Accessibility Tip: Writing Alt Text

Writing Good Alternative Text for Images

Alternative text (alt text) is a description of an image used by screen readers to provide accessibility to visually impaired users. Good alt text not only improves accessibility but it also helps search engines understand the context of an image and can even improve your website's search engine optimization (SEO).

Here are some tips for writing effective alt text:

1. Be descriptive: The main goal of alt text is to provide a brief description of the image, so make sure it accurately describes the content and context of the image.

2. Keep it short: Alt text should be brief, typically no longer than a few words or a short sentence.

3. Avoid using "image of" or "picture of": Screen readers automatically announce the image, so including "image of" or "picture of" is redundant.

4. Don't use text in images: If the image contains text, make sure to include a brief description of the text in the alt text.

5. Avoid redundant information

6. Use appropriate file names: When uploading an image, use descriptive and concise file names, as this can also help search engines understand the context of the image.

7. Test your alt text: Test your alt text using a screen reader to ensure it provides the intended information and context.

In conclusion, writing effective alt text is a crucial step in making your website accessible to visually impaired users and can even improve your website's SEO. Remember to be descriptive, keep it short, avoid redundant information, and test your alt text with a screen reader.