How do you write effective alt text and captions for your images?

It is an element of content management that is often overlooked as not necessary but, in fact, is a vital aspect which helps with both search engine optimisation and with making sure that image elements within a website are accessible

Alt text helps a user understand the image(s) on a page, particularly screen readers and users who choose not to load images. Because it can be used in place of a primary image, it is important to be concise in describing the image. Search engines are encouraging use of alt text by increasing value in their search engine results.

Alt text is a tool for helping search engines recognize the content of your website. It can be a description of an image, or something much more. It can also give context to the image and it's relation to the webpage.

Captions support the thread of a story being told by an image and can act as vital clarification when it is not clear what an image is there to impart. Don't assume that people viewing your content will understand your message, especially if it is a little left of centre.

A caption is a brief explanation or description accompanying an illustration, photo, diagram, or similar item, usually in a book, article, or online platform. Captions are typically used to provide context, additional information, or clarify what the viewer is seeing. In social media, captions often accompany photos or videos to provide background, share thoughts, tell a story, or engage followers. Captions can be both informative and entertaining, depending on the context and platform.

Writing effective alt text for SEO involves describing images concisely for search engines and visually impaired users. Here's a streamlined guide: Be Descriptive: Clearly detail the image's content. Keep It Short: Aim for under 125 characters. Use Keywords Sparingly: Include relevant keywords naturally. Avoid Redundancy: Don't start with "picture of" or "image of." Consider Image Function: If it's a linked image, describe the action or linked page. Decorative Images: For non-informative images, use alt="". Complex Images: Describe briefly and refer to detailed content on the page. Stay Updated: Ensure alt text matches image content. Prioritize accessibility over SEO. Effective alt text benefits both users and search engine rankings.

Crafting captions for SEO involves combining engaging content with strategic keyword usage. Be Relevant: Match the caption to the image or video's content. Use Keywords: Integrate primary keywords naturally, enhancing discoverability. Engage the Audience: Craft catchy, memorable phrases to capture attention. Be Concise: Short, impactful captions are more effective. Include CTAs: Drive user action, e.g., "Learn more" Avoid Jargon: Use clear, universally understood language. Use Hashtags Strategically: On platforms like Instagram, relevant hashtags boost visibility. Test and Refine: Analyze engagement metrics and adjust for better results. Remember, captions should resonate with the audience while aiding in content discoverability.

There are many tools you can use to help you write better alt text, for example, in Microsoft 365 alt text can be generated automatically. When you insert a picture, you may see a bar show up at the bottom of the picture with automatically generated text.

Creating effective alt text and captions is key in my SEO strategy. For alt text, I aim to describe the image accurately. If an image fails to load or a user employs a screen reader, the alt text should fill in the gaps. I focus on being specific and concise. Alt text isn't the place for lengthy descriptions or keyword stuffing. It's about painting a picture with words, succinctly. When it comes to captions, it's a different game. Here, I have a bit more freedom to engage the reader. I aim for captions that add context, entertain, or provoke thought. Whether it's alt text or captions, my guiding principle is the same: add value for the user while staying SEO-friendly. It's like a two-for-one deal in every image!

I craft alt text and captions keeping both users and search engines in mind. Alt text describes the image for search engines and for users who can't see it due to visual impairments or loading issues. I ensure it's descriptive and includes relevant keywords, but I avoid keyword stuffing. As for captions, they provide context to the audience. A good caption adds value and can pique interest, making the user more likely to engage with the rest of the content. It's a balancing act - making sure alt text and captions are effective for SEO and useful for the audience. I always keep both in sight.