text SEO benefits both users and search engines. It enhances accessibility and improves your site's performance in search results. By taking time to optimise your images, you can boost your overall Webflow SEO strategy. Are you ready to enhance your images with meaningful descriptions? Your users and search rankings will benefit!