Alt text
A short, descriptive text attribute added to an image's HTML code that provides a textual alternative to the image.
Alt text is short for alternative text. Screen readers use it to describe images for visually impaired users, and search engines use it to understand and index image content.
Key Functions of Alt Text:
Accessibility: Makes images accessible to users who rely on screen readers, enabling them to understand the image content.
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation): Helps search engines interpret and rank image content, improving the site's visibility.
Error Display: Shows as a fallback if the image cannot load, giving users context.
Best Practices for Writing Alt Text:
Be Descriptive: Clearly describe the image’s content and purpose (e.g., "Golden retriever playing in a field").
Keep It Concise: Use concise language that captures the image’s essential information without overloading details.
Avoid Redundancy: Don’t include phrases like “image of” or “picture of,” as screen readers already identify it as an image.
Alt text improves both accessibility and search, making web content more inclusive and discoverable.