10 Common Alt Tag Mistakes to Avoid

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Ever wondered why some websites seem to load faster, even with lots of images? Or maybe you’ve encountered a webpage where the pictures just show up as broken boxes. Alt tags, those little descriptions behind the scenes, play a big role in how search engines and users experience your website’s images. They’re like captions for your pictures, but even more important.

While alt tags might seem like a minor detail, there are some common mistakes people make that can actually hurt your website’s ranking and user experience. Let’s dive into the top 10 alt tag mistakes to avoid and ensure your website’s images are working for you, not against you.

Common Alt Tag Mistakes to Avoid :

Here are 10 alt tag mistakes to steer clear of and ensure your website’s images are working for you:

Mistake #1: Missing Alt Text:

Search engines are clueless: Without alt text, search engines can’t understand your images, hurting their ranking potential.
Screen reader users are left in the dark: People who rely on screen readers won’t have any information about your images.
It’s a missed opportunity: Alt text helps both search engines and users understand your content better. Missing out on it means missing out on potential traffic and engagement.

Mistake #2: Generic Alt Text:

“Image01.jpg” doesn’t tell anyone anything! Use descriptive alt text that actually explains what the image shows.

Mistake #3: Keyword Stuffing:

Alt text isn’t about cramming in every keyword you can think of. Focus on clear descriptions that naturally incorporate relevant keywords.

Mistake #4: Overly Complicated Descriptions:

Keep it concise! Aim for alt text under 125 characters for optimal readability.

Mistake #5: Inaccurate or Misleading Alt Text:

Be honest about what your image shows. Don’t try to mislead users or search engines.

Mistake #6: Ignoring Decorative Images:

For purely decorative images (like borders or bullets), you can leave the alt text blank or use null values (depending on your platform).

Mistake #7: All Caps Alt Text:

Using all caps can be hard to read, especially for screen reader users. Stick to proper capitalization for better clarity.

Mistake #8: Copying Captions Verbatim:

Alt text should complement your image caption, not repeat it. Provide a unique description that adds value for screen reader users.

Mistake #9: Forgetting About Linked Images:

Alt text for linked images is crucial! Describe where the link leads and entice users to click with clear, concise text.

Mistake #10: Inconsistent Alt Text Practices:

Establish a consistent approach to writing alt text and apply it to all your website’s images. This ensures both search engines and users can grasp your content more effectively.

Conclusion :

Alt tags might seem like a small detail, but they play a big role in how your website functions. By avoiding these common mistakes and writing clear, concise, and accurate alt text, you can unlock several benefits:

Improved SEO: Search engines will understand your images better, potentially leading to higher rankings for relevant keywords.

Enhanced Accessibility: Screen reader users can access the full context of your website’s visuals.
Better User Experience: Clear alt text helps users understand your content and navigate your website more easily.

So, take a few extra minutes to craft effective alt text for your website’s images. It’s a simple investment that can yield significant returns in terms of search engine visibility, user experience, and overall website accessibility.

FAQs :

What happens if I use all caps in alt text?

All caps can be difficult to read, especially for screen readers. Stick to proper capitalization for better clarity.

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