Hey there, July House fam! 🌟
Let’s talk about something that often gets overlooked but can seriously boost your website’s SEO game: Alt text. Yep, those little words you add to your images can make a big difference in how search engines (and people) find your site. Who knew Alt Text was so powerful!?
What Is Alt Text?
Alt text, short for “alternative text,” is the description you add to an image’s HTML tag. It serves two key purposes:
Accessibility: Helps visually impaired users understand what the image is about using screen readers.
SEO: Search engines can’t “see” images like we do, so they rely on alt text to understand and index them.
Why Alt Text Matters for SEO
Search engines love content they can read and understand, because they can't "view" the photo like we can. When you add the description to your images, you’re essentially giving search engines a clue about what’s on your page. This boosts your chances of appearing in relevant search results, especially in image search. Plus, well-optimized images can drive traffic to your site!
Helpful vs. Less Helpful Alt Text
Let’s break down the difference between helpful and less helpful alt text with some examples.
Example 1: Pilates Studio Blog Post "Elevate Your Core: The Perfect Pilates Workout Setup"
Helpful Alt Text: “Well-lit Pilates studio with reformer machines, yoga mats, and a mirrored wall.”
Less Helpful Alt Text: “Exercise room.”
Why it’s better: The helpful alt text provides a clear description of the studio's setup, including specific equipment and features, making it more likely to appear in searches related to Pilates workouts or studio environments. “Exercise room” is too generic and doesn’t capture the unique aspects of a Pilates-focused space.
Example 2: Matcha Girls Blog Post "Crafting the Perfect Hot Matcha Latte" which Includes a Close-Up of a Frothy Matcha Latte.
Helpful Alt Text: “Frothy hot matcha latte in a ceramic cup with a heart-shaped foam design, held by a woman with long nails at a café.”
Less Helpful Alt Text: “Green drink.”
Why it’s better: The helpful alt text describes what the image is, appealing to those searching for matcha-related content. “Green drink” doesn’t offer enough detail to effectively convey what the image represents.
Example 3: July House Consulting Blog Post "Designing the Ultimate Productivity Workspace"
Helpful Alt Text: “Modern workspace with a minimalist desk, MacBook, and a July House Consulting notepad.”
Less Helpful Alt Text: “Desk setup.”
Why it’s better: The helpful alt text highlights key elements of the workspace and incorporates the brand name, increasing visibility in searches related to consulting, workspaces, or your specific brand. “Desk setup” is too vague and doesn’t provide enough context for SEO or users searching for inspiration.
Pro Tips for Crafting Killer Alt Text
Be Descriptive: Paint a picture with your words, but keep it concise.
Include Keywords: Naturally weave in relevant keywords, but don’t overstuff...
Avoid Keyword Stuffing: Search engines are smart—they’ll penalize you for trying to game the system.
Stay Relevant: Make sure your alt text matches the content and context of your page.
Wrap-Up
Alt text might seem like a small detail, but it’s a mighty tool in your SEO arsenal. The next time you’re uploading images to your site, take a moment to write some thoughtful alt text. It’s a simple step that can pay off in more ways than one.
Until next time, stay ambitious and keep optimizing those images! 🚀
-JHC
PS. Tell us how you would use Alt text for this photo?
PPS. If you're in Austin, we love Gati Ice Cream on the East Side. It's a coffee shop, vegan ice cream, and gluten free & vegan bakery!
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