Why ALT Attribute in Image Matters for SEO

As a website owner or a digital marketer, you must have heard about the importance of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to rank your website higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). While there are multiple factors that contribute to SEO, one of the frequently overlooked aspects is the use of ALT attributes in images. In this blog, we will discuss why ALT attributes matter for SEO and how it can help improve your website's ranking.

What is an ALT attribute?

ALT or Alternate Text attribute is an essential component of image optimization for SEO. It is a descriptive text that appears when an image cannot be loaded on a webpage due to slow internet connection or any other technical issue. ALT attributes are typically used for the visually impaired audience, and search engines rely on them to understand the context of images that help in ranking the website.

Why is ALT attribute important for SEO?

As mentioned earlier, search engines like Google cannot understand images' content; they rely on the alt attributes to identify the image subject or topic of the content. If the ALT attribute is missing or not optimized, there is a high possibility that your website will not rank higher in SERPs. Also, an ALT attribute that includes relevant keywords helps to optimize the image content and, ultimately, the website's content too.

Best practices to optimize ALT attribute for SEO

While adding ALT attribute, it's essential to keep in mind a few best practices that can improve your website ranking. Firstly, the ALT attribute should be descriptive and relevant to the image subject. Secondly, it should include the target keyword if possible, but only when it fits naturally. Thirdly, the length of the ALT attribute should not exceed 125 characters since it's necessary to keep it concise. Lastly, avoid stuffing keywords in the ALT attribute since it can hurt your website's ranking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ALT attribute in images plays a vital role in improving your website's SEO since it helps search engines understand the content better. While it's often overlooked, small things like ALT attributes can make a huge difference in your website's ranking. As a website owner or a digital marketer, optimizing ALT attribute should always be a part of your SEO checklist. If you require professional help with your website's SEO, contact REK Marketing & Design today for expert assistance.