Image ALT tags, also known as alt attributes or alt text, are HTML attributes that provide a textual description of an image on a webpage. These tags serve multiple purposes, including:
1. Accessibility:
ALT tags are used by screen readers to describe images to visually impaired users. By providing descriptive alt text, you ensure that visually impaired individuals can understand the content of your images.
2. SEO:
Search engines rely on ALT tags to understand the context and relevance of images since they cannot "see" images like humans do. Including relevant keywords in your alt text can help improve your image's visibility in search engine results and enhance your overall SEO efforts.
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Here's how you can add ALT tags to your images:
1. HTML Attribute:
When inserting an image in your HTML code, include the `alt` attribute within the `<img>` tag. For example:
<img src="image.jpg" alt="Description of the image">
2. Descriptive Text:
Write a concise and accurate description of the image in the `alt` attribute. Focus on conveying the essential details and purpose of the image. If the image contains text, make sure to include that text in the alt tag as well.
3. Relevant Keywords:
If appropriate, incorporate relevant keywords into the alt text. However, avoid keyword stuffing or using irrelevant keywords. The primary purpose of alt text is to describe the image accurately, so prioritize clarity and usefulness.
4. Length:
Keep the alt text relatively short, typically within 125 characters. However, if necessary, you can provide more detailed descriptions for complex images or infographics.
Here are a few additional tips for optimizing your alt tags:
- Be specific and descriptive: Clearly convey the image's content and context. Instead of using generic descriptions like "image.jpg," provide specific details like "Golden Retriever playing fetch in a park."
- Avoid using "image of" or "picture of" in the alt text: Screen readers already announce that the content is an image, so there's no need to explicitly mention it.
- Use hyphens or underscores for multi-word descriptions: To enhance readability, separate words in the alt text using hyphens or underscores. For example, use "happy-dog.jpg" instead of "happydog.jpg."
- Avoid using alt text for decorative images: If an image is purely decorative and doesn't convey any meaningful information, you can leave the alt text empty (`alt=""`) or use an empty space or a dash (`alt=" " or alt="-"`).
Remember, alt tags are essential for accessibility and can positively impact your website's SEO. By providing accurate and descriptive alt text for your images, you ensure that all users, including those with visual impairments, can understand and engage with your content effectively.
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