We rarely come across a website that does not use images. For these to be optimized for SEO, and in addition to using resized and compressed images, it is essential to opt for a Alt tag which corresponds to each added image. So it is necessary to know what exactly Alt tag is, why it is important and how to use it.optimize for SEO ?
What is the Alt tag?
There Alt tag is a alternative text which allows you to describe the content of an image. It is added to be visible when the image is not loading.
Like URLs and title and meta description tags, the alt tag is an element of the HTML code. Several CMS like WordPress, allow you to customize the Alt tag.
The objective of this practice is to translate the content of the image into words to:
- THE disabled people, THE visually impaired and anyone who uses a voice browser.
- Internet users who encounter a problem displaying images (weak connection, server problem,…)
- THE search engine bots who are unable to understand what the images on a page represent.
Why is the Alt tag important for SEO?
As mentioned, search engines can understand the images on your site using the Alt tag of each of them. It allows them to better interpret the content of a web page.
But not only that! THE alternative texts represent a ranking factor on Google Images. They are analyzed using keywords and, subsequently, the images are referenced in the search results images.
A good optimization of the Alt tag improves the natural referencing of your pages and gives your images a better chance of ranking in Google Image Search.
How to optimize the Alt tag?
A bad practice or over-optimization of your Alt tags can have a negative effect on the SEO of your images. So follow these best practices to optimize them:
Describe precisely the content of the image
Don’t limit yourself to writing just one word to define what the image is about. You must write a short text that describes the content of the image well.
To succeed, you can put yourself in the shoes of a blind person. Ask yourself the following question: what text can I use to describe the image?
Do not put the same text for different images
The use of same alt text can generally be found in product sheets. Several similar photos of the same product are found on the same page.
Try, in this case, to be precise in your alt descriptions so as not to lose the opportunity tooptimize your images.
Integrate target keywords
Try inserting the keyword on which you wish to be positioned in the Alt tag. The insertion must be natural and match the description of the image.
Mistakes to avoid
- Stop writing alternative text
- Keyword stuffing
- Insertion of texts on images and not in the form of the HTML alt tag.
- Long descriptions: Avoid adding several sentences. It is recommended not to exceed 5 to 6 words
- Using the file name as text
To conclude
There Alt tag allows to improve theuser experience and the natural referencing of your website. It is therefore essential to optimize it by following our main advice.
Sommaire
