SEO Optimization images is becoming increasingly more important in SEO (Seo optimization) for websites. The ALT attribute is really a critical step that is often overlooked. This can be a lost opportunity for better rankings.
In Google's webmaster guidelines, they advise using alternative text for the images on your site:
Images:. Use the alt attribute to provide descriptive text. Additionally, we recommend using a human-readable caption and descriptive text around the image.
Why would they ask us to do that? The answer is simple, really; search engines have the same problem as blind users. They cannot see the images.
Many webmasters and inexperienced or unethical SEOs abuse the use of this attribute, trying to stuff it with keywords, hoping to achieve a certain keyword density, which isn't as relevant for rankings now since it was previously.
On the contrary, high keyword density can, on some search engines like google, trigger spam filters, which may result in a penalty for the site's ranking. Even without this type of penalty, your site's rankings won't benefit from this tactic.
This method also puts persons who use screen readers in a greater disadvantage. Screen readers are software-based tools that actually read aloud the items in what is shown on the screen. In browsing the net, the alt features of images are read aloud as well.
Imagine hearing a paragraph of text that is followed by repetitions of numerous keywords. The page would be far from accessible, and, to put it bluntly, will be found quite annoying.
What is an Alt attribute?
An ALT attribute should not be used as a description or a label for an image, though lots of people use it for the reason that fashion. Although it might seem natural to assume that alternate text is really a label or a description, it is not!
What used within an image's alt attribute ought to be its text equivalent and convey the same information or serve the same purpose that the image would.
The thing is to provide the same functional information that the visual user would see. The alt attribute text should be the "stand in" in the event that the look is not available. Ask yourself this: Should you replace the look using the text, would most users receive the same basic information, and wouldn't it create the same response?
A few examples:
Some SEO Optimization Tips
If your search button is really a magnifier or binoculars its alt text should be 'search' or 'find' not 'magnifying glass' or 'binoculars'.
If an image is supposed to convey the literal contents of the look, then a description is suitable.
If it is designed to convey data, then that information is what's appropriate.
If it's designed to convey the use of a function, then the function is what ought to be used.
Some Alt Attribute Guidelines:
Always add alt attributes to images. Alt is mandatory for accessibility as well as for valid XHTML.
For images that play only a decorative role in the page, make use of an empty alt (i.e. alt="") or a CSS background image so that reading browsers don't bother users by uttering things like "spacer image".
Remember that it is the function from the image we are attempting to convey. For instance; any button images shouldn't include the word "button" in the alt text. They ought to emphasize the action performed through the button.
Alt text ought to be determined by context. Exactly the same image in a different context may need drastically different alt text.
Try to flow alt text with the remainder of the text because that is how it is going to be read with adaptive technologies like screen readers. Someone listening to your page should hardly be aware that a graphic image can there be.
Please keep in mind that utilizing an alt attribute for each image is required to meet the minimum WAI requirements, that are used as the benchmark for accessibility laws in UK and also the remainder of Europe. Also, they are required to meet "Section 508" accessibility requirements in america.
It is useful to categorize non-text content into three levels:
Eye-Candy
Mood-Setting
Content and Function
I. Eye-Candy
Eye-Candy are stuff that serve no purpose apart from to make a site visually appealing/attractive and (in many cases) fulfill the marketing departments. There isn't any content value (though there may be value to a sighted user).
Never alt-ify eye-candy unless there is something there which will boost the usability from the site for someone using a non-visual user agent. Use a null alt attribute or background images in CSS for eye-candy.
II. Mood-Setting
This is actually the middle layer of graphics which may serve to set the mood or set the stage as it were. These graphics are not direct content and may not be considered essential, but they are essential in that they help frame what's going on.
Attempt to alt-ify the second group as is sensible and it is relevant. There may be times when doing this might be annoying or detrimental with other users. Then avoid it.
For instance; Alt text that is just like adjacent text is unnecessary, as well as an irritant to screen reader users. I suggest alt="" or background CSS images in such cases. But sometimes, it's vital that you get this content in there for those users.
Usually it depends on context. Exactly the same image in a different context may require drastically different alt text. Obviously, content ought to always be fully available. How you go in this example is really a judgment call.
III. Content and Function
This is where the image is the actual content. Always alt-ify content and functional images. Title and long description attributes may also be in order.
The reason many authors can't figure out why their alt text isn't working is they don't know why the pictures are there. You need to figured out precisely what function an image serves. Consider what it's concerning the image that's vital that you the page's intended audience.
Every graphic has a reason behind standing on that page: since it either enhances the theme/ mood/ atmosphere or it is critical to what the page is trying to explain. Knowing what the image is perfect for makes alt text simpler to write. And practice writing them definitely helps.
A way to look into the usefulness of alternative text would be to imagine reading the page over the telephone to someone. What would you say when encountering a specific image to create the page understandable towards the listener?
Besides the alt attribute you've got a couple more tools available for images.
First, in level of descriptiveness title is within between alt and longdesc. It adds useful information and can add flavor. The title attribute is optionally rendered through the user agent. Remember they are invisible and never shown as a "tooltip" when focus is received through the keyboard. (So much for device independence). So make use of the title attribute just for advisory information.
Second, the longdesc attribute points towards the Link to a full description of an image. If the information contained in an image is important towards the concept of the page (i.e. some important content will be lost if the image was removed), an extended description than the "alt" attribute can reasonably display should be used. It may provide for rich, expressive documentation of a visual image.
It should be used when alt and title are insufficient to embody the visual qualities of the image. As Clark [1] states, "A longdesc is really a long description of an image...The goal is by using any length of description essential to impart the details of the graphic.
It wouldn't be remiss to hope that the long description conjures a picture - the look - within the mind's eye, an analogy that holds true even for that totally blind."
Although the alt attribute is mandatory for web accessibility and for valid (X)HTML, not every images need alternative text, long descriptions, or titles.
In many cases, you're best just going with your gut instinct -- if it's not essential to include it, and when you don't possess a strong urge to do it, don't add that longdesc.
However, if it's necessary for the whole page to operate, then you've to include the alt text (or title or longdesc).
What's necessary and what's not depends a great deal about the function of the image and its context on the page.
The same image may need alt text (or title or longdesc) in one spot, but not in another. If an image provides absolutely no content or functional information alt="" or background CSS images might be appropriate to use. But if the image provides content or adds functional information an alt would be required and maybe a long description will be in order. Oftentimes this type of thing is really a judgement call.
Image Search Engine Optimization Tips
Listed here are key stages in optimizing images:
Select a logical file name that reinforces the keywords. You can use hyphens in the file name to isolate the keyword, but avoid to exceeding two hyphens. Stay away from underscores as a word separator, such as "brilliant-diamonds.jpg";
Label the file extension. For instance, if the image internet search engine sees a ".jpg" (JPEG) file extension, it's likely to assume the file is a photo, and if it sees a ".gif" (GIF) file extension, it's going to assume that it is graphic;
Make sure that the written text at the image that's relevant to that image.
Again, don't lose a great chance to help your website with your images in search engines. Begin using these steps to position better on all the engines and drive more traffic for your site TODAY.
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