What are Alt Tags?
Understanding the complexities of search engine optimization (SEO) algorithms and Google can be quite challenging. Navigating these topics is challenging enough without adding in programming language and โtech speak.โ Unfortunately, you are likely to encounter a handful of these phrases and terms when your goal is to increase site traffic and improve conversion rates.
With that in mind, we have created this guide to understanding alt tags. While these tags are an essential part of web design and image SEO, it can be difficult to find a clear definition of what they are.
Below, weโll explore what alt tags are and explain how they relate to your goal of improving your SEO.
What is an Alt Tag?
While the phrase โalt tagโ is one of the most commonly used terms for referring to image-related coding, the appropriate verbiage is actually โalt and title attributes.โ The alt text describes what is on the image and defines the function of that image on your page. Simple, right?
For example, if you are using a button to link to your โContact Usโ form, then the alt text should read โbutton for the contact form.โ The alt tag is used by screen readers, which are specialized browsers that are designed for visually impaired consumers. The screen reader will verbalize the alt tag text so that they know what the button is for.
What If Some Images Donโt Have a Purpose?
If you have a bunch of pointless images scattered within your content, then you have not optimized your site for SEO. Every image on your page should serve a purpose. If you have an HTML-based image without a function that you simply cannot remove, then you should give it an empty alt tag.
Are Alt Tags Important to SEO?
If you havenโt caught on yet, every aspect of your page can affect your SEO rankings. This includes alt tags.
Google has a built-in section titled โUse Descriptive Alt Textโ as part of their ranking metrics. In fact, Google places an extremely high emphasis on alt text. Googleโs advanced algorithms not only determine what alt text is in place, but they also analyze how it relates to surrounding content.
You must leverage this algorithm when youโre creating page content. To do so, you should ensure that at least one of your images includes an alt tag with your keyword or key phrase. If possible, include your key phrase in more than one alt tag to optimize your search rankings.
Optimize Your Image SEO with GetVisible
Are you still a little confused about alt tags and their relationship to SEO? Would you like to optimize your existing content or replace it with new, creative material? If so, then it is time to contact Get Visible.
For over a decade, we have worked with clients to improve conversion rates, generate organic web traffic, and boost sales. Booking a strategy call with one of the experts at GetVisible is easy. All you need to do is complete our online contact form!