30: What to write in your Image Tags

Summary: This podcast episode addresses the common misconception about using image alt tags for SEO purposes. Instead of stuffing keywords, Meredith's husband explains that alt tags should be used for accessibility, ensuring a better user experience and avoiding penalties from search engines. Properly written alt tags help with website usability, particularly for visually impaired users, and improve the overall performance of the site.

Blog Post: How to Write Effective Image Alt Tags Without Stuffing Keywords

When optimizing a website, image alt tags often get overlooked. Many believe that cramming keywords into these tags is a quick way to boost SEO. However, as Meredith’s husband explains, keyword-stuffing in alt tags is not only outdated but can also harm your rankings. Google’s primary goal is to serve users the best content, and that includes ensuring accessibility for all visitors.

Here’s a breakdown of how to use image alt tags effectively, improving both SEO and accessibility without falling into the keyword-stuffing trap.

What Are Alt Tags and Why Do They Matter?

Alt tags are short descriptions attached to images that serve multiple purposes:

• Accessibility: Alt tags help visually impaired users understand the content on a page through screen readers. If an image doesn't load, the alt tag provides a text description in its place.

• SEO: While alt tags can support SEO, they are not the place for keyword stuffing. Alt tags should describe the image content clearly and concisely, not overload it with unnecessary terms.

Common Mistakes: Keyword Stuffing in Alt Tags

Keyword stuffing occurs when website owners force keywords into every available space, including alt tags. For example, if you run a photography website, labeling every image with "New York Photographer" is excessive and can result in penalties from Google’s "spam team."

Search engines are sophisticated enough to detect when a website is trying too hard to rank for specific keywords. Instead, they prioritize sites that genuinely serve user needs. By over-optimizing alt tags, you risk sending signals that your site is manipulating SEO practices, which can hurt your rankings.

How to Write Effective Alt Tags

The key to writing proper alt tags is to keep them user-focused, especially for accessibility. Follow this simple formula:

1. Be Descriptive: Imagine you're finishing the sentence, "This is a picture of..." For example, instead of using "Children’s Photographer," try something like "Child playing with a toy in the park."

2. Keep It Short: Aim for 2-5 words that concisely describe the image. Avoid unnecessary details or stop words like "and" or "the."

3. Context Matters: The content surrounding your image plays a role in ranking images. If your page discusses family photography, Google can associate that image with the topic without the need for repeated keywords in every image.

   
   

Appropriate Use of Keywords in Alt Tags

While you should avoid stuffing keywords into alt tags, it is possible to use them when they are relevant. For example:

• If the image shows you taking a photo during a family session, then "Family Photographer in Brooklyn" could be an appropriate alt tag.

• Vary the descriptions across different images to ensure they are not repetitive. This avoids making all tags look identical and adds value to the user experience.

Tips for Gallery Images

When working with galleries, ensure you don’t neglect alt tags. Even though galleries often contain multiple similar images, each should have its own descriptive alt tag. A good practice is to add "Image 1 of 12: Family playing in the park" to give users and search engines more context.

Bullet List Summary:

• Avoid keyword stuffing in alt tags.

• Write alt tags for accessibility, not just for SEO.

• Keep alt tags short, descriptive, and contextual.

• Use keywords only when they naturally fit.

• For galleries, ensure each image has a unique, meaningful alt tag.

By focusing on accessibility and providing accurate descriptions for your images, you not only make your site more inclusive but also align with Google’s focus on user experience. This approach can help you avoid SEO penalties and enhance your site's performance in the long run.

Resources: For more information on alt tags and accessibility best practices, stay tuned for additional updates.