Image-SEO: How to Optimize Alt Text and Title Text
Gone are the days when SEO was just limited to keywords and backlinks. We all know how the digital arena is becoming competitive with each passing day.
Today, marketers are putting their prime focus on various strategies, including local SEO. Investing in innovative ways can help the company gain more visibility in front of newcomers.
However, competitors already know such tactics. And for this reason, you need to think out of the box.
One of the ways to stand out is by focusing on Image SEO.
Image optimization is one of the core elements of an SEO strategy. People who overlook this aspect of SEO often lag behind. We are all aware of the importance of images. But with just a few techniques, these pictures can help us rank better.
Let’s dive deep into this topic and see why image SEO is beneficial:
Benefits of Image SEO
Visuals are the lifeblood of digital marketing. Without them, consumer engagement is a big question. Now, when every page requires an eye-grabbing image, the need for optimization becomes apparent.
And, here are the few benefits of it:
Decreases the Page Loading Time
Image SEO stops you from using big images. Such pictures take more space and increase the overall loading time. Thus, affecting your search engine ranking.
Helps Search Engines to Know Your Business Better
A sitemap is another important element of image SEO. It is a map that explains every picture of your site. In this way, you create convenience for Google to crawl and index your site.
For instance, if you mention hoodies, cardigans, caps, and gloves, Google knows that the page is about winter clothing.
Pro Tip:
You must have submitted an XML sitemap to Google. This map lists all the URLs of your site for crawling. Simply add image information to your existing map. Making a separate image sitemap is also possible if you haven’t created one.
Provides an Inexpensive Way to Rank Higher
If you plan to create a pocket-friendly SEO strategy, include image SEO in it. Unfortunately, people only consider original photos ideal for SEO. It is just a misconception. Many small and even large-scale businesses are using stock photos. These affordable images are readily available on various sites.
For image SEO, you need to pick a relevant and less-common photo. Google is smart and pays special attention to relevancy. For instance, if it is a dog adoption site, use pictures only about the dogs. Images of cats and other pets can make it look like a pet’s website that offers all kinds of pets.
Now, you must be curious to know how to do image SEO.
Today, we will discuss two essential elements: alt text and title text.
Alt Text
Alt Text is an alternative text used in place of an image. Yes, this text explains what the image is about. The explanation helps Google understand the picture and suggest it to people during the search results.
How Can Alt Text Enhance The User Experience?
At times, the images take more time to load. In this case, alt text starts appearing, giving an idea about the image. Thus, users get to know which image will appear. The absence of alt text will provide no clue to the users and result in a poor user experience.
How Can Alt Text Improve Accessibility?
When an alt text is present, screen readers can read them and help visually impaired people. Thus, it enables you to enhance your accessibility.
How to Write Alt Text?
Go to the image edit option and find the alt text option. Follow the below tips for writing this text:
Conciseness
Try to keep it brief. An explanation of 100-125 characters is enough to describe the image.
Accuracy
Stay relevant and accurate. Use the words that best describe your image. For instance, do not write “yummy cupcake to satisfy your sweet tooth craving” if it is a cupcake. Instead of it, you can write, “chocolate-flavored cupcake with a crushed walnut topping.”
Avoid keyword stuffing
Though alt text allows you to use keywords, do not overstuff. Use just your primary keyword and try to focus on explaining the image.
Don’t use images
Never use images within your alt text. It will spoil its core purpose, and visually impaired people can no longer gain benefits.
Don’t use words like “image of,” “picture of”
Since it is an alternative text, it is understood that it will describe an image. Using such words will increase the number of characters and spoil the effectiveness of alt text.
Don’t forget the image buttons
Many of us use an image or CTA buttons like the “Submit” or “Learn More” on the site. Even for these types of images, you should provide alt text. Here, it will help Google understand the primary function of the button.
Let us now look at some examples:
Bad: Baby sitting on a car
Good: Adorable baby in peach shirt sitting on a blue and white baby car
Bad: Pudding on a plate
Good: A white plate with a single serving of caramel pudding and a spoon
Title Text
Many people get confused when it comes to the difference between alt and title text. In simple terms, alt text describes what the image is about and is more intended for SEO purposes. In contrast, an image title text appears while hovering the mouse on the image before clicking.
It also serves as a call to action if the visitor keeps the mouse on the image. So, try to create short, catchy, and attention-grabbing titles. Recall all the rules of creating an alt text. The only difference is in length.
Compared with the alt text, titles are short and more focused. You may use a keyword in it, but do not spoil the user experience. The addition of keywords should look natural; otherwise, refrain from using it.
Let’s look at the below picture:
Title Text: Bunch of Flowers
Alt-Text: Bunch of Lawn Daisies in a transparent vase
Wrapping It Up
All in all, image optimization is essential for achieving your digital targets. Besides considering relevancy, size guidelines, and quality, optimization through alt and title texts is also necessary. Choose a catchy title and describe your image in the best possible manner through these attributes.
It will let search engines understand your images, and they will take less time to give you a better rank.
All the best!
